Chapter 94 – Discharged

Joshua had been allowed to get out of the town’s hospital. It was a shame that he had to leave that bed. He walked down the corridor and greeted the doctor and nurses behind the wooden counter. This hospital belonged to the church of light, Luci Fera, and most of the workers here are God-fearing men and women. It was a good place. They had taken care of him so he thanked them and promised them bread that he would make. His admission to the hospital and getting the best room was a courtesy of thanks to the Mayor, who welcomed Silo, the rider, and him as good hunters.

Although, other than the food. Joshua didn’t really benefit much from the services of the doctor. After all, there was someone who was tending to him. This, someone, was standing in silence near the doors of the hospital. This taciturn person who wore a gray military coat had her arms folded.

“Finally, took your time didn’t you?”

“I am surprised that you are still here,” said Joshua, looking at her narrowly. “I thought you’d be killing dire monsters again.”

“Well...I kinda wanted peace. Peace...it is disturbing.”

Joshua didn’t reply to that. He stretches his legs outside of the hospital and to the flagstone streets of Edawick. The townspeople were moving from every direction. Carts were being pulled. Merchants selling their wares can be heard. Children’s were running around playing with their toys. Some of them were familiar with Joshua. They circled around him, making Joshua smile thinly, rubbing the head of the children.

“Popular aren’t you,” Zola followed behind. She looked at the toys that the children had. “And really... cape heroes and straw dolls?”

“Economy class and art class paid off,” smiled Joshua. He waved his hands at the children who sprinted to the park that was just near the hospital.

“Must be great...living in peace.”

“Peace?’ Joshua scoffed. “You could say that, but there were still horrible things that happen day by day. Though I am not going to compare them to sentient beings that threaten the entirety of mankind into becoming meatballs.”

She raised a brow and a smile. “Fine, still, this peace bothers yet surprises me. It is saddening that most of the memories I could remember was not like this. Young child like them, wouldn’t be playing out in open streets like these. They would be in learning centers or academies. Learning how to become a good part of society or a soldier that would be sent out to distant colonies to fight and die there in shallow trenches.”

Joshua kept silent. He rubbed his left arm quietly. She always goes on like this, thought Joshua. Whenever she had something to say, she would start to speak about the difference between this world and hers. It was a great difference in tint that made her look at the surroundings with melancholic eyes. Joshua didn’t like speaking about his world. And usually when Zola speaks like that. He would just change the subject or at best keep silent.

He let her talk. After that, the two weaved through the streets of Edawick and took turns until they Dan’s house. Joshua went inside and met with Dan. Nan was inside, she was pleased and gave Joshua cup of tea. Zola didn’t approach the table where Dan and Nana was. She stayed in the living room, her arms folded, and her face bland.

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Dan and Nana weren’t offended. Instead, they only talked to Joshua and his ‘miraculous’ recovery that people in the town think nothing but a blessing from their god of light. People in this world were superstitious and god-fearing. Not to mention that they did not know that it was all thanks to Zola that Joshua was able to recover in just a month.

“How're the wounds?” said Dan. “You looked like a corpse when you returned. Now, you look like you just fine.”

“Better, thanks to the angel with a shotgun.”

Dan curled his brows. “I see. Well, I guess this Angel Shotgun of your has helped you well. Still, it is good that you are alive, Joshua.”

“Yeah it’s great being alive,” Joshua said. Dan didn’t know what a shotgun was. Joshua didn’t tell him what happened and what Zola could do. She was clear about her wanting of anonymity. She didn’t like attention so he kept silent about what she did. So he mouthed off miracles and if anything, the presence of rune magic and blessing from Gods made it easier for them to accept what he was saying. Of course, they now think that Joshua had a guardian angel named Shotgun.

“I hope you rest well, our home is your home, don’t forget that Joshua.” He patted Joshua’s shoulder. Along with Nana, they left for the hospital where a doctor would probably check Nana’s condition. Joshua and Zola were left alone.

The two spent time in silence. Joshua offered a cup of tea, which Zola took and drank with both hands. Joshua felt like there was something lacking. So he perked up, went to the kitchen and started baking.

“Making something?” Zola said.

“Yep, just a bit of something to go with the tea.”

“You are going to empty the pot?” she smirks. “Well, share some if you are done.”

“Sure, sure...” Joshua waved his right hand. He focused his mind on the task that he was doing. From mixing the ingredients and painstakingly watching, what he was cooking to be cooked properly. It took a while to prepare the melted butter but when it was done. The tea-drinking future soldier sitting at the table lifted her eyes towards the break.

“That’s...”

“Recognized it?”Joshua asked.

“Yeah, Waffles, with melted butter on top. Nice, I never had one since I left for the War Academy.”

This time, Joshua had to ask. “How many years since you have one?”

“When I was eleven,” she said, staring at the waffles with nostalgic eyes. “Mum used to cook something like this. Too bad she never really had the time to cook again with the war and all.”

“I see. Well, eat up then, it may not be as good but hey, at least you have something.”

“You sure?” she said. “I’ll devour them if they’re good.”

“Go ahead.”

Joshua took at least one and started eating. He took a bit using the fork. Then, in the corner of his eyes, he saw Zola eating the waffles with melted butter furiously. You’re tearing up, said Joshua in his head. He could see that Zola’s eyes were watery. I guess even a super soldier could leak tears eating a piping hot waffle huh, thought Joshua, eating his own waffle in silence.