Silent Bond || EstWilliam au

Fifteen

William sat in his hospital bed, eating breakfast alone, the clinking of the spoon against the bowl the only sound in the quiet room. The tray in front of him held a modest meal—porridge, a small bowl of fruit, and tea. He sighed, absentmindedly stirring the porridge, his mind wandering to how long he had been cooped up in this room.

Suddenly, the door to his room swung open, and his mom rushed in. "William!" she called, her voice trembling with emotion as she hurried to his side.

Before William could react, she enveloped him in a tight hug, her arms trembling around his back. "Mom, I'm—" William started, his voice muffled by her embrace. Then, in his usual playful tone, he chuckled, "I'm choking, Help!"

His mother pulled back slightly, her eyes filled with tears, though a small laugh escaped her at his joke. She lightly swatted his arm, smiling through her tears. "You scared me to death, William."

"Sorry, Mom," William replied softly, though his playful tone still lingered. He could see the fear and relief in her eyes, and he felt guilty for putting her through this again. She gently cupped his cheek, her hand warm and soft.

"I was so worried about you. When the hospital called... I thought..." her voice trailed off as she fought to keep herself composed, but her eyes betrayed the depth of her fear. "I thought I was going to lose you."

William's heart tightened in his chest, and he reached out to hold her hand. "I'm okay, Mom. I'm sorry for worrying you."

His mother hugged him again, resting her chin on his shoulder, her voice softer this time. "Don't apologize. I'm just glad you're awake."

They stayed like that for a moment, his mother cradling him in her arms as if he were still her little boy. When she finally pulled away, she sat at the edge of his bed, her gaze never leaving his face.

"Are you feeling okay?" she asked, her tone tender but concerned. "No dizziness? No pain?"

William nodded as he spooned another bite of porridge into his mouth. "I'm fine. A little sore, but nothing I can't handle."

His mother let out a small sigh of relief. "Good. The doctor said you'll be here for a few more days just to make sure everything's stable. After that, you'll come home, and I'll take care of you there."

William flashed a small smile. "Thanks, Mom. You've always taken care of me."

As the morning passed, the hospital staff brought in his lunch tray—more bland food that made William groan internally. His mom, seated beside him, smiled as he started to eat.

"You want some?" William teased, offering her a spoonful of the hospital meal.

His mother scrunched her nose, shaking her head dramatically. "I think I'd rather go on a diet than eat hospital food," she replied, making William laugh, a sound that seemed to lighten the room.

"Fair enough," he said, chuckling as he continued eating. His appetite had improved, but the thought of being stuck here still weighed on him.

After a few moments of silence, William glanced up at his mother, who had been quietly watching him with an almost pensive look in her eyes. "Mom, do you know why Hong hasn't come by yet?" he asked.

His mother blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh, Hong's been busy with his assignments, honey," she explained. "He's been checking on you through me, though, making sure you're okay."

William nodded, though he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He was used to Hong being by his side through everything, and now, when he felt a little more vulnerable, Hong was absent. But William understood—school were important.

As he continued eating, his mom remained quiet beside him, her fingers tapping on her phone from time to time. She seemed deep in thought, her brow slightly furrowed as if weighing something heavy on her mind.

Finally, after a moment, she spoke softly, "William... after all of this, I want you to think about something."

William glanced up from his food, confused. "What is it, Mom?"

His mother hesitated before continuing, "I want you to forgive someone you love deeply."

William frowned, setting down his spoon. "What are you talking about? Forgive who?"

His mother shrugged slightly, her expression unreadable. "I don't know. I just... I felt like saying it. Maybe it's nothing."

William stared at her, still puzzled by her words. But seeing no clear answer, he just nodded slowly, feeling that familiar tug in his chest—the one that made him think about people he didn't want to think about right now. "Alright, Mom. If you say so."

His mother gave him a soft smile, standing up to collect his empty tray. "Get some rest now, William. You need it."

"Yeah," William murmured, leaning back against his pillow. He hadn't realized how tired he was until the bed seemed to cradle him. His body felt heavy, weighed down by the remnants of the accident, and soon, his eyelids drooped shut.

As he drifted into a light sleep, his mother remained by his side, watching over him with a protective gaze. She occasionally glanced at her phone, texting quietly, her fingers trembling as she sent messages back and forth. Est had just arrived at Thailand's airport, and she was relieved yet nervous about his visit.

She remembered the phone call with Est, how she had broken down, crying as she told him about the accident. "He's been unconscious for a day now," she had sobbed, "I don't know what to do..."

Est had reassured her as best as he could from across the ocean, promising that he would come back, that he would be there for William.

Now, with Est in Thailand, she wondered if his presence would be a comfort to William or if it would stir something deeper—something that might be harder for her son to face.