Somebody That I Used To Know

Just Tired

"Thomas, darling," Diana says. "What's going on? Why haven't you told me about this?"

"I didn't want to worry you, Mum." Tom replies, biting at the skin around his nails. "I'm fine."

"You're fine? You didn't think that calling your mother about what was happening was important? I would've been out there in-"

"I don't need you to come out here. I love you very much and I enjoy seeing you, but you shouldn't have to spend all your time in New York worrying about me. As I've told Molly countless times, I'm perfectly fine. It was nothing like last time."

"I had to find this out because someone somehow recognized me in a grocery store and told me about how sorry they were about what was happening to my son. I was terrified, I thought you hurt yourself or something."

"I didn't hurt myself."

"No, you just were being forced into being with his person. It disgusts me, Thomas, and I'm coming to see you."

"No, Mum, you're not. Stay home. I love you but please, there's no reason to do this."

"No, no, Tom, no, no. I need to make sure that you're alright."

"I'm just fine."

"Why didn't you tell me what was happening to you? I've been calling you less because you always tell me how busy you are with Lily and-"

"I am busy."

"Yeah, you're busy. I know what you're busy doing."

"Mum-"

"Thomas, it's not your fault." Diana says. "But I know why you wouldn't talk to me. Why didn't you tell me what happened?"

"Because I knew that you'd do this," Tom groans. "That's why not. I'm fine, Mum, please leave it alone."

"You know what this is like as a parent? You just want to hold your baby and tell them that everything is okay but you can't because they're a grown man and are so far from home. I ask that you please just tell me what's going on with my baby."

"I'm not a baby anymore."

"I know you're not." Diana says. "That's why this is so hard. I can't protect you like I used to be able to. Before, I could just pick you up and hold you in my arms until all of your problems went away. Now... I have to watch while my child is being hurt and there's nothing that I can do about it."

"I don't need your protection, Mum, don't worry about it. I'm doing okay. I would love for you to come visit us, but you better not be coming because you're scared for my well-being."

"I love you, darling."

"I love you too, Mum. I'll talk to you later, alright?"

"Okay, my love."

Tom groans and hangs up the phone.  He walks upstairs to see Molly folding laundry on their bed. "Do you need help?"

"No, no, you're gonna put it away," Molly replies. "You know that I hate putting away clothes."

"And I hate folding them."

"Exactly."

Tom picks up the laundry basket and sets it down next to the bed. "Hello, darling."

"What in the world are you doing? I have to finish this."

"Just lay here for a minute. In fact... my back is quite sore and I don't have to time to go for a massage..."

"No." Molly strictly says and laughs. "Not right now, sweetheart."

"Please?" Tom pleads, looking up at Molly, giving her puppy dog eyes.

"I hate you."

Tom chuckles and wiggles until he's directly next to Molly. He closes his eyes and uses his arms as a pillow.

Molly groans and gently lifts Tom's shirt, kneading the skin underneath. He lets out a relaxed sigh and Molly tries to hold back her smile.

"What do you want for dinner?" Tom asks, his voice soft and slightly slurring being becoming tired.

"I was thinking about penne with pesto?"

"Mhm, that sounds lovely."

"Good. They had chocolate lava cakes at the store and I debated picking some up, maybe I'll go while I put you in charge of making the noodles."

"I'll agree to that..."

Molly pats Tom on the back and lies down next to him, their eyes meeting.
Tom lets out a large yawn, Molly slightly giggling. "Tired?"

"Very. I didn't sleep well last night."

"No? Why not?"

"Eh, I don't... I don't know. I just had trouble falling asleep."

"Did you sleep through the night?"

"Yeah, for about 5 hours. I don't know, it's fine, don't worry about me."

Molly kisses Tom on the cheek and gets off of the bed, continuing to fold the laundry.

"Molly?" he quietly says.

"Yes, dear?"

"You're never going to leave me, right?"

"Why in the world would you ask that?" Molly says.

"I... I just want to make sure. I can't imagine my life without you."

"I love you, Tommy."

"I love you too, Mols."

Then, a loud buzzing sound fills the room. Tom shoots up to look at his phone... and both him and Molly's face drop.