When the day came for Micah to be discharged, Mariana went with Miguel and Leilani to pick him up. She also took her and Micah's belongings as they were going to stay with Leilani and Miguel for a bit.

When they got to the hospital, Mariana took Micah's hand and gently led him out of the hospital. "How are you feeling Micah?" She asked softly.

"Um, I'm feeling fine..." he murmured. His body was still a bit shaken due to his recent surgery, but he was glad to finally be walking on solid ground rather than on his deathbed, fighting for his life.

They got into the car and Miguel drove off.

Mariana kept her arms around Micah but was careful not to squeeze him too much. She was just so glad to have him next to her again, all safe and sound. Meanwhile, Micah had one hand that held onto hers, and with one finger, he slowly rubbed her palm while he stared out the window, gazing at the trees that they drove past.

It had been a long time since he saw the outside world, and the few moments before he fell into the never-ending abyss of his mind, he thought he was never going to see this again.

"Miguel, can I wind down the window please?" He spoke.

"Sure go, ahead."

"Thanks." Micah opened the window and stuck his head out a bit.

The chilly, breezy air traveled through his nostrils, and blew past his face and eyes, sending goosebumps across his skin and making cold tears fall. The sun heated the side of his cheek, highlighting his light complexion, making it looked like a pool of honey. He started to smell cinnamon with fresh summer fruits through the air, mixing with the nearby water.

He missed the feeling of having the wind in his face, the sweet, adorning smell of food, and being with his friends and family back home. Being just seconds away from death made him promise to himself that if he survives, he will live each day to the fullest and never take his life for granted.

"Mariana, do you still have my phone with you?" He turned round to ask as he wanted to call his mom to hear her voice.

"Yeah, here you go," she handed it over from her pocket and he began dialing Crystal's number.

"Hello, my dear Micah, how are you?"

Micah choked on his words as there was a lump forming in his throat. Hearing the calming melodies of her voice caused tears to form in his eyes. It felt like forever since Micah heard her voice and being able to listen to it, meant that he was indeed alive and not dreaming.

When they arrived at Leilani and Miguel's home, they got out of the car and stepped onto the sandy tiles. There was a swimming pool with some beach chairs and a big umbrella. There were some flowers, rose bushes, an outdoor table, and trees growing behind.

They walked up the steps to the wooden, glass front door.

"Welcome to our home," Leilani said, sliding it open.

They ambled through the hallway and into the l living room. There was a big flat-screen TV mounted onto the wall, a bronze coffee table that sat on a rug. A white couch with pillows, and huge windows leading to the outside, that was draped with gray curtains scattered out like ripples.

"This living room feels so cozy," Mariana said.

"I know right, that's why I normally stay in here when I feel stressed," Leilani said.

She went over to a window on the side and pushed it open. A gust of wind blew in, but they could see the fresh green of the trees and the sea further out in the picture. "I love sitting here and watching the scenery," she murmured.

She sat down on the edge and patted the seat next to her. "Come."

The rest sat down beside her, and their feet dangled across the edge.

Seeing the sunny weather made Micah smile inside and out. This scene was way better than the hospital room where he had no idea if he was going to make it out or not. He felt that he gained back his freedom and wasn't being kept down in his bed.

"Would you guys like to see the room you'll be staying in?" Miguel suddenly asked.

"Okay!" Mariana agreed.

They all got up and were led to their guest room. Leilani opened the big double doors and the opposite was a double bed with yellow sheets and a net curtain just above it. There was a brown bedside table next to it with a lamp and a window with two beige curtains.

"When we decided that you'll be staying with us, we spent yesterday evening getting it ready and making sure it's comfortable for you guys," Miguel said.

"The bed is so nice, and the window has a great view," Mariana said.

"I'm glad you like it, we'll let you guys get settled whilst I go start preparing dinner," Leilani said.

"Okay, thanks for letting us stay here," Micah said.

"It's no problem," they said before exiting the room.

Once the door was shut tightly, Micah climbed onto the bed and laid on his side. He shivered a little so Mariana pulled a blanket on him and sat next to him.

She couldn't contain the smile that crept on her lips.

"Are you still feeling any pain, Micah?"

"A little, but the doctors gave me painkillers, so I'll be okay."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Not at the moment but I'll let you know if I need anything."

"Okay, Micah." She slid down the bed and laid next to him, staring at his face. Around his eyes were faded and dry, they were drooping continually but Micah fought against the sleepiness.

"Do you want to sleep? You seem tired," Mariana asked.

"Yeah, but I don't want too just yet."

"Okay, I'll just stay with you until you fall asleep."

He chuckled and relaxed into his pillow.

"I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you..."

"It's okay Mariana, I'm okay now so you don't need to worry."

"I know but I feel like it would've been better if we never met and then none of this would've happened." She sniffed and turned away from him. She still felt guilty about everything and never wants to relive the moment of holding Micah's unconscious body in her arms.

"Mariana look at me," he tugged at her arm which made her turn slightly back at him.

"Listen, Mariana, I don't regret meeting you. In fact, meeting you and spending this entire trip with you has been one of the best moments in my life and I wouldn't change any detail of it." He got hold of her hand and kissed it tenderly. "Except for the bullet wound."

She giggled at his response as he continued to speak.

"Please don't be too hard on yourself Mariana. I don't blame you for any of this and I never will. You're far too important to me and nothing will ever change that."

"Aww, do you really mean that?"

"Yes, I do Mariana, I mean that from the bottom of my heart."

"Aww thank you." She blushed a smile as she couldn't keep her eyes off him.

"Your welcome Mariana." He brushed a strand of hair away from her face and kissed her forehead.

****

When it was near evening time, Mariana and Micah went to the dining room and sat down on the chairs that were veiled down with a white cloth around the bronzed table. Leilani laid down plates with lightly toasted bread, garlic, reddish tomatoes with sliced squid, and chopped parsley.

While Mariana ate, she noticed a picture in a golden frame hanged on the wall. She peered at it and it looked like Leilani but a bit younger, who was crouched down on the fresh emerald grass, with a pink flowery skirt sprawled out around like a spiral, and her head was crowned with flowers as well as around her neck.

"Leilani, is that person you?" Mariana asked, pointing to it.

She turned around but quickly turned away when she noticed the picture Mariana was looking at. "Yeah, it is."

"Wow, when was it taken?"

"Like three years ago when I went to Hawaii with my mother."

"It's really nice, I love the skirt you were wearing."

"Thanks. I don't like it that much though, but Miguel insists on having it there on full display to anyone that just comes in."

"It's because it's one of my favorite photos so if I ever come home from a bad day at work, I can just look at the picture of my beautiful wife and it would make my bad day all better."

"Aw, that's so sweet." Mariana took a glance at Leilani who was eating with her head down, but she could see her face turning pink to read.

When they finished their dinner, they went to their bedrooms.

"Goodnight Mariana," Micah said.

"Goodnight." She got comfy under the covers as she fell fast asleep.