Needing A Spring Day

14. Four Walls

Taehyung glanced down at the slip of paper in his hands, the unknown number attached to the name of the person he loved most drawing in an abundant amount of questions. He hadn't requested to make a call since being transferred to the new facility a few weeks back, too scared to admit he was missing so much back home and not wanting that to depress him even more.

Not to mention he couldn't stand to hear any form of disappointment from anyone.

But after spending that final day in court, and not seeing the one he was most scared to face present, he couldn't avoid it any longer.

"Hurry it up, Kid." The guard bellowed, adjusting his trousers as he motioned with his head to the mounted phone.

Nodding, Tae stepped forward and took the phone off the hook. The dial tone made his mouth dry with anxiety and the sharp sound of each number being entered only made matters worse.

Holding the paper against his chest, Tae listened to the call ring out, repeating the encouraging words he had been telling himself for the last hour since requesting a call. I'm going to be fine. She won't be mad. We'll be okay.

Finally, the line clicked, snapping him back to the moment. "State your name after the tone."

Taehyung cleared his throat and waited for the tone to sound before following the directions the automated system had given. "Kim Taehyung." He rasped, clearing his throat once again after hearing how rough he sounded.

After a few seconds of defining silence, the voice sounded again. "Call accepted. Connecting now."

Licking his dry lips, Taehyung clutched the phone with both hands as his nerves transitioned into excitement. His call was accepted. That was a good sign, right?

"Hello? Tae?"

Tears filled his eyes at the sound of her beautiful voice. After so many weeks apart, fearing this moment, he couldn't help but feel emotional.

Collecting his thoughts, Tae cleared his throat again and took a deep breath.

But he broke.

Tears flowed from his eyes and silent sobs left his throat, the pain in his chest combusting and overwhelming him completely. Hearing her voice after all this time was like a breath of fresh air.

"Oh, my Tae -Bear. Please don't cry."

"I'm so sorry mom." He cried, wiping at his damp, reddened face. "I couldn't protect you. I'm so sorry."

"Tae, please don't think that way. I was the one who failed to protect you." Her voice was soft and loving, wrapping him in a warm hug he had been so desperate to feel. "Namjoon told me you won your case. I'm so thankful you get to go home soon. I've been so worried about you."

"I can't wait to see you, mom. I'm sorry I haven't called. I just couldn't handle disappointing you."

"You could never disappoint me Tae. I'm glad you finally did call. I leave for Japan tomorrow and was worried I wouldn't have the chance to talk to you."

"Japan? Why are you going to Japan?" Taehyung felt his tears instantly cease as he asked the question, the situation feeling even more serious than he had expected.

The line remained quiet for a moment. "I'm transferring to a new facility." She informed, her voice quivering with each word. "One that'll focus more directly on my mental health."

"Mental? What for?"

"It's a long conversation I think we should have face to face once I'm back. The facility I've been staying at thinks it would be best for me to be in a different environment, at least until I am more independent."