A Vihokratana's tragedy

21. Seizures?

A/n: Okay so before we start the chapter I want to thank everyone who responded to my earlier note and as requested nothing will be changing. Characters, their names, plot and all will be the same but please do show your love for this story by voting and commenting as it's the only way for me to know that you people are interested in the story and appreciating my work. Once again thank you. Enjoy.

....

A tear fell from Pluem's eye. He thought back to that day when he had a damn headache. Chimon kept blabbering about what not without pause, and, oh, he lost it and yelled at him. Though he regretted it the moment he saw his precious one's eyes full of hurt. He apologized. But why did the knot in his heart keep growing with each sorry? Pluem questioned if it was really reasonable to lose his temper over something as trivial as not feeling well, and once again he realized he probably didn't deserve Chimon. Chimon deserved better; even his parents deserved a better son, and so did his brothers.

Hospitals and Pluem never had a friendly relationship. However, Chimon's request was like a magnet, pulling Pluem forward despite his deep-seated fears. Grasping Chimon's hand, he drew a steady flow of courage, though his nightmares clung to him like shadows. He dreaded the moment Chimon might glimpse his inner demons. To shield himself, Pluem made a desperate bargain: he would visit the hospital only if Chimon promised to stay out of the doctor's office during his checkup. His voice trembled, eyes brimming with unshed tears. How could Chi reject the request when Pluem looked so heartbreakingly vulnerable? Reluctantly, Chimon agreed and remained behind.

The doctor had assured him, suggesting there was likely nothing serious but advising some tests just to be safe. Pluem nodded, but the courage to undergo those tests never came. Instead, he spun a half-truth for Chi, claiming all was well. And now once again Pluem is here slumped on the cold bathroom floor rewinding these memories. He silently pleaded with God to keep everyone away from the bathroom- desparate not to be discovered in this fragile state which will only heighten others concerns.

....

Drake was buried under a mountain of clothes, hidden just as his mom had always warned him to be—out of sight from the two men in the living room talking to her. He had never seen them up close, but even from a distance, their menacing presence was unmistakable. One man was covered in tattoos, a sinister scar behind his ear, while the other had piercing, dead eyes and an unsettling extra finger on his right hand. Someone usually stayed in the car when they came, but today, for the first time, that person had entered the house.

Mom's voice, sharp and angry, carried through the house as she argued with them, the same curses she reserved for the street vendor who tried to touch her. Was this man just as vile? Before Drake could ponder further, he heard a heavy thud. His heart pounded as he peeked out, just a little. His heart took a leap. His mom lay on the floor, blood pooling around her, her eyes locking onto his, silently pleading for him to stay hidden. Blood, blood, blood — everywhere. The sound of footsteps grew louder. Shit!!! Someone found him!!

Drake jolted awake with his heart in a race. Why that nightmare, and why now? The worst one yet. He knew sleep would evade him after reliving those haunting memories. He glanced around the room, spotting Perth clinging to a pillow tightly but noticing Pluem was missing. He wondered where Pluem had gone, but the urgent call of the bathroom took precedence over his curiosity.

....

Drake stood paralyzed for a moment, his mind a whirlwind of panic and confusion. Pluem was sprawled on the bathroom floor, his face wet with tears, looking utterly broken. Without a second thought, Drake rushed to him, wrapping his arms around him and lifting him gently. He helped Pluem sit up, his heart aching at the sight of Pluem's liability.

The bathroom door had been ajar, and as Drake stepped inside, the sight of Pluem crumpled on the floor just beyond the threshold was like a gut punch. It seemed Pluem had collapsed before he could even lock the door, adding a sense of helplessness to the already heart-wrenching scene.

"How? What happened?" His question was almost inaudible.

Pluem looked up at Drake and smiled—a genuine, heartfelt smile that seemed almost surreal given the situation. But then again, it was Pluem, always finding a way to not worry others. "It's nothing," he said softly, his voice surprisingly calm. "I just slipped, that's all."

Yeah, as if Drake would buy that. He looked into Pluem's eyes, seeing the pain behind the smile. "Come on, Pluem, say the truth. If you are worried, I promise, I won't leak a word out to your brothers. You can trust me."

Pluem has kept his seizures a closely guarded secret, a testament to his reliance on God's mercy. So far, fortune has shielded him from being discovered in such a helpless state. But even divine mercy has its limits. Pluem's secret is out. Now, he faces a pivotal choice: should he reveal the truth? Drake is a reliable and trustworthy confidant, from what he has observed. After all, when Pluem inquired about Frank, Drake didn't let a single word slip. Should he share his burdens with Drake or will Drake think Pluem is a useless headache.

As if Drake could read Pluem's mind, he spoke up. 'You know,' he began, making Pluem and himself comfortable on the floor against the wall. 'I always thought I was a burden to my guardian, my aunt. I even tried to run away, thinking she'd be happier without me. But I was wrong. When she found me, I braced myself for a scolding. Instead, she took me in her arms and cried — cried until all her sorrow seemed to wash away. In that moment, I realized something profound: we often misjudge our worth to those who truly care for us. We aren't burdens to the people who truly love and care for us.'

Silence settled over them like a comforting blanket, allowing the weight of Drake's words to sink in. After a few minutes, Pluem finally broke the quiet, his heart a little lighter and his mind a bit clearer. "Wanna know a secret?" A small smile playing on Drake's lips as he nodded in agreement. "But let's move to the sofa," Pluem added, glancing at the cold, hard floor. "It'll be much more comfortable for a chat."

....

"Seizures? And you didn't even mention it to the doctor? Pluem, this is serious!" Drake's voice crackled with a mix of concern and frustration, his worry etched deep into each word. "You can't just ignore something like this. And you didn't think to tell any of your family either?" His tone softened momentarily, betraying the concern beneath the anger. "This isn't just about you, Pluem. They care about you." Drake sighed heavily, thinking of the Vihokratana siblings, they just loves playing hide and seek with their family. "You are siblings. You are supposed to look out for each other. This is carelessness, Pluem. You have to take this seriously." God, this vihokratana siblings are going to give Drake grey hair.

"I understand. I'll go to the hospital after this trip. However, telling my family about my problems — I am still not ready for it. I don't want to worry them just yet. So please, Drake, don't push me on this," Pluem pleaded.

Drake can say he kind of knew Pluem well enough to understand that pushing him would only make Pluem lose his trust in him. He sighed but nodded in agreement. "Alright, but let me know the day of your appointment. I'll go with you."

A small smile appeared on Pluem's face as he nodded. "Thanks," he uttered.

....

"Alright kids, did you enjoy yourselves, or did we arrive too soon and disturb you?" When Pluem called them last night to join, Tay and New decided to head to the farmhouse. With nothing pressing at home, it was the perfect opportunity for a break. Tay had been working from home for the past week, and New's small home business could afford a few days off.

"Nothing like that, dad. We are glad you we are back together." Nanon commented, to which he received a "Absolutely!" From Ohm.

"Okay, so, any plan for tonight?" New asked.

"I do have something on my mind, Papa. But for now, just have some rest." Pluem replied.

....