All We Have Left

Chapter Three: What Comes Next?

    Michael woke up and groaned, rubbing at one of his eyes. His body ached, and for a moment, he couldn't quite tell where he was. Relaxing, he remembered and snuggled farther under the blankets.

    When Henry woke up, he decided to make breakfast while he waited for Michael to wake up. Once done, he decided that it was a good time to check on him. Quietly opening the door, he checked to see if Mike was awake.

    Michael glanced up at him when he opened the door, peeking out from under the blankets. He blinked a few times. "Uhh..morning," he mumbled.

    Henry smiled, opening the door a bit wider. "Morning, Michael. I've made breakfast if you're hungry. It'd also be a good time to put some more medicine on your face. As well as change the ice packs."

    Michael shifted his position, wincing. "O-ow, um, I guess I could try eating."

    "Do you think you can walk? I don't mind carrying you again if I have to." His expression shifted to one of worry.

    "I'm sure I can, you don't need to carry me, i-it's fine." Michael took a shuddering breath and slowly sat up. He winced harder, wrapping an arm around his stomach. "Idiot William," he muttered under his breath.

    Henry looked unsure as he walked into the room. He stood by Michael side in case he were to fall. "You're doing great Michael, just don't push yourself alright?"

    "I'm fine." Michael pulled off the blankets. Taking a deep breath, he put his legs over the side of the bed. His teeth gritted as he rose, and he immediately grabbed onto Henry's arm for support. "Sorry. I thought I would feel better today, I just-" He sighed heavily.

    "It's alright, Michael. You're already quite strong for even being able to stand on your own." Henry bent down to pick Michael up, carrying him to the dining table. "I'll set you up a plate, and we can reapply the ointment and ice packs after."

    Michael nodding faintly, looking a bit embarrassed. "Thanks."

    "You're welcome." Henry smiled. He prepared a plate for both him and Michael, setting them down with cutlery and napkins. As he sat down, his face became a little more serious. "About what's going to happen next Michael..."

    Michael swallowed hard and nodded again. "Yeah, um...do you know what we're gonna do?"

    Henry paused before nodding slowly. "I am not going to let you go back to living with William." A small smile appeared on Henry's face, and he turned to Michael. "I thought on it a lot last night, Michael, and if you're okay with it..." He inhaled heavily. "I'm going to adopt you. When this is all over, and William is put in jail or whatever, I...I want to be able to call you my son. It's okay if you would rather live with any relatives you may have back in England, but I thought the idea should still be present. It's up to you."

    Michael dropped his silverware, staring at Henry with wide eyes for a moment. "You're sure? Why-" He shook his head. "Why would you want me? I-I thought...that..." He trailed off, glancing away and whispering, "Course I'd love if you adopted me, I just, uh, I wasn't expecting you to actually offer." He gave a small, bewildered laugh.