Muffins And Whiskey (Triplets #1)

Chapter 19

POND stepped closer to the beds and Metawin followed, their expression a blend of anguish and love.

"We’re here grandma, grandpa" he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"We love you. Please be strong for us"

Their grandmother, though pale and fragile, turned her head slightly at the sound of their voices. Her eyes fluttered open and a faint smile crossed her lips.

"Boys… you're.." she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"Shh, don’t talk Grandma. Just rest" Metawin said, fighting back tears. He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently.

"We’re here for you"

Their grandfather stirred but remained unconscious. The sight of him, so still and vulnerable, broke the brother's heart even more.

"Please Grandpa, fight" Pond urged, his voice cracking.

Metawin stood beside him, his hand resting on Pond’s shoulder.

"They’re strong, Pond. They’ve overcome so much in their lives. They’ll get through this" he reassured.

The minutes felt like hours as they sat by their grandparents’ beds, Pond shared about introducing Phuwin to their grandparents. He talked about the activities they did, the fishing, and feeding animals. It felt like a desperate attempt to fill the silence with love and hope. Ohm also called he's with Mick who was crying when he found out about what happened.

After a while, the doctor returned, his expression serious but compassionate. "I want to be honest with you. Your grandparents are stable for now but their conditions are still critical. We’ll need to monitor them closely"

Pond and Metawin nodded, their hearts were heavy but grateful for any glimmer of hope.

"Can we stay with them?" Pond asked

"Of course" the doctor replied gently before stepping out.

Hours passed and the hospital’s fluorescent lights began to dim as evening approached. Pond and Metawin took turns sitting with their grandparents, whispering words of love and encouragement.

As night fell, Pond leaned back in his chair, exhaustion washing over him. He glanced at Metawin, who looked just as worn out.

"Do you think Grandpa can hear us?" Pond asked softly.

Unlike their grandma who had reactions earlier, their grandpa is still unconscious.

Metawin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I believe he can. They’ve always been there for us. Now it’s our turn to be there for them"

Pond felt a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. "We’ll get through this together. Where is Phuwin by the way?" Metawin added that made Pond got up in his seat

Shit!

With his errands earlier he forgot to text and call his boyfriend, to check on him. He immediately went outside the room and dialed the boy's number. After three rings, Phuwin picked up that made Pond sigh in relief. After what happened to his grandparents, his heart is now filled with worries in everything.

"Pond? How's grandma and grandpa?" Phuwin asked as soon as he answered the call

"They're stable now beau, how about you? are you okay? I'm sorry I called late I got busy earlier" he took a seat on the chair in the hallway

"I'm fine love. You should worry more about yourself, I know everything is hard for you but always remember that you are strong and so are your grandparents. They can survive Pond" a lone tear fell in his eyes

He's tired, mentally and physically. But he wanted to let his eyes open to check for his grandparents.

"Thank you beau, make sure to lock the door and windows as you sleep. I'll go home tomorrow"

They exchanged I love you before ending the call. The next day, while Phuwin is feeding the chickens his phone rang from his short, It's Dunk. He took it and put it between his shoulder and ears, so his hands could freely put the food.

"Hello?" he said to the other line

"Phuwin, you need to go home now” Dunk said, his voice laced with urgency.

The sound of his twin brother's voice made Phuwin straight his posture. All of the sudden his heart pounded so fast that it is deafening his ears.

No way!

Don't tell me something bad happened to my family too?

He inhaled to relax himself.
"W-hy...what happened Dunk?" he asked stuttering

"Gemini got hit by a car while delivering orders. He’s in the hospital, he’s okay---just some minor injuries and bruises" Dunk reassured him, though Phuwin could hear the worry in his brother’s tone.

"But Mom is worried that's why she wanted you home, after she heard what happened to Pond's grandparents she can't sleep and now Gemini got into an accident, she's worried so please come home"

The relief that he felt a while ago after hearing it was just a minor accident, quickly followed by guilt. He cannot let his mother worried about him, Pond needed him but his mother also needs him. He called Pond to tell him he'll back to the city first because of Gemini. The boy got worried but he assure him that it's okay, so it won't add to his stress. Phuwin locked all the doors and window before leaving the place. His heart is heavy while leaving with this happening, but he doesn't have any choices. He had to be a son to his mother.

The drive to the city felt long and heavy, his mind racing with thoughts of Gemini and Pond. The fear of this life and death situation engulfed him. He had so many worries in his mind but knowing that Gemini’s injuries were minor eased his anxiety.

When he arrived at the hospital, Phuwin rushed to the reception desk.

"Where can I find Gemini Charoensuk?" he asked, breathless.

The nurse, noticing his urgency, guided him to the waiting area. As he entered the room, he found Gemini lying on a bed, bandaged but awake. Relief flooded through him, and he rushed to his side.

"Gem!" Phuwin exclaimed, taking his twin’s hand.

"I was so worried" Gemini offered a weak smile, his eyes brightening at the sight of Phuwin.

"I’m okay, really. Just some bruises and a concussion" he said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Don’t say that! You got hit by a car" Phuwin replied, his voice a mix of concern and frustration.

"You scared me---us" all of the tiredness he felt from the ride evaporate when he can fleshly see Gemini, fine and alive.

"I’m sorry" Gemini said softly, squeezing Phuwin’s hand. "I didn’t mean to worry all of you. Also, Dunk told me about Pond's grandparents. How are they?"

Seems like Phuwin's emotions back to him again. Mentioning Pond and his grandparents are making him cry, the old couple are so good to him but he didn't pay them a visit.

"They’re…... ahm it’s a tough Gem" Phuwin admitted, his voice trailing off.

"They were in a serious accident. Pond’s at the hospital with them."

Gemini’s expression shifted from concern to understanding. "He must be really stressed. He needs your support right now Phu, made sure that he can't feel alone" he urged.

"I will" Phuwin answered, glancing around the room, noting the medical equipment and the sterile environment. He saw his bestfriend at the sofa sitting with Dunk and his mother Mae. Fourth is clearly worried about Gemini because his eyes were swelling.

"I’ll be fine. Just some rest and I’ll be out soon" Gemini reassured him.

Phu walked to Fourth and hugged him. His best friend looks tired. No words came from them, they just hugged each other to feel that they were by each other's sides. Just like Fourth, he's also sad when his loved one is hurting.

L.N.B