The injuries from the Aris Accident are still in the recovery phase. Everything seems to be progressing normally, just as it was before. However, there have been some significant developments since the accident.

On the day of the incident, I was injured when I was hit by an iron rod. Thanks to Bell and Aisha, I am still alive. After waking up in the hospital, Shu filled me in on what happened while I was unconscious.

According to Shu, the police arrived at the construction site after Aris called for help. They discovered the bodies of the criminals and brought me to the hospital. They also contacted Aris's family to inform them about the incident. When the police tried to question Aris, she was unable to provide any coherent answers. Instead, she kept apologizing, seemingly traumatized by the events.

I've been in the hospital for three days now. Miss Elsa, Shu, and Chris visit me regularly, but Zen hasn't come by. Perhaps he's upset that I didn't reveal his sister's part-time job. I've tried calling him several times, but he hasn't answered.

One morning, Shu came to visit with a bouquet and a fruit basket. She expressed concern about my well-being and reminded me not to push myself too hard during my recovery.

"Any updates on Zen?" I asked, hoping she had managed to get in touch with him.

"Nothing," Shu replied. "He's not answering anyone's calls, and he hasn't been coming to school either."

"And Aris?" I inquired.

"She's still the same," Shu said sadly. "She locks herself in her room and refuses to talk to anyone. Zen's parents are worried too."

I sighed. It seemed like there was no progress with either Aris or Zen.

Shu changed the topic. "The police officer spoke to you yesterday. How did it go?"

I hesitated for a moment. "I told them that when I tried to stop the criminals, one of them swung at me. I managed to dodge the attack, and it hit the second person. After that, the last thing I saw was the scared criminal attempting to run and slipping, with the iron rod piercing his neck."

In reality, I didn't remember anything after falling unconscious. Aisha later explained what happened, allowing me to piece together a coherent story as the rod contains only criminal fingerprint they accepted the story I told them

"Hm... Well, I will come here later after school. Till then, please take care of yourself," Shu said, standing up and leaving the room.

As I sat there, the weight of what had happened to Aris pressed on my mind. Maybe if I had managed to arrive at the right time, things could have been different.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Lost in my thoughts, I heard a soft voice from under the bed. It was Bell, the familiar presence who always hid when someone entered the room.

"Sorry..." Bell's voice trembled as she peeked out from her hiding spot.

"It's not your fault, Bell," I reassured her. "And what are you doing under the bed?"

"Hiding," she replied, her eyes downcast.

"From whom?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"From everyone," Bell admitted.

"But you know that I'm the only one who can see you, right?" I said gently. "You don't have to hide."

She emerged from under the bed, standing beside me. Bell seemed different now, hesitant. Perhaps she felt responsible for what had happened to me, just as I blamed myself for Aris's suffering.

I reached out and patted her head. "Don't worry. My condition isn't your fault. You helped me back there, and I'm still alive, talking to you. So smile."

Bell nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. It was a start.

--

After a few days, I was discharged from the hospital. The doctor prescribed some medication and advised me not to overexert myself. Miss Elsa took care of me, insisting it was her turn to repay the debt from when she had returned after the hospital.

As I regained my strength, I decided to visit Zen. I needed to talk to Aris and Zen, to apologize for my role in everything that had happened. I asked Bell to stay home and look after Miss Elsa, then headed to Zen's house.

It had been a while since I'd been there. I rang the bell and waited, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

Zen's mom opened the door. "Good morning, Aunty. It's been a while," I greeted her.

"You are...? Ah, White! That's you?" She squinted, recognizing me. She welcomed me inside and led me to the living room.

"Thank you, White. You saved our daughter's life, and we're so grateful," she said, tears welling up. She bowed in gratitude.

I waved it off. "Aunty, Zen and Aris are my friends. It was nothing. Is Zen here?"

"Sorry, but Zen isn't home," she replied.

"He's not answering my calls either. I'm worried," I confessed.

She sighed. "I'm worried too. Both my children are suffering, and I feel helpless."

I hung my head. "Aunty, it's my fault. If I hadn't hidden Aris's job situation or arrived late that day, maybe both Aris and Zen wouldn't be going through this."

She interrupted me firmly. "It's not your fault."

After a few moments of silence, I gathered my resolve. "May I see Aris? Maybe I can talk to her."

"Of course. Aris always listens to you," Zen's mom said, hope in her eyes.

I stood outside Aris's room, knocking gently. "Aris? Hey, it's me, White. Can you hear me?"

"Aris, I knew you are there I just want to talk to you. I know it is hard for you to forget everything that happens but just let me in for a second

I knocked again, but there was no response from the other side of the door.

"Aris," I said, my voice echoing in the quiet hallway. "I know you're in there. I just want to talk to you. I understand it's difficult for you to forget everything that's happened, but please, just let me in for a second."

As I spoke, the door creaked open slightly. I stepped inside, and the room enveloped me in darkness. The feeble light from the window barely illuminated the space. Aris sat on her bed in the corner, her once-shining eyes now red from constant crying.

"Wh... White?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I approached her cautiously. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone filled with pain.

"I'm just here to talk to you and Zen" I replied.

"There's nothing left to talk about," she interrupted, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Everything is messed up."

Aris's voice trembled as she confessed, her words a torrent of regret and pain. "If I had listened to you, if I hadn't left too early, if I hadn't hidden my part-time job… none of this would have happened. I lied to everyone—my parents, Zen, and even myself. And it's my fault you nearly died."

The room seemed to hold its breath, memories swirling like dust motes caught in a sunbeam. I reached out, wanting to erase the pain etched across her face. "Aris," I whispered, "it is—"

"No!" Her voice rose, echoing off the walls.

Aris's voice cracked, her anguish palpable. "I know what you'll say," she began, her words a desperate plea. "That it's not my fault. That you're here to help me find solace. But I can't escape the truth—I caused all of this."

"Aris," I said softly, "sometimes life throws us into storms we can't control. But blaming yourself won't change the past.