Page 91 of Dark Awakening: New World

She put the clothing on the shelf of his walker. "It means that you should have your own style, and it shouldn't be dependent on what I like."

"But I want to please you."

Jasmine smiled. "That's so sweet. You can wear jeans for me some other time. When meeting new people, you should wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident."

By the time Ell-rom was done getting dressed and came out of the bathroom, Jasmine finished packing and even took the bedding off.

"Why are you removing the bedding?"

"It needs to be laundered in preparation for the next patient, and I want to make things easier on Gertrude. She was so nice to us."

"We are going to keep seeing her every day until Morelle wakes up and goes through rehabilitation."

"Still, if I can save her some work, I'm happy to do so." Jasmine put her large bag next to the door. "Let's go to your sister. I'll pick this up on our way out."

Ell-rom took a long look at the room that had been his entire universe since he had woken up in this world, and he felt a surge of anxiety at the prospect of leaving it behind. It wasn't a particularly nice room, and there was nothing he would miss about it, but he had created good memories with Jasmine in there, and he would always feel a little nostalgic about it.

At Morelle's room, Ell-rom approached her bedside and gently took her hand in his. "Hey, Morelle. I'm moving out of the clinic today, but don't worry. I'll still visit you every day. You just focus on getting better."

Jasmine stood quietly by the door, giving him space, and Ell-rom appreciated her ability to sense when he needed a moment alone with his thoughts.

"The place I am moving to is right here in the building. It's on the top floor, and it has lots of windows, and I can't wait to see the sky and the sun in this alien world we arrived at. It is nothing like the world we expected to encounter. Seven thousand Earth years made a big difference, and humans are an advanced civilization now. You will enjoy it here. I think." He lifted her limp hand, turned it palm up, and put it on his cheek. "I need you to wake up, Morelle."

As usual, there was no response, not even a finger twitch or the slightest change in her pulse.

With a sigh, Ell-rom returned her hand to her side and rose to his feet. "I'll be back soon."

61

JASMINE

As Jasmine and Ell-rom emerged from his room, they were greeted by the warm smiles of Julian and Gertrude.

"Congratulations, Ell-rom." Julian clapped him on his back. "Another milestone achieved. You've graduated to independent living."

"Thank you," Ell-rom replied with a shy smile. "I wish your words were true and I was really independent, but it's a step in the right direction."

Julian's expression softened. "Every journey is made one step at a time, and you are taking a big one today." He gently clapped Ell-rom on the back again. "Enjoy your new lodging and come back tomorrow at ten for our daily checkup and pool physiotherapy session. Don't forget your swimming trunks."

As Ell-rom nodded, Jasmine made a mental note to talk to Julian later and write down the prince's appointment schedule. It would be her job to stay on top of that and make sure that he showed up on time, wearing the proper attire for the activity.

"I'll make sure he is here." Jasmine moved the strap of her heavy duffel bag to her other arm. "I left some of my things under the bed. I'll come back later to get them."

Julian's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I'll help you get everything up to the penthouse in one go."

She hesitated. "That's okay. I can come back for my stuff later." She didn't want him to see the sleeping bag and rolled-up camping mattress that she'd hidden under the bed.

He laughed. "We all know what's under the bed. I would have offered you a cot, but I didn't want to embarrass you."

She should have known they'd be aware of her makeshift sleeping arrangement, and she would have thanked him for the cot, not been embarrassed by it, but it was too late for that now.

As Julian ducked into Ell-rom's room, Gertrude stepped forward and enveloped Jasmine in a warm hug. "We're going to miss having you perform for us. It's going to be boring without you." She moved to gently hug Ell-rom next. "Don't worry about your sister. We will take good care of her."

"I know. Thank you. You were incredible."

Jasmine laughed. "Isn't this a bit much? It's not like we're parting ways forever. We'll be back here tomorrow, and I will sing again. I'll even do requests."

Gertrude's eyes brightened. "Can you sing 'I Will Always Love You'?"

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