Recollection of the knight.
Melpomene wasn't the type to talk to others. Even back in their Minecraft days, they'd always find a way to avoid interaction. To keep to themself.
But now, they supposed it was alright. Just this once.
Deep breaths. Stabilize your blood pressure and heart rate. Lower your cortisol. They would be fine.
She stared at the door. 11:34:27. Exactly when they remembered Kalei would arrive. They wore the same outfit as on the video tape, hair slightly frazzled.
Though, now that they were in clear view, it was much more obvious how unwell they were- are. Their lips are chapped and bloodied from picking, their nails and cuticles are short and have glaring red coming from them, and they had horrible eyebags. It wasn't fluid retention or genetics, simply a lack of sleep.
Kalei rolled into the coffee shop, looking around apprehensively. Kat was keeping an eye on them, they thought. They were fine.
They wore their glasses to help with reading menus, and the weight was unfamiliar on the bridge of their nose. A purple t-shirt, loose on them (one of Fiaās, they thought solemnly) was paired with oversized black jean shorts. Kaleiās leg and arms were pale and scarred over, both from old DMS tortured and recent IV sticks. Their dark brown hair was chopped up by bright white streaks throughout, and their pale eyes hardly showed good difference between the iris and sclera.
The person seemedā¦ ill. Slightly frailer than they should be, thinner, but aware. Looking around with bright eyes before settling on Melponeme. Kalei raised a hand to wave anxiously.
They stared for a moment, taking one final deep breath before nodding to themself and waving. It was a happy wave, but a tired one.
The table they sat at only had one chair at it, which they sat in. Waiting. Patiently waiting and watching with odd, wide eyes.
They went over to the stranger, and wheeled to be sitting at the table proper.
> Hello. My name is Kal- you know this. Itās nice to meet you.
What could they even say?
> Hello, Kalei. It's nice to meet you too.
They looked down at their hands, picking at what was most likely infected, yellow tinted fingers. After a moment of contemplating something, they looked up with a smile.
It was gentle, it was exhausted. It didn't last for long. But it was there and it was hers.
> I'm.. still sorry this is out of the blue. I.. simply want a friend, or an acquaintance.
> Itās okay. Iām justā¦ nervous. Meeting strangers hasnāt gone well for me in the past.
Kaleiās own hands were pale and slightly rashy. Dryness, it looked like. The skin was peeling back.
They were both sick. Just at different stages.
> How are you feeling? Relative toā¦ your own standards.
> I understand. I am not doing well. I have stopped sleeping as much, and I cannot eat as many things. But do not worry of me, Kalei. How are *you?*
They looked down at the others hands.
> Dermatitis. You don't have eczema, I don't believe, nor seborrheic dermatitis. It seems to be something you can solve with moisturizers. You could also take a lukewarm bath and put cold compresses on to-
> ā¦Sorry. Itā¦ I've managed to unlock more ofā¦ whatever this is. The knowledge. I know how to look. It's. It hurts. A lot. But I cannot stop myself.
Kaleiā¦ sighed almost in relief.
> But it hurts not to, sometimes even more. And you donāt even realize youāre slipping until you are, and suddenly you know the dermatitis is dry and itchy skin caused by the breaking down of the kidneys, and that kidney failure is typically asymptomatic until a late stage, however if checked for, it can be-
Their mouth snapped shut with a sheepish expression.
> ā¦sorry. Iām not so used to speaking where Iām at risk as of late. It came out. Iām, ahā¦ managing. My partners do much to care for me. Well, currently only one of them canā¦
> But the other has also. I have an opposite issue. I sleep too much. All I can do is sleep and dream. The dreams feel real.
> Iāve never gotten to discuss this. Everyone always urges me into silence. Itāsā¦ nice.
Thousands of untold words, perhaps even millions. Billions of characters in letters never said, in poems never sent.
And so they gave a nod. A nod and nothing more but words.
