I fling the door to Chiaki's room open, ready to jump inside and pounce on her.

But I stop just inside the doorway, hovering with my hand on the frame. Chiaki looks like hell, and it hurts. It kills, actually. My chest twists up in all kinds of knots.

"Hey," my throat is all tight, my voice low. I do my best to smile for her though, because I am really happy to see her alive and mostly well.

And, most importantly, free.

I gently slide the door shut behind me, and move closer to her, kneeling down beside her bed and reaching out to pat her head very gently. "It's good to see that clarity in your eyes again."