Baptism Of Fire

WOEBEGONE

LINCOLN'S POINT OF VIEW

I hate hospitals. I hate hearing the painful cries of people, I hate seeing parents whimpering over their child's death. I hate seeing wounds and blood. I hate the scent of antiseptic. I loathed it.

It's triggering may panic attacks, the atmosphere inside the hospital always reminds me of my brother- my brother who died from an accident.

I shook my head as my hands started shaking again. I bit my lips to calm myself down.

My gaze swiveled over the operating room. Despite my Nosocomephobia, the fear of hospitals, I choose to come over here to look after Josiah. It's already been two weeks since he's admitted, but he's not showing any vital signs yet.

A TV was playing quietly in one corner, a distraction that might help to keep my mind sane.

I stand up from my seat and face the doctor. "H-how is my friend, Doc?" I asked in a trembling voice.

"Your friend is already stable, but just like before, he hasn't wake up yet. But don't worry, if the improvement on his vital signs will continue, then it's safe to say that he'll wake up in a few days from now."

I smiled lightly at her. "Thank you, Doc."

He just pat my shoulder and walk away. I slump wearily on my seat again, kneading my throbbing head. Josiah's parents visited him a while ago, but they left right away because according to them, they have more important things to do. I wanted to burst out in anger when they told me that. Their child is lying on the hospital bed for almost two weeks now, yet they're still acting like some sort of an uncaring and apathetic parents.

I even doubt that they're genuinely concern with Josiah, they probably look at him as a fucking responsibility. That thought makes me agitated.

Someone nudged my shoulder. I open my eyes and look at the person. "Hey, Aeron," I whispered.

He smiled and handed me a cup of coffee. I accepted it and take a sip.

"You have no decent sleep ever since Josiah was brought here," he said in a worried tone.

Aeron's right. I can feel my eyes getting heavy right at that moment, dark circles is already visible under my eyes as well. I always go here after class ever since Josiah was hospitalized. I can't sleep in peace knowing that my friend is in grave danger.

Sometimes, some of my classmates would accompany me to look after him. Just like now, Aeron is with me.

I heave a heavy sigh. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine," I answered, though my worn out voice says otherwise.

"Josiah is really important to you," he said out of the blue.

I turned my attention to him and beamed. "Yeah, that bastard has always been my best friend since we were kids. If I'm in his situation right now, he will probably do the same thing."

"I admire your friendship," he said.

I punch his arms jokingly. "Don't tell me you're about to get emotional and tell me your life's narrative?"

He rolled his eyes. "Shut up," he said that made me chuckle.

We watch the people passing by in front of us in silence. My gaze turned to him when he stands up.

"You're going already?" I asked.

He nods his head. "Yeah, it's already seven in the evening. I don't want to hear an ear-splitting hissy fit from my mother if I come home late than what I told her," he said with a dead-pan look.