The Day We Met

Accidents Happened

Beam had been so nervous as they tried to get him into the MRI, even with the fresh blood pumping through his veins. He began banging on the equipment, so they carried him outside and tranquilized him. After that, Beam relaxed and let them carry on as they pleased. He didn't even object as they finished stitching his face, just as they had finished stitching the wound on his chest.

"My friends?" Although there was still a tinge of dread when he thought about what might have happened to them, he asked almost carelessly. When he was so exhausted, it was difficult to think about.

"We'll let you know when we can."

"Phong--"

"I don't know." The nurse drew back and lay his hand on Beam's arm. "Rest."

Beam was opposed to it. He was curious as to Phong's condition. He wished to speak with Pha. His desire was to see Forth. But all he could manage was to lie in bed, and after only a few minutes, sleep had won.

**

"Beam?"

When Beam heard his brother's voice, he opened his eyes. He didn't remember falling asleep, so he had no way of knowing how much time had gone once he awoke.

Standing over him was Phayu. He softly placed his hand on Beam's. "You told the nurse to contact me."

Beam's brow wrinkled. "I did?"

"You did." Phayu took his hand away. "I called your parents. They told me to tell you they love you and they'll be here when you're discharged later today."

"Today?"

"The 6th. It's a little after eight in the morning."

Beam attempted to sit up, but the motion tore at his body, ripping off a patch that had been mended, and he fell back to the ground.

. "How-- are my friends?"

"I only know about you. Was Forth with you?"

"I--" Beam wished he had spoken to his brother about how Forth had hurt him and how he had broken up with him, but their occasional exchanges since then had avoided the topic. "Yeah."

"I'm sure he's all right."

"Yeah..."

He wasn't, though. He was unable to be. This had simply brought up memories of what had occurred to Earth in the past. If Phong was also deceased,

If Phong was dead...

"Is there any way you can check?" He asked.

"I don't think they'll tell me." Phayu responded.

Beam and Phayu both turned their heads toward the door as a man cleared his throat. As he approached, Pha was standing there, looking paler than usual and obviously exhausted.

"They discharged me about half an hour ago. Forth's dad and I spoke. He underwent surgery on his arm, and today they are releasing him. And Phong underwent surgery. They won't know how he would feel mentally until he wakes up because of his fragile condition."

"Is he brain dead?" Beam asked.

"They don't think so."

Think but not know.

Pha looked at Beam's brother. "Phayu?"

"Yes."

Pha extended his hand. "Pha. Beam and I are friends.

Beam still felt like he was reeling as they clasped hands. However, Forth was fine. He was hearing Pha speak. There was

"Beam?" " Pha started. "How are you? "