Our beloved youth

27: Rebuilding broken bonds

Jason wiped away his tears, but Kevin's troubled expression haunted him. He couldn't shake the memory of Kevin walking away with a purpose that Jason couldn't comprehend. His worry drove him to action; without hesitation, he retrieved his bike and hurried after Kevin.

Approaching Kevin's apartment, Jason anticipated Kevin would stop there, but instead, Kevin kept walking. Confusion knitted Jason's brow.

"Where is he going?" Jason muttered to himself as he trailed Kevin. Minutes passed before Kevin halted in front of a hospital, specifically a psychiatrist's office, a place unfamiliar to Jason in relation to Kevin.

Jason's concern deepened. "It can't be..."

He parked his bike and followed Kevin into the building. Inside, he approached the receptionist with a troubled expression.

"How may I help you?" the receptionist inquired politely.

"Is there a patient named Kevin here today?" Jason asked urgently.

The receptionist checked her records. "Yes, sir, we do have a patient by that name visiting today."

Jason's heart raced. "Can you tell me why he's here and for how long?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but I can't disclose patient details," the receptionist replied apologetically.

Frustrated, Jason pleaded, "Please, it's important."

Before the receptionist could respond, a man approached from behind.

"What happened?" the man asked, directing his attention to Jason and the receptionist.

Relieved to have someone intervene, the receptionist explained the situation to the man, identified as Dr. Ivan.

"Let me handle this," Dr. Ivan said to the receptionist, who nodded and resumed her duties.

Turning to Jason, Ivan asked calmly, "What's your name?"

"Jason," he replied, feeling somewhat reassured by Ivan's demeanor.

"All right, Jason. Tell me what you need," Ivan prompted gently.

"I need to know about a patient named Kevin," Jason said with urgency.

Ivan closed his eyes briefly, recalling, then adjusted his white coat. "I know Kevin, he is one of my patient. Are you a friend of his?"

Jason nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.

"I can't allow you to join his session, but I can share some general information," Ivan explained.

Desperate for any insight, Jason leaned in attentively.

"Medication and counseling are part of his treatment, but he also needs strong support from those close to him," Ivan revealed. "He's here for acute trauma, possibly complicated by complex trauma."

Though Jason didn't fully understand, he grasped the severity of Kevin's condition. "Will he get better?"

"He will, but healing takes time as well as support," Ivan assured him.

Jason absorbed Dr. Ivan's words, feeling a weight settle on his shoulders. Ivan's hand on his shoulder brought Jason's attention back.

"You need to be there for him," Ivan advised softly, seeking Jason's commitment.

Nodding solemnly, Jason agreed silently.

After Mr. Ivan went inside, Jason stood outside the hospital, staring at the sky as thoughts raced through his mind.

"What have I done... I was so consumed by my grief, I forgot Kevin must be hurting too," Jason reflected, his eyes moistening.

-Time skip-

When Kevin emerged, Jason was waiting. Wanting to speak but unsure how, Jason watched as Kevin avoided his gaze and walked past. Jason abandoned his bike and approached Kevin tentatively.

"How long have you been going there?" Jason asked quietly, his throat tight with emotion.

Kevin halted and looked back at Jason. "Since the week after I came back," he replied softly.

Jason blinked, feeling guilt weigh heavily on him. "Is it because of me?" he ventured, needing to know.

Kevin shook his head. "It's no one's fault, Jason. No one's," Kevin assured him, tears brimming in his eyes.

Jason wanted to say more, but Kevin continued, tears slipping down his cheeks. "It's me, Jason. I'm at fault..." Kevin confessed, anguish in his voice as he covered his face.

Watching his friend in pain, Jason felt a pang of remorse. He couldn't find the words to confront Kevin's pain, so he stood silently, allowing Kevin to release his emotions.

When Kevin finally quieted, Jason asked softly, "Are you okay now?"

Kevin nodded, his expression weary.

Jason sighed deeply. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely, meeting Kevin's gaze.

Kevin looked at Jason, his eyes reflecting understanding. "It's okay, Jason. I never blamed you. I always knew you didn't mean any harm," Kevin replied gently. "It's just... I wish I had reached Aaron that day," Kevin admitted sadly.

Jason shook his head. "Kevin, it's not your fault, and now that I think Aaron wouldn't want to see us this way" Jason said while Kevin slowly nodded.

Kevin fell silent, and a moment of awkwardness settled between them. "Shall we go on my bike?" Jason suggested tentatively.

Kevin nodded silently. "Sure," he murmured.

They both mounted the bike, and Jason started the engine but then exclaimed after few seconds "Why are you holding onto me like that?" Jason exclaimed as he speeded his bike while Kevin just pretended to not listen to him and leaned his head on his back, as he teased him. 

"There's definitely something wrong with you, Kevin!!" Jason said as he drove away while Kevin couldn't help but gave a small smile.

Time skip

"Hello?" Elina answered a call, her brow furrowing at the unfamiliar voice.

"I'm Jason," the voice replied.

Elina checked the number before recognition dawned. "Oh, sorry, I didn't recognize your voice," she apologized.

Jason hummed quietly. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

Elina smiled. "For what?"

"I was able to sort things out with Kevin... I think you helped, in your own way," Jason admitted gratefully.

"That's really good to hear. I'm glad you both could," Elina replied warmly.

"Are you about to go to sleep?" Jason asked.

"Yeah. You?"

"Yeah, me too," Jason confirmed.

"Okay then, bye raccoon," Elina teased affectionately, ending the call with a laugh.

Jason smiled, glancing at Elina's darkened window before heading home, feeling a sense of closure and gratitude.

To be continued