> I understand that. Well- no, I don't. But I understand the feeling you have when that happens. So I suppose that's close enough. I am glad you can talk about it.
> ā¦Goodness, I wish I could dream.
A laugh escaped her throat. It was quiet, it wasn't much. But, once more, it was theirs and their own.
> Howā¦ how have your friends been? I am aware you drank recently as well. Are you still nauseous? Fatigue and headaches aren't the smartest things to ask for, as I know you experience both of those, but.. it doesn't hurt to, I suppose.
Their tone was matter of a fact rather than mournful.
> Iām hurting anyway. For a few hours, I got to be Kaleidoscope. Tipsy in my apartment with my friends, playing Truth or Dare and cutting limes, and being a normal person. I wanted to pretend.
> My friends areā¦ theyāll be okay. Derek and Avery are horrifically hung over, but recovering. Kat, one of my platonic partners, bounced back rather quickly. Sheās coping. Cake is ill, but he made a friend. Wren is scared, but she has Cake. Quarter and Jean both seem to be doing fine. Miranda is healing.
> My other platonic partner is still missing. I hope she comes home soon.
> I will not pry. Nor will I attempt to look. I do hope she will be alright.
> ā¦Pretending is nice. I think you have every right to do so, especially with what you're going through. You are a very strong person, Kalei. You should be proud, even of simply getting up in the morning. It is a feat many in your place wouldn't be able to accomplish.
They paused, looking down at the menu. They already knew what was on it.
> What would you like? Drink, food, both? I'll pay either way.
Kalei lifted the menu and readjusted their glasses. Stupid things.
> Ah, umā¦ I think an iced americano. I donāt have much appetite for food as of late.
Acknowledging the rest of what the stranger said was much harder. Kalei should be doing more than just waking up, and yet here they were.
> I never caught your name.
> ā¦ Online name or actual?
They asked, looking up at them. Their gaze was expectant, it was nervousā¦ for once. Melpomene stood after a moment of contemplation.
> I'll go get you the drink. Decide while you wait.
They blinked. Right, most people didnāt use their legal name online. ā¦was she really just willing to hand over her legal name like it was nothing? Hopefully not. Kalei hoped they were a bit wiser than that.
The enby almost protested and offered to get the drink themself, before remembering their wheelchair. It would be too much hassle in the coffee shop.
Waiting awkwardly, Kalei ran their fingers through their hair over and over in a self soothing gesture.
A few minutes later, they returned with two drinks. A medium iced americano and a small cappuccino.
> I don't mind sharing my actual name, I promise. I suppose it's better to know it, Melpomene is a difficult name to pronounce and say on the regular.
> Melpomeneā¦ Greek muse of tragedy. Quite the grim moniker.
Kalei accepted the Americano with thanks. They noticed the discrepancy between their own drink size and Melpomene, but chose not to bring attention to it just yet.
> As for your real name, itās up to you. My name, Kaleidoscope Cullins, isā¦ public knowledge. To say the least.
> I am aware of both of these things. I suppose it was a name I liked.
They paused to cough into a napkin they'd quickly grabbed, the sound harsh and pained. Blood trickled onto the napkin as they wiped their chin and mouth, stuffing the now crumpled napkin into another and setting it to the side.
> My name is Aurelia. Quite the cruel joke, as the meaning is generally translated to "golden".
They couldnāt help but grimace at the sight of blood and the nameās meaning.
> I know you know, I was justā¦ speaking to speak. And thatās a lovely name. Quite ironic, however.
Staring blankly into their coffee, Kalei realized the person in front of them would be them not too much longer from now. Knowing far too much, sharing far too much, and able to do far too little.
This was going to be them, and Kalei promised it wouldnāt be. And yet, it seemed impossible to get answers.
> Itās cruel. That we know everything but not how to fix this.
> ā¦I spent majority of my time last night attempting to find something. Anything. Iā¦ suppose I know more, but it is not exactly the answer I wanted.
They sighed, taking a sip of their coffee. She didn't seem to mind that it burned their mouth.
