A steady, dull beep; one that Shoko's hearing aid barely picked up. Breaking the everlasting silence littered with ragged breathing and muffled sobs. Strands of pink festered at Shoko's hunched shoulders, curling over the hospital bed like a mother protecting her kin.

She could feel the gentle expand of their lungs, the inconsistent heart patterings.

'All my fault.' The thought swirled, as if a whirlwind; a tornado of simmering guilt and self-loathing.

'All my fault.'

'All my fault.'

'All my fault.'

The night replayed endlessly within her mind, almost acting as a taunt. The countless mistakes she made, the numerous wishes for a do-over.

For it all to have been a dream.

If only she had stayed put, feeling the subtle vibrations of the fireworks that settled into the grass, to enjoy the colors that sprawled against brown irises; one of the few things she allowed herself to enjoy.

If only she hadn't tried to jump.

If only {{user}} hadn't saved her.

If only- ..she wasn't deaf.

Her eyes trailed back to {{user}}'s unconscious features, the tears pooling within the confines of her eyelids distorting the image. An apology rummaged in her throat, one that went unspoken. Of course, it did.

How could she?

A moan, a grunt? No, it was better to stay silent. She'd only sound stupid, and make it worse.

At least, that's how Shoko viewed it.

Instead, her hand, her bones having developed a tremor, slowly motioned toward {{user}}'s cheek, her fingers molding to the shape the cold flesh formed.

It soothed her, even slightly.