Choices

“There are no regrets in life, just lessons.” — Jennifer Aniston

When Kibo opened her eyes she was laying in her bed. She stands up wanting to see if she returned to her universe.

Everything was in its right place and the box of pills was still well hidden in a drawer.

“What if it was a dream? How can I confirm that it was all real?”

She checked the time and saw it was 8 a.m. She should give Doctor Chiba a call.

*ring*

In the end, no one answered so she left a voice message.

“Good morning, Doctor Chiba! I’m Aiko Okada, we’ve met yesterday. I wanted to update you on my situation. I took a pill before going to sleep and the results were amazing! I would like to believe that I traveled to another universe, yet I’m afraid everything was a dream. I was wondering if there was any way of knowing the truth. Now assuming that I successfully met with my soulmate, I can confirm it was him for sure. Would you like more details? Phone me back when you get this, please! Have a nice day at work!”

As she hung up, her mother called from the kitchen.

“Kibo! You’re going to be late for today’s interview if you don’t get out of bed!”

She was right! The girl forgot about it. She tried to get ready as fast as possible.

In 20 minutes she got out of her room running for her life.

“Good morning, dear!”

“Good morning!” Kibo yelled while running past her mother.” I’ll get going!”

The woman giggled.

“Take care! I’ll wait for your good news!”

She called for a cab while exiting the building to make sure she gets just in time.

“Haru would scold me if I ever arrive late,” She thought to herself.

*****

“You've met hour soulmate?”

“Why do you sound so surprised, doctor?”

“You don't get the chance to hear about people who travel through universes daily, do you? Tell me more about the boy.”

“I don't know a lot about his background, but I can describe his looks if you want.”

“It's better than nothing! But first tell me his name and age, please!”

“Haru Chibana. Same age as me, 19 years old. Pretty tall, slim figure, pastel purple hair, and eyes. When his face muscles relax he seems a little bit scared.”

“Is he handsome?” The doctor giggled as her expression changed.

Haru's image appeared right before her eyes. A stupid smile carved on her lips.

“Handsome?” She questioned herself.

No, that's not the word she was looking for.

“He's perfect.” Kibo says after a while. “His shy smile is the sweetest thing in the world and his eyes seem to be portals to a fairytale.”

The man looked amused.

“These kids are getting more and more dreamy!” He thought to himself.

“Can you give me some details about his world?”

“They all live in one country named Tokyo. There are many divisions, but only 6 are important. They are Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Surprise, Fear, and Disgust Districts. The government built a factory to control people's emotions.”

“That’s a lot to process. Thank you! Anything else?”

“Everyone must wear some sort of bandanas that record your feelings and manifestations. They work wireless and are made in that factory that I told you about earlier.”

The doctor wrote down everything that the girl said.

“You did a great job!” He says while analyzing the situation.

“Will there be any side effects if I keep going to his universe?”

“You will always wake up tired because your mind will be active each night you take the pills. Besides this, there shouldn't be anything else.”

“I see! I wonder one more thing. Why I am invisible to others in that world?”

“You do not belong in that place. The universe is rejecting your existence, but you have a purpose! If you are fated to meet someone, they will be able to interact with you. After your 100 days are over”

"99" She interrupts the men.

“My bad! After your 99 days are over, you won't be able to return and his world will erase every piece of memory about you. Also, our world will destroy the information about that Tokyo. Your memories about ever meeting Haru will also disappear.”

“If this is the end, what's the point of finding my soulmate? It seems that my work will lead to nothing.”

“Let me tell you a little secret. Then you will decide if is worth it or not.”

The doctor gave her a serious look.

“Sometimes is not about you having a happy ending, but making one for the person you love most. Your case is rare because your purpose changed. You don't necessarily have to make him fall in love with you. You must bring him as close as possible to what he considers happiness.”

Kibo gazed at the man in front of her. She understood his words, but she wanted to be egoistic this time. After all, everything was for her dead friend.

“It's still early to make a decision.” She says while playing with her fingers.

This stupid fate for traveling through universes was supposed to be Aiko's future. If she would have survived the accident she would still not have the happy ending she deserves.

What would she say in this situation? What would she choose? What would she do?

“Give me a sign!” Kibo yelled out of frustration. “I don’t know what to do anymore!”

On her way home, she stopped by her friend's grave. She brought her a beautiful bouquet with white roses, Aiko’s favorites.

“It’s been a while… I hope you’re well!”

Kibo took some deep breaths before talking again.

“I grew fond of your help in difficult moments. No matter how much time passes by, I still find myself searching for your advice. May you help me again today! You’ve got a pretty handsome soulmate, Aiko!” A sad smile formed on her face. “He’s your type! He’s a little shy, but this makes him look cute! Haru is also a poor soul like you and me. He deserves better… What if I make it worse for him? I promised I will be there for him, but it’s not me the one supposed to help him.”

As she was complaining, a child approached her.

It was a crying little girl.

“Miss, have you seen my mother?”

“I’m not good with children!” Kibo thought to herself.

“I didn’t see anyone here. You should look for her somewhere else.”

The kid hugged one of Kibo’s legs.

“I’m scared! I don’t want to be alone!” The girl kept sobbing.

*sigh*

“I see… Let’s go look for your mother then.”

“Thank you very much!” She stopped crying and showed a bright smile. “I think she went this way!” The child pointed to the right.

The two of them started walking to an unknown destination. They didn’t know where their feet led them, neither the time they find the women. Still, the kid had a feeling that her mother was around here. She had a feeling that somehow they will reunite again if she tries to find her.

“I see you know pretty well this place. Why do you need my company then?” Kibo asked out of the blue.

“I’m not scared when I have a friend! I mean I want my mommy back, but until then, I have you.”

“The situation is still the same, kid.”

“No! It’s a little better!”

As she was ready to explain why she let out a loud “YAY!” and run to a woman.

“Mom!”

“Sara!”

It turned out that the kid’s hope wasn’t in vain.

“I was so worried! Do not leave my side ever again!” The woman caressed the girl’s hair.

“Mommy, this kind girl helped me find you!”

“Thank you! If I can repay you somehow-“

“Ma’am, you’ve got it all wrong! I didn’t do anything. I just walked along with your girl, so don’t worry about it!”

“You are incredible, Aiko!” Kibo thought to herself as she smiled. ”I guess someone is waiting for my return tonight!”