My Big Man Baby

Gawin

[Time skip: 2 months in]

Thanat had been home for about 2 months now. He did outpatient physiotherapy 3 times a week and daily exercises at home. He was also on a cocktail of medication.

Though he was determined, it took a toll on him as physio was tiring, and he often came home in a foul mood. It was starting to take a toll on his family members, too, especially Ohm.

I started visiting them on days when I knew he had outpatient therapy, so I hung out with him and tried to ease his frustration, too. We became good friends as we had similar topics of interest.

However, that particular Friday, when I went over, I could hear things being thrown around. I went into the house only to see Thanat throwing a book at Ohm in anger, and it clipped him on the head!

"Ohm! Are you ok?" I called out in shock. Ohm looked up and saw me, not saying a word. He just threw me a soft smile and went away. I sighed as I went in, watching as Ohm's mom picked the book up. She was torn between checking on Ohm and berating Thanat.

I looked over at Thanat, who looked mighty guilty, too. I just didn't say anything else, patting his shoulder and going off to check on Ohm.

I knocked on his door, but there was no response. I tried again, but zero replies. I just tried opening his door, and it was unlocked. I slipped into his room, only to find him standing near his window. I closed his room door and went towards him.

"Ohm..."

"Leave me alone."

"Hey, please. Talk to me."

"I said just leave me alone. For a bit. Just go."

"Ohm, I can't leave you alone here. Talk to me. You are not alone. You have me."

Ohm turned to me finally. His eyes were red rimmed and teary.

"Right now P, I feel fucking alone and tired. Exhausted even. So, just leave me be for a while."

"I know you are hurting..."

"You are damn right I am hurting, P. I know Thanat is having a difficult time. It's tough on him. I understand. But he taking it out on us isn't fair either. He comes home often in a foul mood, throws a temper, throws things at me, and just locks himself in the room after that. It is so fucking tiring. I have to go back to work next week, and I am in no headspace as I am constantly worrying about how he will eventually behave towards my parents when I go back to work."

Ohm broke down and cried after that rant. I went to him and cupped his cheeks in my hands. I lifted his face up gently.

"I know it's not easy. It's crazy how things changed so much and, more importantly, to see someone you thought you knew so well change so much. He's trying so hard that it's taking a toll on him and you guys. Maybe it's ok to tell him not to try so hard. And maybe counselling."

Ohm looked back at me tiredly.

"And you need counselling too. Just to know you got a safe space."

"Aren't you my safe space, P?"

I looked at Ohm, stunned. He thought of me as his safe space?

"I...I'm your safe space?"

Ohm nodded.

"We barely...scratched the surface Ohm. We just started becoming friends..how.."

"It's not about how long you know me P. It's about how well you know me. And how honest I can be with you and know you wouldn't run away."

I looked at Ohm for a long bit.

"I..I will always be here for you." I muttered. Ohm just smiled at me. I hugged him tightly, as his tears just continued coming down. He needed to let it out. He's been holding it strong for a while now.

This poor boy.