The Circle of Life

Chapter 23

As we make our way up to the room, I am filled with gloom. My mind continues to replay my encounter with Angel Raphael and the couple. I am not sure how I could possibly have been selected for that room. The ride seems long. My parents speak to the porters, while walking behind me. I observe the hospital hallway and lobby. It's just as I remembered it. The circulation desk has the same floor plan glued to the glass. 

The stair case stands in the same location I lost found it. And the elevator is also in the same location. As we board the elevator, I see a flashback of the little old lady that I had previously followed into the elevator. My stomach begins to sink. As we board the elevator, I feel as if I'm going to be sick. The staff positions me in first, before boarding with my parents. They continue to talk amongst one another. 

Upon getting off of the elevator, the floor is quiet. The staff lowers their voice so not to disturb the other patients. As the staff makes their way to the room door, I hold my breath in fear that the door will shock them as it did me. But they open it with ease. I observe them in amazement, unsure how they are managing to gain access to the room that had once banished me. As I am rolled into the room, it looks a bit different.

There are the recliner couches that Doctor Leolios promised. My parents rejoice before making their way to their seats. The porters place me on to my permanent bed just as smoothly before turning to my parents. "We'll be back with some pillows and blankets." My mom grabs the wrists of the men to express gratitude. They turn to me once more before leaving the room.

 "Diana, feel better hun." 

"Thanks for your help guys." 

The men exit the room as my parents cheer among themselves. Their world is lightening up again. I do my best to be present and let them have this moment. Doing my best to brush previous memories aside.

"Where's the remote?" My mom searches excitedly.

"Good idea babe! I think the fight is still on!"

My mom roles her eyes as I begin to chuckle. She finds the remote in a drawer within a nearby dresser. In the drawer, there's a dog tag that seemed to be left behind. My mom picks it up and studies it. 

I notice it reads "Mael". Once my mom notices the name, she quickly gets up and tucks the necklace behind her back. 

"It probably belongs to the previous patient. Let me just go give this to the nurse really quickly." She hands my dad the remote as she makes her way towards the exit. 

"Thanks baby." My father has never seemed more happy to have control of the remote. 

I carefully watch my mom as she tiptoes out of the room before letting out a frustrated sigh. My dad seems deeply invested in finding out what channel the fight is on. I stare out the window. Grateful for the new scenery. As I glance out the window, I notice what seems like the shadow of Angel Raphael. Except his arm is around the figure that resembles the old man. They are both standing beside each other merrily, before disappearing into the night. 

I lean over the bed in attempt to get a better glace, but they are gone too soon. I continue to glare out of the window to make sure that they're gone for good. Suddenly, I'm overtaken by emotion. My eyes water as I smile in the direction I saw Raphael last.