> I need to research more, butā¦ ah. I have a feeling I will not find answers I like.
Something theyād never admitted out loud.
> I refuse to take this fate kneeling, butā¦ well. If there is a way heās obscuring, we will find it. And if there isnātā¦ I want to have memories with my loved ones. I gave some items to my platonic partners. Jackets, lockets. Photographs.
Kalei sipped their coffee.
> Both to genuinely gift them something kind, but also so if I am. Gone someday. They will have something to remember me by.
> ā¦That sounds nice. I am glad you have people like that, you truly do deserve happiness.
> Do not research more. It is better to not know the future at times. One of those instances is now.
> You deserve happiness too.
Tired and slightly more withdrawn, Kalei did manage to meet Aureliaās eyes.
> Nobody deserves this fate. Iā¦ want you to find happiness. Please.
> I have lost all of my friends, Kalei. I am the only survivor of that day. I will.. attempt, to find happiness, if it eases your worries. Though I cannot promise you anything, I will do my best to live my life.
That day? Kaleiās brows furrowed. They took another sip of coffee, though now it tasted a bit more bitter.
> Iāmā¦ sorry. That youāve lost people you care for. But even still, that doesnāt mean you should justā¦ wait to die. Thereās better options.
> ā¦ I suppose so. I justā¦ I know exactly what I can do. I know how to feel joy. But it will never be enough when I do it alone.
They shrugged, taking a long sip of their coffee.
> You arenāt alone right now.
Kaleiās gaze dropped to the table.
> You can visit me and Kat, if youād like. Sheāll very likely be okay with it, and I donāt do much outside the home anyway.
> That would mean the world to me. Even if we just.. co-existed, I think that would be incredible. I've picked up knitting, actually.
> Iāve never tried it. Perhaps I should.
> I can teach you, you could make something for when she returns. I'm sure she'd love that.
They squinted, a barely noticeable action. The lights seemed to get brighter, but also.. darker. It was odd. Everything was.
Was Aureliaā¦ feeling okay?
> ā¦I will be fine. Do not worry for me, Kalei.
The sigh they let out was heavy. It was tired. Their head was pounding, their eyes were bloodshot. They were shaky. It wasā¦ more noticeable, they assumed.
> Would you like to go somewhere else and sit together? Perhaps rest? I have some drawing I need to get done for work.
Admittedly Kalei was slower to buddy-up than this woman was, but they werenāt without pity. Damn Fia, Kat, Avery, and Cake, giving them a bleeding heart.
> It is up to you. Don't worry about me, like I said. I will be alright.
> ā¦But if you have work to do, I am more than happy to move.
Their shrug was gentle, and it was obvious they knew of their hesitance. But they didn't mind. If it took more time to make a good friend, so be it. They'd wait an eternity if it meant having another person to keep close.
> I justā¦ worry. You seem to be much sicker than I am.
> That's because I am. That server Derek encounteredā¦ I have played on it before. I will not go into detail. That is all you need to know, honestly.
> But that does not mean we should compare ourselves to each other.
She got hit months before Kalei.
> We should try to conserve what health you have left, then. I think my condition was worsened byā¦
Three gunshot wounds and an amputation.
> I- Iām sorry. What I meant is though I am quite sick, you are much sicker, and I do not want you to strain yourself to stay at this social outing.
They nodded, looking away sheepishly.
> I will be fine, I promise. I apologize if I've worried you. I justā¦ I don't know.
Shrugging, she looked back with a sigh.
> I am like this every day. This is nothing new, don't worry.
> Even still. There must be something *slightly* more comfortable.
> ā¦ My house is comfortable. But I do not believe you would be okay with coming over. We have just met, after all.
They knew the most probable answer to the question already, but it was still a bit upsetting.
ā¦well that was. Awkward.
> Iā¦ I can walk you there, at the very least. Iām sorry. Iāve been. Ah- nevermind. Iām sure you know already.
