OneShots - Shawn Mendes

My Crime

Favorite Crime- Olivia Rodrigo

Inspired by In Another Life by LittleLuxray 

"Hey," I squeezed Shawn's hand as he lay there.

The breeze was drab and piercing, and the stale room had little to offer, except for a small window by the hospital bed. But now only pale snow could be seen outside.

"How are you feeling?" I turned to him. He was weak- that anyone could see. The once muscular and charming man had now shrunk to become this- this limp figure with a sad smile from time to time.

Day by day, I can see the life drain out of him.

I don't want to come here anymore.

I can't see him like this.

"A-okay! I'll be moving around and outta here by tomorrow! Just you wait," Shawn winked playfully, "then I can finally beat you in that game."

I force myself to let out a chuckle; we both know he's not going to be out and about anytime soon, let alone tomorrow, but we like to pretend sometimes.

"Sure sure," I roll my eyes, "you mean the one where you always die in the first round?"

Shawn pouted, faking annoyance.

Just from hearing him, anyone would simply assume he is a healthy, stupid guy in his 20s.

They fail to notice his deteriorating voice and the fact that he has already given up.

This uncomfortable silence fills the room. I have to say what I'm dreading.

"I'm not coming here anymore."

"Oh," Shawn looks at me, his pale lips pressed together in a thin line. His face was blank, and his voice monotone because he knew this was coming.

I hope he understands.

"I- I'm sorr-" I start, but am cut off sharply.

"Don't say anything. Don't-" he pauses to catch a breath, "make it worse."

I look away for a while and choose to stare at the lifeless snow through the hospital window, doing as much as I can to avoid the tension I've created.

"This is your last visit then," he spoke, his words coming out hoarse. I didn't say anything, just handed a glass of water to him while helping him sit up on the bed.

While he drank, I took notice of the tubes sticking out various parts of his arms, and the steady beeping of the monitor. He looked so frail, so I averted my gaze.

"Let's sneak out."

My lips curl upwards slightly, but I shake my head, "In broad daylight? Stupid, that would never work."

"Darn, I wanted to go to an amusement park, and then have a picnic and stargaze with you," he sighed.

I force a small smile, even though it pains me.

"Well, let's just settle for a trip down the hallway and a stop by the vending machine?"

I didn't fail to notice the slight grimace Shawn made when he heard those words, but that expression was as soon as gone, replaced by a blank stare and the words, "Sure."

I grabbed the empty cup from his hand and placed it on the table, then held his wrists to help him stand up.

His feet wobbled unsteadily, and he grasped at my shoulders to steady himself.

"Got it?" He hummed in response, and I lightly let go of my grip on his wrists, instead throwing my arm around his shoulder.

Step by step, I help him walk out of the cramped room and into the busy halls. Patients in hospital gowns, doctors and nurses rushing past- the hallway was ever so busy. No one even paid attention to us. It wouldn't have been that hard to sneak out of here, but I somehow didn't want to do that.