A spirit between us (bxb)

Chapter 12- Aftermath.

When Finn finally came around, His eyes fluttered open, the world around him blurry and swimming in a soft haze. His head felt heavy, the fog of confusion settling over him like a thick blanket, but the unbearable pain had mercifully faded. He blinked a few times, trying to focus on his surroundings. The familiar outline of his bedroom slowly came into view.

His room was spacious, but the emptiness made it feel even larger. In the far corner stood a glass trophy case, proudly displaying his accomplishments from years of football, glinting in the soft light filtering through the curtains. Directly across from his bed was a wall-mounted TV, and beneath it, a simple dresser that held little more than scattered clothing. One entire wall was covered in photos, memories captured in time, pictures of him laughing with others, family vacations, championship games, moments where everything felt so simple. But despite these touches, the room felt stark, hollow, as if something vital was missing.

His vision eventually settled on a figure at the edge of his bed. His mother.

She sat with her shoulders slumped forward, her back curved as though the air itself was pressing her down. Her fingers were tangled in her hair, face hidden behind her hands, and she seemed so small in that moment, so fragile. The dim light from the window cast soft shadows across her, emphasizing every line of exhaustion in her hunched frame. It was as if the entire weight of his pain had transferred to her while he had been unconscious, crushing her spirit. The vibrant, comforting presence she usually exuded had faded, leaving behind a silhouette of defeat. Even the gentle rustle of her breath was thick with the kind of fatigue only a parent could carry, one born from fear and helplessness.

His mother's stillness seemed to fill the space, a mirror of the eerie emptiness within him.

He swallowed hard, his throat raw, burning with every movement. He tried to speak, his voice trembling and barely a whisper, weak like he hadn't spoken in days. "Mom?"

The sound was so quiet, it barely reached his own ears, but it was enough to stir her. His mother looked up, her face a mix of exhaustion and deep, profound worry, her eyes red from what he guessed had been hours of crying.

"Finn?" she breathed, her voice shaky as she moved closer to him, concern etched into every line of her face.

She shot up from the edge of the bed, rushing to Finn's side in a blur of motion.

"Oh my god," she breathed, her voice shaking as she called out for Finn's father. "He's awake! Finn, are you okay? Are you in pain? Where does it hurt?"

Finn swallowed, wincing. "My throat..."

By now, his father had hurried into the room, his face a mix of relief and concern. "Not surprised, bud. You were screaming like your life depended on it."

His mother clasped his hand tightly, her fingers trembling. "We were so scared. Do you remember anything? Can you tell us what happened?"

Finn met her gaze, his eyes glossed over as he tried to recall the chaos leading up to his collapse. "My head..." he croaked, but the raw ache in his throat made speaking feel like swallowing glass.

His parents exchanged a quick, worried look. "We had a doctor come and check you over," his mother explained, her voice soft and measured, a hint of guilt pressing through. "He couldn't find anything physically wrong. He thinks it was most likely stress."

His father rested a hand on her shoulder, the tension visible in his posture. "We're sorry we didn't believe you before. Is there anything we should know, son? Is something going on... mentally?" His words were careful but direct, laced with concern.

Finn's mind felt too foggy to think straight, and the last thing he wanted was to explain the dark, creeping dread that had been haunting him. He was sure that if he told them about what was really happening, they'd have him and Archie sent away to some institution. He forced a weak smile, his voice rasping. "I'm fine. I was just... nervous about the game, I guess."