Chapter 38: He Should See You
The hospital room was quiet except for the rhythmic beep of the heart monitor and the soft hum of the IV drip. Jake's father, thinner than Jake remembered, lay against the pillows with an oxygen tube hooked beneath his nose. His eyes fluttered open as the door creaked.
Jake stepped in, whispering, "Dad… I brought someone."
His mother looked up from the chair beside the bed, her eyes tired but warm. When she saw Alya, Lisa, and Alex step in, she stood and greeted them with a polite smile.
Jake walked over, knelt by his father's bed, and gently touched his arm.
"These are the people who… helped me get back up."
His father's lips curled faintly. "You've changed… stronger… your eyes are different."
Jake chuckled through teary eyes. "Well… lifting dumbbells and arguing with Alex will do that to a man."
Alex grinned and stepped closer. "Sir, I run the gym Jake works at. He's been a big help, though a little too dramatic sometimes."
Jake's father laughed lightly—a rasping, short laugh—but it was real.
"Good to see someone could handle this guy."
Alya stepped forward shyly. "I… run a cake shop near the gym. Jake's been a great friend. He even taught me how to punch."
Jake's dad raised an eyebrow. "My son? Teaching someone to punch? What happened to the shy kid who cried over a scraped knee?"
Jake smiled as tears rolled down. "He had to grow up."
Lisa came last. Her eyes locked on Jake's father, and she bowed politely.
"I'm Lisa. I've known Jake… for a long time."
Jake's father looked at her, then at Jake, and smiled softly. "You must be the girl he wouldn't stop talking about years ago."
Lisa blushed and glanced at Jake, who looked away.
Jake's mom wiped her eyes. "Thank you… for being there for our son."
They all gathered close. Jake held his father's hand, the group standing in a quiet moment that felt like the world had slowed down. The family Jake had built outside… had finally met the family he came from.
His father coughed and whispered, "You've come a long way, son… and I'm proud of you. Just don't forget to laugh. It's your best medicine."
Jake sniffled. "You always said that…"
They shared a warm moment—fragile, but full of unspoken love.
Soon after, the nurse stepped in. "I'm sorry, visiting time is up."
Jake nodded and turned to his friends. "I'll walk you guys out."
But as they left the room, Lisa lingered.
"Jake… can I talk to you for a second?"
The others understood and gave them space.
In the empty hallway outside the hospital room, Lisa placed a hand on Jake's arm. He was quiet, looking away, trying to hold himself together.
"You don't have to do that with me," she said gently.
Jake's shoulders trembled. "I'm scared, Lisa. I just got them back… and now I might lose him."
Lisa pulled him into a hug—no hesitation, no words. Just warmth.
"Then let us hold you this time," she whispered. "You don't have to be the strong one alone."
Jake hugged her back tightly, letting the tears fall.
In the quiet hospital corridor, the walls bore witness to the healing of a boy who had carried too much, for too long.