Submerge

S H A T T E R

N A T H A N

The phone call came unexpectedly, shattering the monotony of my afternoon study session. Coach Anderson's voice was tense, each word heavy with concern. "Nathan, it's about Mason. He's had a panic attack at the school pool. He's in the nurse's office now."

I felt my heart drop, a mixture of fear and urgency coursing through me. Dropping everything, I rushed out of the apartment, Liam's voice trailing behind me, filled with worry.

Mason, back at the pool? He hadn't been near a pool since... since Emma

Arriving at the school, I hurried to the nurse's office, my breath ragged with anxiety. The nurse, a kind-faced woman, met me at the door. "He's just inside, still unconscious but stable," she said, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and professionalism.

The sight that greeted me was like a punch to the gut. Mason lay there, pale and still on a cot, his eyes closed, a haunted expression on his face. He looked so vulnerable, so far removed from the confident, vibrant brother I remembered.

"He kept saying it was his fault, and i saw scares on his wrists" Coach Anderson continued, his voice low. "Nathan, what's going on with him?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's... it's been tough since Emma." i turned my gaze to Mason's wrists "I caught him multiple times after what happened and i made sure he won't hurt himself again"

We stood there in silence, two figures united by our concern for Mason. The coach eventually excused himself.

After what felt like an eternity, Mason stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, there was a flicker of confusion before a veil of sorrow descended over them. He looked at me, and then, turning away, he started to cry, silent tears that spoke volumes.

I reached out, but he shrank back, a wordless plea for solitude.

unsure of what to do or say. The silence was broken only by Mason's quiet sobs, each one a dagger to my heart.

Leaving Mason in the care of the nurse, I stepped outside and called Mom and it went as I feared.

Her concern for Mason was overshadowed by her own worries. "Nathan, you have your studies. Mason is not a child. He needs to learn to cope."

Her words ignited a fire within me. "Cope? He's not coping, Mom! He's drowning, and we're just watching him sink!"

The conversation ended with me hanging up, frustration boiling over. I texted Dad, my message clear and final. "Mason is staying with me. This is not up for discussion. He needs me." I wasn't asking for permission; I was informing them of a decision already made.

When I returned to Mason's side, he was awake but staring blankly at the ceiling. His eyes were red-rimmed, the aftermath of his silent tears.

"Mason, you're going to stay with me for a few days," I said gently.

He didn't respond, didn't acknowledge my words. His silence was a wall I didn't know how to breach.

The drive to my apartment was quiet. Mason sat beside me, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, lost in a world I couldn't reach.

Once we arrived, I helped him inside and showed him to the guest room. 

--

Liam came home later that evening, his expression turning to one of concern as he saw Mason. "Hey, how's he doing?" Liam whispered to me in the kitchen, nodding subtly towards Mason's closed door.