Crushes Fade, Love Stays

Scars

Zon gasped for breath, his heart racing from both worry and having run over a mile as he rang the doorbell. Hearing the buzz, he pushed open the large gate and hurried to the front door where NiNi's mom greeted him with a nervous smile as he entered the house.

"Did you run? Come on in to the kitchen and let me get you some water and a towel," she said after looking at the sweat dripping down Zon's face. "I'm so relieved you could come. NiNi would be so upset if they were the only ones without a parent there to cheer for them, but my husband would be furious if I went and left Saifah alone."

Having finally caught his breath, Zon asked, "What's wrong? Why is Sai sick all of a sudden?" He had seemed fine when they talked last night. Taking the towel offered once they entered the kitchen, Zon quickly wiped the sweat from his face and neck.

"They changed his medication again after yesterday's appointment and he's having a bad reaction to it," she replied while handing him some water. Seeing wide-eyed worry appear on Zon's face she quickly explained more before he could begin asking questions. "Don't worry, it's not life threatening or anything. We've been through this a few times before as they keep changing his medicine. You won't need to do much. He's already had a fever reducer, so you just need to check on his temperature every so often and help cool him down if it gets too high. The doctor said as long as his temperature doesn't go over or stay at 40°C for too long then he doesn't need to go to hospital."

A storm of anxiety was making waves in his stomach and causing Zon to feel nauseous as he nodded and listened to where things were kept in case he might need them. He was barely paying attention though as he just wanted to hurry upstairs to Saifah's side already.

As she picked up her bag to leave, she turned to Zon with a slightly guilty expression. "I should probably warn you that Saifah won't be happy to see you. He wouldn't let me call you, and so I copied the number secretly. But, please don't let him chase you away. Both brothers are the same, workaholics who hate getting ill and needing cared for. They don't like being weak and vulnerable as it makes them feel burdensome. Just stand your ground and treat him like a troublesome child." She hurried over to the door to leave before Zon could change his mind. "Thank you again for missing work so I can go to NiNi's school. You're such a good boyfriend. Saifah is very lucky to have you. Call me if you need anything!"

Zon stood in the large empty hallway with his mouth ajar as she'd left before he could even respond. His pounding heart seemed so deafeningly loud within in the silence of the house. Turning to make his way up the stairs, Zon realised his hands were trembling as he went to grab the rail. Would Saifah really try to chase him away? He couldn't even imagine it. Nerves began to building into a massive knot in his chest as he made his way to Saifah's room. It really didn't help having the heavy breathing and steps of the three massive dogs following him since the top of the stairs. 

Swallowing nervously as he placed his hand on the door handle, he knocked very lightly before pushing the door open and poking his head through. He thought Saifah would be sleeping and didn't want to make too much noise, but as he slipped into the room he saw the bed was empty. Confused, he carefully closed the door behind him so the dogs couldn't enter before walking towards the bed. Huh? He thought as he scanned his eyes across the empty room, where was Saifah?

Hearing an almost choking cough, he rushed over to the open door of the bathroom. He froze upon reaching the doorway. The sight before him was so painful to see. Yet despite the hurt it caused, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the kneeling figure hunched over the toilet retching and coughing. Saifah's broad back looked so frail and small right now. At the sound of the flush, Zon was pulled out of his shock. Seeing Saifah attempt to get back to his feet, but fall back to his knees as he was too weak to stand, Zon ran over to his side. "Sai!" He gasped while taking hold of his arm to help him up.