> It is alright. We can continue to talk, or you may leave. I do not mind either path.
> Iāll walk you home either way.
It wasnāt up for debate. Admittedly, Kalei was worried on if she *could* make it home.
> Iām in my chair, Iāll be alright.
The chair wasā¦ fine. It was still the shitty hospital one, as Kalei hadnāt had the time or funds to get one suited to their actual needs. At least it had stickers on it.
They peeked down at the chair.
> Do you need an actual wheelchair? Hospital ones can harm the shoulder blades with how they're built. They're meant for people to be pushed around in them.
> I do. I canāt afford one, though, and my insurance is already sick of me from all the other procedures Iāve needed. A wheelchair isnāt seen as medically necessary.
> ā¦What kind would you need? Manual, electric, travel?
It was a bit obvious what they were asking this for, but they didn't seem to care.
> Um. Manual, butā¦ itās fine. Iāve managed thus far.
Albeit with sore shoulders.
> If you can get even a bit more comfort in these times, I do not mind aiding in this. It is the least I can do forā¦ an acquaintance.
She offered another smile. It wasn't uncommon to see them smiling around friends. Even though they knew Kalei most likely didn't see them as such.
But that was alright. Like Melpomene said, they were patient.
Kalei returned the smile, though it was sheepish rather than sweet.
> Aurelia, chairs are ridiculously expensive. I couldnātā¦ I couldnāt ask that of you. Or anyone. The thought is sweet, but couldnāt you help yourself?
> I have money. My parents left me a lot of it, and I can just ask if I don't have enough. I am extremely fortunate, one of the best things I can do with money collecting dust is buy something for someone who needs it.
> ā¦ I do not need to help myself. I get what I need, I have a home and food on my plate. Iā¦ simply need friends, and I suppose my life is complete.
> It simply doesnāt feelā¦
They stopped mid sentence, face going slack. Kaleiās head dipped limply, and they slumped forward onto the table, unresponsive.
Aurelia slipped her hand where their head landed, cushioning the fall onto the table with a sigh.
They stood, grabbing their chair and dragging it over with their spare hand. Elevating Kalei's leg onto it as they sat on the floor, she waved off a concerned worker and simply sat there. Losing themself in thought once more. Thinking, searching through the books of knowledge in their mind.
After a few minutes, Kalei groaned and slowly lifted their head from the t- from the bony hand cradling them. Yellowed fingernails were visible soon, showing that Aurelia had been the one to catch them.
Whatā¦ happened? Kalei was speaking, perhaps a bit light headed, and then they woke up face down on a table.
> You passed out, most likely from a drop in blood pressure. I caught your head. Are you feeling alright?
They managed to sit up fully, before realizing the exact position they were in.
> Why are you on the ground?
> You needed blood flow in your legs and I could not lay you down. Getting someones blood pressure up by elevating their legs is the best option, so I used my chair.
As they explained, they removed their hand and removed their leg from the chair, sitting back down on it.
> Sorry about thatā¦ Iām fine now. We donāt have to linger.
> It is alright, Kalei. Finish your coffee, you are allowed to leave at any time. I will pay for you, andā¦
Pulling out a small amount of $50 bills from their pocket, she handed three to them.
> Here you go. Some extra, I suppose. For you and Kat.
> Iā¦ I canāt take this. Itās- you shouldnāt throwā¦
> Thank you, Aurelia. You seem kind. Hurting, butā¦ kind. I would not be opposed to meeting again.
She didnāt deserve to die alone. Kalei donāt want them to.
They nodded, standing with a slight wobble.
> Have a good day, Kalei. Tell Kat I say hello, and get home safely. Both of you.
> Are you sure you do not want me to walk you home? And wait.
Kalei took a napkin, and a pen from their pocket, writing down their phone number.
> Regardless of if He told you, now I have. Call anytime youād like.
They paused, nodding and accepting the napkin with an appreciative smile.
And with that, they walked off.
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