“No!”
Day jolted awake from his sleep.
He had a nightmare after so long. He sat on the bed, panting and struggling to steady his breathing.
Finally, after calming down, he stood up.
He didn’t even remember what the dream was about. Maybe he didn’t want to.
Not wanting to dwell on the unpleasant beginning of a new day, he continued with his daily chores. Within a few minutes, all the previous traces of a foul mood were gone; Day was smiling again.
He exited his room, “P’Mhok?”
“I’m here,” Day heard Mhok answer, “I was about to call you. Breakfast is ready.”
Day smiled and staggered towards the source of the voice. The voice that he had grown to like immensely.
They ate breakfast in comfortable silence; Hazel’s barking being the only other sound.
“Did you sleep comfortably?” Mhok asked, noticing Day’s dull face. His face looked tired owing to the distasteful dream he had.
“Not really,” Day answered, truthfully. He never thought twice before speaking to Mhok. It was just that comfortable.
“I can see,” Mhok snickered, hiding his concern.
Day made a scowling face, “Ha-ha.”
Mhok smiled, “How’s breakfast?”
“Just like always. Average.” Day tried to ick Mhok.
“Oh really?” Mhok raised an eyebrow, “Why don’t you hire a new chef then?”
Day put his hand on the chin, “I’m actually considering that.”
It was Mhok’s turn to scowl, “I’ll sue you.”
Day laughed out, “For firing you?”
“No, for playing with my feelings.” Mhok’s eyes widened as he blurted it out.
Day mirrored his expression, “Sure, go ahead.” He managed to play it off coolly.
Day masked his shock with a neutral expression, but his heart wasn’t in his control. The crazy rhythm of his heartbeat was enough evidence to prove that Mhok did affect Day in some way.
They bounced back to their normal chattering as time went on; neither of them saying the words that burned on their tongues.
After breakfast, Day was ready to complete his book. The moment he had anticipated for a long time was finally here. He was going to achieve his dream.
“Ready?” Mhok asked as his fingers hovered over the keyboard of Day’s laptop. He was equally excited, if not more.
Day’s smile was accompanied by a determined nod, “Let’s do this.”
The next few hours were intense. Day was seeking perfection in each and every sentence. It was a hectic process of writing, rewriting, editing, and rephrasing. It was tiring for Mhok as much as it was for Day. But both of them were undeniably determined towards their goal.
Day’s goal was to complete his book, and Mhok’s goal was to complete Day’s dream.
“The end,” Day closed his glossy eyes as he breathed out those words.
Mhok’s eyes never left Day even as he typed the final words.
Day’s book was finally completed.
Mhok didn’t interrupt when Day reveled in his euphoria of fulfilling his ambition. He wanted Day to be the first one to break the silence. And he did.
“I can’t believe this,” Day was in tears now, but he refused to open his eyes.
It was indeed a huge deal for a blind man like Day to write a book. He had been told numerous times by his acquaintances that he should give up on writing and his dream altogether. He should live his life leeching off his parents’ money in the comfort of his home, away from all the possible dangers this world had to offer to an unsighted man.
A blind man shouldn’t have such expectations, such dreams. He had innumerable limitations. Dreaming high was simply not possible.
But now, all those sickening words were deaf on Day’s ears. He had overcome every barrier that was laid on his path. He was a strong and capable man.
Day was worthy.
And all of this was possible because of someone he held dear – P’Mhok.
Day could never overlook the things that Mhok had done for him even without expecting anything in return. From the moment Mhok entered into his obsidian life as a ray of sunshine, his life had changed for the better.
Mhok was a blessing in all sense.
When Day opened his teary eyes, he knew that something had changed. He could feel it.
His heart still pounded in his chest, filling him with an overwhelming nameless sensation that was not unfamiliar anymore.
And now, he could name it. That’s what had changed.
Ultimately, he recognized the comfortable uneasiness he felt in his chest for so long.
A satisfied sigh left Day’s lips as the weight was lifted off his shoulders, as the clouds were cleared from his head, as he was adorned with the epiphanic revelation.
He was in love with Mhok.
The signs were there for some time now. He just accepted it this time. Mhok was his reason to smile from the beginning. He believed in Day when no one else did. He always found a way to stay with Day.
All those soothing words, thoughtful actions, selfless services, silly jokes, and gentle touches had made Day fall for that man.
Loving Mhok was inevitable. Day finally arrived at that conclusion.
“You did it,” Mhok announced proudly. He placed the laptop aside and stood up, walking towards Day.
“We did it,” Day stood up as well.
Day surely knew how to flutter his heart. Mhok smiled and pulled Day into his arms.
“Congratulations,” Mhok whispered, holding the man in his gentle embrace.
It was at that moment Day knew that he’d never regret loving Mhok.
Day relaxed his stiff body into Mhok’s warmth, “Thank you.”
Mhok pulled out of the hug because if he stayed in that embrace for a moment longer, then he might never let go.
“Let’s eat something.” That was his love language, after all.
Mhok had something important to dicuss during their time at the dining table. A conversation that he had been intentionally procrastinating since morning.
He finally said it.
“My parents called yesterday,” Mhok began, and Day paused eating to listen intenly. Mhok rarely talked about his family.
“They want me to be there for Christmas.” Mhok finished and peered at Day in guilt, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen them, and- “
“It’s okay,” Day cut in immediately, even though his heart might’ve dropped to his stomach, “You should go.”
“But, what about you?” Mhok didn’t explain further, not wanting to belittle Day’s abilities.
“I’ll manage like I’ve done before,” Day forced a smile, and Mhok easily noticed how fake it was, “You should be with your parents. They miss you as much as you miss them.”
However, Mhok didn’t want to leave Day.
“But- “
“I insist,” Day pressed further, “I don’t want to be an obstacle for you under any circumstance. Please, P’Mhok.”
Mhok had lost it when Day pleaded. He had to go now.
“Okay,” Mhok gave in with a sinking heart. He did miss his family terribly, but he still couldn’t leave Day behind, “Will you come with me?”
Day was shocked to hear that.
“No, I’ll have to arrange the publishers and all. There’s plenty of stuff left for me to do.”
Mhok nodded, feeling defeated.
“When are you leaving?” Day tried to sound normal.
“In two days.”
Day went silent.
“This evening, let’s go and celebrate,” Day’s voice was hopeful, “We completed the book after all. It will be a nice farewell as well.”
Mhok’s eyes turned softer, “It’s not a farewell, Day. I’ll be back before you know.”
Day smiled. The words instantly calmed his nerves.
But Mhok would still leave tho.
Day closed his eyes.
Was it Christmas already? Were they together for that long now?
Suddenly, Day remembered the bitter nightmare he had.
The nightmare that was now turning into reality.
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