Chapter 188 - Memories

"Hey Sato, I am sure you remember the ski trip that we went on recently," Gray held the boy's small hands gently as he spoke to Sato, "That day's weather was perfect to learn how to ski. We were at the gentle slopes together as the instructor taught you how to ski properly."

"I remember how you struggled to keep your skis closer. Your legs would get further and further apart. It was like you were trying to do a split." Gray chuckled a little as he recalled the day's event.

"Of course, you eventually got the hang of it and the rest was natural for you." Gray took out his phone as he showed Sato whose eyes were open. Gray had opened up his photo gallery and started showing pictures of their ski trip. The snow white mountains that stretched far out was captured in the photo. In addition, there was even one of Sato and Gray standing side by side. Seeing Sato's smile in the photo, Gray turned to look at the boy in the hospital bed. Much has changed in a span of 3 months.

"When you recover, I will take you anywhere you'd like to go. If you do not want to do something, you do not have to. If you want something, you can have it. All I want is for you to show me that smile once again." Gray kissed Sato's hand as he looked into the boy's apathetic eyes. There was no response, but Gray did not stop there.

He continued to show photos of their holiday in Country J. The couple had went to the star observatory at night to look at the night sky. The place was normally not accessible to the public as this was where renowned astronomers study planets, comets, stars and other astronomical objects in space. For Gray, it was easily achievable.

The young master of the Tobion family was even able to get one of the visiting astronomers to be their guide in the galaxy for that night. As he explained to the pair what they were about to see, Sato and Gray were able to see it firsthand through the Terrahand Telescope. This was already the second best telescope to be built on earth.

The couple even got to operate the Terrahand Telescope under the supervision of the astronomer. It was a unique date that not many in their lifetime could experience. Sato eventually finds a dwarf planet, namely Gliese 682.

"Gliese 682, a red dwarf planet that is approximately 16 light years away from the Earth. The planet is located in the constellation of Scorpius." The guide explained to the couple.

The sky was cloudless that night and so it was the perfect moment to observe planets. Sato who was especially intrigued did not forget to take photos as reminiscence. Gray swiped to the photo of which Sato had taken. It was the photo of Gliese 682.

"You remember how excited you were when you discovered a red circle in space? You were so ecstatic like a little boy getting to eat some candy."

The couple also had a cheese fondue machine set up for dinner that night in the observatory. They sat on the floor, picnic style. Above them was a clear glass dome similar to their hotel room. As they had their dinner, they were able to enjoy the night sky as dessert. Gray took a sneaky photo of Sato who was stuffing his mouth with potatoes. His eyes was focus on the stars, which was the reason why he did not realise Gray was taking a photo of him.

Seeing that photo now, Gray could not help, but cry. The innocence in the photo was really contagious. Tears were coming out of his eyes without his permission. It was the first time Gray had cried after the kidnapping. He had been able to stay strong in front of Sato's parents. Only now was Gray's emotions released.

The General c.a.r.e.s.sed Sato's hand as he looked at the photos he had taken secretly. Although Sato was currently in a vegetative state, those photos were meant for himself and himself only. Gray loved Sato's clumsy and whimsical moments. It was that part of Sato that especially attracted him. And now, all of that was gone and he was left with a shell. Oh how he wished he was the one in that state instead of Sato.

Enough of that, Gray stood up from his seat and left to the balcony. He needed some fresh air. The weather had gradually gotten warmer as spring was starting soon. Gray took out his phone as he checked his messages. There were messages coming in from different people, asking about Sato. People like Pete Kouglas and Marion Lee, who were close friends of Gray. They had heard about it from their parents and wanted to check in with Gray. It had been two weeks since he last checked his messages and so only now did he reply. There wasn't much to it except, "Sato is in a vegetative state and would stay like this for an indefinite period of time."

Another person that had messaged Gray was Ming. The young man who has or had feelings for Sato was truly worried about him. Knowing that Ming was someone of great importance in Sato's life, Gray told the boy that he was allowed to visit Sato when he liked. Of course, when Ming got the message, he asked if he could go visit today. Gray accepted the request and had sent Hank to pick him up from the University.