Chapter 4: ECHOES OF IDENTITY
After everyone left, Evan's brother Jaxon lingered in the room, looking torn. Evan tried to find the words to speak to his brother, but his emotions got the best of him. Jaxon turned to leave, but a few moments later, he returned, having forgotten his phone.
Evan took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to talk to Jaxon. "Jaxon, wait..."
Jaxon looked back, surprised. "Yes?"
Evan's voice trembled. "I... I need to talk to you. There's something important you need to know."
Evan's heart pounded as he stared at his brother. The words he wanted to say were trapped in his throat, tangled with fear and uncertainty. Jaxon looked confused but concerned, waiting for him to speak.
Evan took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "Jaxon, I... I just wanted to say thank you for being here. It means a lot."
Jaxon's expression softened. "Of course, Sara. We're all here for you. Just focus on getting better."
Evan nodded, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. He knew he couldn't reveal the truth, not yet. "I will. Thanks, Jaxon."
As Jaxon left, Evan sank back into the hospital bed, feeling more alone than ever. He missed his own body, his own life. But most of all, he missed Yoona. The thought of her kept him awake at night, wondering if she even knew about the accident.
He remembered the ring he had bought, the proposal he had planned. He had wanted to marry her, to spend his life with her. But now, everything had changed. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, filling him with sadness and uncertainty.
Next morning.
The door creaked open, and a nurse walked in with a tray of breakfast. "Good morning, Sara. How are you feeling today?"
Evan forced a smile. "A bit better, thank you."
As the nurse left, Evan tried to gather his thoughts. He needed to see his own body and understand what had happened. But first, he needed to find a way to leave the room without arousing suspicion.
Just then, Adison entered, looking relieved to see him awake. "Good morning, Sara. I brought you some flowers. I thought they might brighten your day."
Evan felt a pang of discomfort but accepted the flowers with a nod. "Thank you, Adison. That's very thoughtful."
Adison smiled and leaned in closer, his eyes softening. "I was so worried about you." He moved to kiss Evan on the forehead, but Evan instinctively looked away.
Adison's face fell, hurt evident in his eyes. "Sara, what's wrong? Did I do something to upset you?"
Evan's heart raced. "I'm sorry, I just... I need some space. Please understand."
Adison looked hurt but nodded. "Okay, I'll give you some time. Just know that I'm here for you, whenever you're ready."
As Adison left the room, Evan felt a mix of guilt and relief. He knew he had to keep his distance while searching for answers. This body, this life—it wasn't his, and he couldn't pretend otherwise. The strangeness of the situation made him feel angry and trapped.
Later that afternoon, Adison returned and suggested they go for a walk.
"Sara, how about a walk? It might help clear your mind," Adison said gently.
Evan agreed, hoping the fresh air might help. "Sure, let's go."
As they walked through the hospital garden, Evan's thoughts raced. He couldn't shake the feeling that his soul was trapped in Sara's body. How did the accident occur? What happened that night with Sara?
Adison broke the silence. "Sara, I know this is hard for you. You were on your way to meet me for our date when the accident happened. The man in the other car... his name is Evan. It's all so unfortunate."
Evan's heart skipped a beat. "I know," he said quietly. "I met his brother earlier. It was... heartbreaking."
Adison looked puzzled. "How did you meet his brother?"
Evan's eyes softened with a hint of sadness. "He was in the hallway earlier. We spoke briefly. It's such a tragic situation."
Adison nodded slowly. "It's a terrible situation for everyone involved. But you should rest and not worry too much about it."
Evan took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Adison, can you help me meet him? Evan, I mean."
Adison looked surprised. "Why do you want to see him, Sara? You should focus on your recovery."
Evan's eyes pleaded. "I just... I need to. I want to understand exactly what happened. Please, Adison."
After a moment, Adison sighed. "Alright. If it means that much to you, I'll take you to see him."
As they walked towards the ICU, Evan saw his own body from outside the room. An oxygen mask covered his face, and his body was wrapped in bandages. Evan's mind filled with confusion. How could he be alive when his soul was in this girl's body? His thoughts were interrupted by Jaxon's words.
Jaxon walked up and asked, "How are you both feeling?"
Adison replied, "Sara is recovering, but it's been tough. She's still processing everything."
Evan, unable to contain himself, suddenly asked, "What about Evan's condition? Is he... recovering?"
Jaxon sighed heavily. "Evan's in bad shape. He has severe brain damage. The doctors are doing everything they can, but it's not looking good."
Adison added, "It's a very difficult situation. We're all hoping for the best, but it's a waiting game now."
Evan felt tense, his mind racing with thoughts of how to fix everything and reveal the truth. "Brain damage? That sounds serious. What are his chances of recovery?"
Jaxon looked pained as he spoke. "The doctors say it's uncertain. He might never wake up. Even if he does, there's no guarantee of how much he'll recover."
Evan's heart sank. He needed to find a way to switch back and save himself. He looked at Jaxon and Adison, their faces etched with worry. "I wish there was more we could do for him."
Adison nodded. "We all do. But right now, we have to focus on your recovery, Sara."
Evan saw Jaxon glance at his phone and then back at him. "Sara, if you need anything or want to talk, I'm here. Just let me know."
Evan nodded. "Thanks, Jaxon. Actually, there's something I need to tell you when we get a moment alone."
Jaxon looked curious but nodded. "Of course. We can talk whenever you're ready."
Just then, Adison's phone rang. He looked at the screen and said, "Excuse me, I need to take this call." He stepped a few paces away to answer the phone.
Evan saw his chance. He turned to Jaxon, his heart pounding. "Jaxon, I need to talk to you. There's something important you need to know."
Jaxon looked at him with concern. "What is it, Sara?"
Evan hesitated, the words caught in his throat. "I... I just need you to promise me something."
Jaxon frowned. "What do you need?"
Evan struggled to find the right words. "Just... stay close. I feel like I'm losing myself."
Jaxon nodded slowly. "I promise. We'll get through this together."
Evan felt a mixture of relief and frustration. He couldn't tell Jaxon everything, but at least he had his brother's support. As Jaxon left the room, Evan's thoughts turned back to the Black Moon Night. He had to learn more about it, to understand how it had caused the soul exchange and if there was any way to reverse it. His journey for answers was just beginning.