A Demon's Lapse

Despite his cold and stoic demeanour, Kiyohira was a mess on the inside. He sat with his arms crossed by the window in his private jet. The days after Nora left were excruciating. He had gotten attached to her without even realizing it. He had been at his company's headquarters in Tokyo when Matsuda had called him.

"Sir, Miss Ramirez's sister wishes to speak to you. She says it's urgent," he explained. He wondered how she was able to call his residence, and then he remembered that he had allowed Nora to call her.

"What is it?" he said.

"It's about Miss Nora, she's ill," Matsuda told him. Kiyohira froze. A feeling of terror ran through him. He told Matsuda to put her through immediately.

"Hello," he said.

"Hello, sir. I'm sorry for reaching out like this, but I wasn't sure what to do. My sister is very unwell," Rosie explained nervously.

"What does that have to do with me?" Kiyohira answered coldly.

Rosie closed her eyes and inhaled, "I do not know what happened between you and my sister, but I know something did. The doctors are saying she might not make it, and I can't help but feel like it is because of what happened." Kiyohira didn't want to admit that he felt guilty.

"There's something else, sir," she continued. She told him what Nora said in her sleep about him. Kiyohira's breath became raspy.

"Sir, I wouldn't be asking anything from you, considering what has happened but this is for my sister. Please, come see her. If she dies, then at least give her a chance to leave peacefully," Rosie explained, sobbing. She hung up and left Kiyohira there, speechless. He imagined Nora's face and felt a kick in the gut envisioning her in pain.

Kiyohira waved away the flight attendant after she tried offering him a drink. He had no interest in anything right now as he grew more and more anxious. Each moment that passed was potentially time lost with Nora. He just had to wait.

Rosie was awakened to a sound at the door of the hospital room. She looked over to see her sister sleeping. She went to pull the curtain aside to see a tall man standing there.

"Are you Kiyohira?" she asked. She felt fear at the sight of the man who had previously threatened her life but she set that aside. This was for Nora. He didn't respond to her.

"I'll leave you alone," she said and walked out.

Kiyohira looked at Nora. She looked weak and gaunt. He went over to sit beside her. This was because of him. His harshness led to her condition.

"Kiyohira," Nora said weakly, eyes half-opened, looking at him.

"Yes," he said.

"You're here," she smiled faintly. She slowly extended her hand over to him and he took it. He gently caressed it and kissed it.

"Kiyohira," she said, beginning to cry.

A ball of emotions tugged at Kiyohira, "Stupid girl, don't you dare die!" Nora giggled softly.

"I love you, Kiyohira. I love you," she whispered. Kiyohira frowned, realizing she was sincere. He leaned over to gently kiss her lips and rested his forehead on hers. Nora smiled.

Nora opened her eyes gently. She awoke in a hospital room, not remembering how she got there or how long she'd been there before. She turned to see Rosie asleep in the chair beside the bed, holding a book. An unusual, but pleasant sight. The day was sunny and bright and she could hear the birds singing.

Rosie slowly awoke and looked at her, "Nora? Are you okay?" She nodded and Rosie gave her the biggest hug.

"Don't you ever scare me like that ever again," she scolded her. Nora laughed, unaware of what had happened.

Rosie went out to grab her breakfast from a real restaurant. Nora couldn't help but think about Kiyohira. She had a dream that he visited her and kissed her. It felt so real. After Rosie came back and they both ate, she told her what had happened and how she was on the verge of death. She had no memory of it all, except the dream about Kiyohira. Nora felt guilty about not telling Rosie about it.

Unable to contain it any longer, she spoke, "Sis, there's something I have to tell you. It's about what happened while I was away."

Nora told Rosie everything about her feelings for Kiyohira. She told her about how guilty and conflicted she felt because of the circumstances surrounding their meeting.

Nora began to cry, "I'm really sorry, Rosie. I understand if you're upset--"

Rosie cut her off, "Stop it!" Nora looked at her, shocked.

"Don't you ever apologize for falling in love, understand? You're my sister and I love you more than anything! I never want you to feel ashamed to tell me anything," Rosie declared, tears falling down her face. Nora couldn't help but cry as well. They hugged each other tightly.

"I almost lost you twice. I never want to go through that again, and I won't let anything stop me from loving you," Rosie whispered in Nora's ear. Nora sobbed into her shoulder.

"Thanks, sis. Thanks," she told her.

"There's something I have to tell you," Rosie said, "Kiyohira came here last night." Nora's jaw dropped.

Thoughts of the night before filled Rosie's mind. After Kiyohira spent time with Nora, he walked out to the hallway to find Rosie standing against a wall. She just looked at him as he began to leave. He abruptly stopped to tell her something. "I've done what you asked. Don't ever call me again," he said as he walked away. Rosie just watched him leave, and she returned to the room.

A few days later, Nora was discharged. Her doctor ordered her to take time off work and recover at home for several days. She was glad she didn't feel awful anymore, but the disease weakened her body greatly.

"I took some time off work to take care of you. I'm going to make sure you get better," Rosie said as she helped her up the stairs to their place. Nora felt bad, but Rosie told her that she wouldn't have it any other way.

As she helped her get into her bed, Nora asked, "Did Kiyohira say anything else?"

Rosie looked at her sister and felt an uncomfortable feeling inside her chest. His harsh words echoed through her mind. Don't ever call me again. She sighed.

"Yes, he did," Rosie answered. Nora waited in anticipation. "He said to never contact him again," she replied solemnly. The response didn't come as a surprise, but it didn't hurt any less.

"Oh," said Nora. "I'm sorry, sis," said her sister. She went over and sat next to her. She wrapped her arm over her. At first, Nora became teary, but then a flood of sadness washed over her. Rosie looked out the bedroom window, unable to hold back her tears either.

"It's going to be okay," she said.