Him? [JesBible]

15 [The Announcement]

The café was unusually quiet, the familiar sounds of purring cats and gentle chatter replaced by an oppressive silence. Bible stood behind the counter, his hands nervously wiping down the surface, trying to distract himself from the anxiety gnawing at his insides. He had spent the last few days hoping for good news about Jet, praying that he would return safe and sound.

As he poured himself a cup of coffee from the leftover brew, his mind wandered back to their brief moments together. The laughter they shared, the accidental brushes of their hands, the way Jet’s presence made the world feel a little less heavy. It felt like a lifetime since he had seen that smile.

Bas sat at a corner table, scrolling through news updates on his phone. Bible tried to focus on his work, but every time he heard the faint sound of Bas’s muttering, his heart would race with dread. He couldn’t bear to think of the worst-case scenarios, but the fear clung to him like a shadow.

Suddenly, the café's television flickered to life, the sound cutting through the tense air. The news anchor’s voice was calm, almost too calm, as she began to speak.

“We have an update on the scuba diving accident that has gripped the nation’s attention. Authorities have confirmed that Jet—one of the missing instructors—is the sole survivor from the ill-fated trip.”

Bible’s heart dropped into his stomach as he stood frozen, the cup of coffee slipping from his fingers. Time seemed to slow as he watched it fall, the liquid splashing everywhere, leaving a dark stain on the floor. Confusion and disbelief flooded his mind.

Bas stood up, eyes wide, as he processed the news. “What? He’s alive?”

Bible felt the world closing in around him. Jet was alive, but the implications of being the only survivor weighed heavily on his heart. How could he celebrate when others were lost? The faces of the missing instructors haunted him, making his heart ache with guilt.

He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself, but his trembling hands betrayed him. “What… what does that mean?” he whispered, his voice shaky and barely audible over the static of the television.

The news anchor continued, her voice echoing in his ears, but it felt like a distant murmur. “Jet was rescued after a lengthy search operation, but two of his fellow instructors were not found. The families of the missing are devastated, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

As the words sank in, Bible felt a wave of emotions crashing over him—relief that Jet was alive, mixed with guilt that he was the only one. He had been so desperate for Jet’s safety, yet he couldn’t shake the heavy weight of loss that hung in the air.

Bas rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay? We need to go see him!”

But Bible could hardly respond. He felt hollow, his heart aching as the news settled in. Jet had survived, but at what cost? The thought of him grappling with the loss of his friends, with the guilt of being the only one left, made his chest tighten with sorrow.

“What do I do?” Bible muttered, more to himself than to Bas. He felt a sudden urge to see Jet, to be there for him, but the reality of the situation loomed over him like a dark cloud.

“Let’s go to the hospital,” Bas urged, grabbing Bible’s arm and pulling him toward the door. “He’ll need us now more than ever.”

Bible nodded, though his mind was a whirlwind of uncertainty. As they stepped outside, the sun felt blindingly bright, the world around him moving in a surreal haze. He felt like he was walking through a dream—one where he was both grateful for Jet’s survival and devastated for those who hadn’t made it back.

As they hurried through the streets of Thailand, Bible’s heart raced with conflicting emotions. He couldn’t shake the image of Jet, alone in the hospital, grappling with the weight of his survival. What would he say? How could he comfort him when the air was thick with unspoken grief?

When they arrived at the hospital, Bible hesitated at the entrance, his heart pounding. “What if he’s… what if he doesn’t want to see anyone?”

Bas squeezed his shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. “He’ll want to see you. You mean a lot to him.”

Taking a deep breath, Bible steeled himself and pushed through the doors. The sterile scent of the hospital flooded his senses, but he pushed through, determined to find Jet.

As they made their way to the room, he felt a knot tightening in his stomach. He was terrified of what he would find, but he knew he had to be there for Jet.

Finally, they reached the room, and Bible paused at the door, taking a moment to gather himself. This was it. He had to be strong, not just for Jet, but for the memories of those who were lost.

He opened the door, stepping inside to find Jet sitting on the hospital bed, looking weary but alive. Their eyes met, and in that moment, Bible felt a flicker of hope amidst the overwhelming grief. Jet was here, and he was alive.

But the pain in Jet’s eyes told a story of its own, one that would take time to unravel. Bible stepped forward, ready to embrace him, to be the comfort that Jet needed. The road ahead would be difficult, but together, they could navigate the tumultuous waters of loss, survival, and hope.

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