My Big Man Baby

Gawin

I decided to bring Ohm out for a bit. We went to the hospital's gardens and sat on a bench there.

"Ohm.. what happened?"

Ohm looked at me for the longest bit before finally sharing with me on what had happened.

"Thanat..he had been complaining of pain recently and was dropping things everywhere. We just thought it was some sports injury. But last time while we were at Krist's, he fell off the stairs. My parents rushed him to the hospital and based on initial tests, he appears to have some kind of motor neurone disease. The doctors did say there were treatment plans but it's life long and he will get worse over time though treatment can delay the inevitable cause of death. It's just..too much to take in P. He just started university, P. He's a soccer player. Trying for the national team. Over a few hours, he's now going for a lumbar puncture and may never walk independently or comfortably again. I..we...my parents...we all love him so much. He's the baby of the family. He hates pain, of any kind P. Why is he being put through this?"

I was quiet, just taking all of it in but also feeling Ohm's pain keenly. I patted Ohm's knee gently. He looked at me.

"It's not the easiest piece of news to digest. But Thanat, as brave as he seems, is definitely so much more afraid than he is letting on. He could do with more moral support. I know its painful but masking your pain to keep him happy and strong will help so much. I know the disease seems inevitable but let's give it a fighting chance. Fight for it with all you guys can give. Maybe the results may surprise us."

Ohm just looked at me. He nodded but his tears just kept dropping. I pulled him towards me, cupping his face. He looked at me.

"As much as you want to, cry. Let it out now. Right here with me. But when we go back in, we will try and smile for him, ok?'

Ohm nodded. His tears kept dropping and he just leaned his head on my shoulders, wresting my shirt gently. I just held onto him, not saying anything.

He finally pulled away a couple of minutes later, sobbing no more but just sporting a pair of red rimmed eyes. I just wiped his tear streaked cheeks one more time then we went to see Thanat and his parents. Ohm sat with Thanat, choosing to talk about the soccer match highlights he had seen. The distraction worked as Thanat started discussing with him. I told them I would take my leave first and come visit tomorrow. Thanat thanked me for coming while Ohm just nodded. His mother came to me, thanking me for being with her earlier and comforting Ohm too. I just waved off her thanks, just asking her to reach out to me if anything. After passing my number to Ohm's dad, I left.

Though I was being optimistic for them, I couldn't help but feel a heavy sense of sadness settle over my heart. This poor Ohm really needed a break.

The next day at work, management had a meeting and released some key information. They just mentioned that due to some very personal reasons, Ohm was taking a leave of absence for about 3 months. I didn't say anything as I knew what it was about.

Most of them were concerned but management also told us to give Ohm some time before he decides if he wants to speak about it. We all nodded and most of us had stuff after that so everyone disappeared. I didn't have any other commitments for the day so I bought some lunch and went to check on Ohm and his family.

I got there around 2pm and Thanat was doing the lumbar puncture procedure. I sat with Ohm's parents outside while Ohm accompanied his brother in the ward. The procedure took a little over 30 minutes. The doctor finally left, telling us that Thanat will be in quite a bit of pain but they will put him on some painkillers to manage it and to let him rest.

We went into the room. Ohm looked calm and composed though his slightly shaking hands gave him away. Thanat was crying and in a lot of pain. The nurse came by, gave him some painkillers and he dozed off.

Ohm told his parents to go home and rest while he kept an eye on Thanat. They didn't want to but I convinced them that they had to rest so they can also take over from Ohm so he can rest and Thanat also has someone with him 24/7. They finally agreed and went off.

I told Ohm to have lunch first while Thanat slept a bit. He seemed reluctant to let go of him but he needed to eat and look after himself too. I brought him to the nearby cafeteria and gave him the lunch I had bought. He just stirred his food but did not eat much.

I tried persuading him to eat a few mouthfuls before he gave up. I didn't push him and we went back to see his brother who was still sleeping soundly. Ohm just sat next to me on the couch and leaned his head on my shoulders. I just watched as he closed his eyes for a bit and let him be.

Poor boy was just as exhausted as anyone else and really needed to rest before he landed in the hospital himself.