OUR FIRST FRIENDSHIP

One week passed.

Ethan's room was not dark anymore. The curtains stayed open.

There were flowers on the table and sunlight came through the window.

Olivia was there from seven in the morning till twelve at night.

Medicine, massage, talking, stories.

And it was working.

Ethan could stay awake for five minutes now. He drank water by himself.

Today he picked up a spoon with his own hand. His hand shook, but he held it.

Victoria came every day. Her face was full of happiness.

The doctor said his recovery had started, she told Olivia.

Hope was finally in the house again.

Olivia felt her chest get lighter.

Olivia came in with a new chart. Week two goals.

Sit for ten minutes. Speak five words. Look outside the window.

Ethan, wake up, she said softly. Today we will sit.

No, I am tired, Ethan whispered.

Just two minutes, Olivia said. She put pillows and helped him sit up.

Ethan started breathing hard. Sweat appeared on his forehead.

Olivia quickly held his hand. Good job. You did it.

Ethan looked at her. His breathing became normal.

Olivia, he said.

Olivia's heart stopped. Yes.

You, come, every day, Ethan said.

Those were four words. His first real sentence.

Tears filled Olivia's eyes. Yes. I will come every day. I promise.

Ethan gave a small nod. Okay.

After that day they started talking.

Their routine was set.

After medicine they would talk for ten minutes.

What do you like, Olivia asked.

Coffee, black, Ethan said.

The doctor said no. I will make you milk coffee instead, Olivia smiled.

In the evening she would read books and Ethan would listen.

He would ask questions in between.

Then, what did the king do.

Olivia would answer happily and continue the story.

At night he asked her to sing.

That one, sing that, he said.

Olivia got shy and sang the same lullaby.

One day Ethan said, you must get tired.

For you, never, Olivia replied.

Ethan went quiet then said, thank you, friend.

The word friend made Olivia's heart melt.

She did not say anything. She just smiled.

That was enough for both of them.

Victoria had put a camera in the room. Only for Ethan's safety.

On the monitor she saw Olivia feeding Ethan soup with a spoon.

Ethan was holding his own cup and drinking milk.

They were laughing softly.

Tears came to Victoria's eyes.

After five years she saw a smile on her son's face.

She told a servant to bring new clothes for Olivia.

And call the best doctor for her father, she added.

She wanted to give Olivia everything.

That day Ethan's blood pressure dropped.

Doctors ran in. They gave injections. It took one hour to become normal.

Olivia was terrified. She cried in the corner.

It was my fault. I made him talk too much, she kept saying.

At eleven Ethan was stable.

Victoria came into the room angry. Her face was red.

Ethan, she said loudly.

Mom, Ethan whispered.

What was this, Victoria said. Her voice was shaking.

The doctor said no long talks. No moving too much.

You talked for thirty minutes, she said.

Ethan stayed quiet.

Do you not care about your life, Victoria shouted.

What will I do if something happens to you.

Olivia stood in the corner shaking. Aunt, it was my mistake.

Victoria turned to her. Be quiet, she said.

Olivia got scared.

Victoria took a deep breath and softened her voice.

Olivia, you are not bad, she said.

But take care of him. He is like glass.

Then she looked at Ethan. And you. If you do this again, I will not talk to you.

She said that and walked out. The door closed.

Silence filled the room.

Olivia stood frozen with fear.

Ethan looked at the ceiling with his eyes closed.

Olivia sat beside him slowly. I am sorry, she whispered.

Aunt scolded me because of me.

Ethan lifted his weak hand and held hers.

It is not your fault, he whispered.

Mom is scared.

I know, Olivia said and wiped her tears. She loves you so much. That is why she scolded.

Ethan opened his eyes. Do not cry.

I am not crying, Olivia lied with a small smile.

Ethan squeezed her hand. Are we, friends.

Yes, Olivia nodded. The best friends.

That night they stayed awake. They did not talk. They just held hands.

The next morning Victoria came in with breakfast. Her face looked sad.

Are you angry with me, she asked Ethan.

Ethan shook his head no.

Victoria looked at Olivia. I was harsh last night. Forgive me.

No aunt, Olivia ran to her. You were right. I was careless.

Victoria put her hand on both their heads.

You both, are everything to me, she said.

Then she looked at Ethan. Do you want to go outside today. To the garden. In a wheelchair.

Light came into Ethan's eyes. Yes.

It was the first time in five years that Ethan went outside.

Wheelchair, blanket, and a cap.

Olivia pushed him from behind.

The garden was big. Flowers and a fountain. Sunlight everywhere.

Ethan closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The air, feels good.

Olivia sat on the grass beside him.

How does it feel, she asked.

Free, Ethan said.

Olivia gave him a white flower.

Ethan smelled it. Beautiful, he said.

They sat in silence. But the silence spoke.

Victoria watched them from far away. She took a photo.

The first photo in five years.

Her heart felt full.

The doctor checked him in the evening.

Blood pressure is stable. Oxygen is up. Muscles are getting stronger, he said.

The biggest thing was that Ethan ate by himself for ten minutes.

His hand shook but he ate.

At night he asked Olivia, will you, tell me a story tomorrow.

Every day, Olivia said.

And, will you sing too, Ethan asked.

That too, Olivia promised.

Ethan closed his eyes. You are a good friend.

Olivia was about to leave at midnight.

Ethan pulled her sleeve.

Olivia stopped. What happened.

In the quiet of the night his voice was clear.

Do not, leave me, he whispered.

Olivia's heart filled up.

She bent down and touched his forehead.

I promise, Ethan. Until you are well, I am here.

Ethan closed his eyes in peace.

Outside, Victoria was standing. She had heard everything.

She looked up at the sky. Thank you, she whispered.