need help

10

In the days following Macau’s revelation, Kim was haunted by guilt. The memory of every cold look, every harsh word, replayed in his mind. He couldn’t shake the image of Macau’s tear-streaked face that night, the exhaustion and pain etched so deeply that it made Kim’s heart ache.

Kim realized he needed to do something—anything—to make it up to Macau. Words alone wouldn’t heal the damage he had done; Macau deserved more than empty apologies. He thought back to all the things Macau used to love, the few glimpses he’d seen of Macau’s genuine joy. An idea began to form, something small yet heartfelt, a gesture that might help rebuild the trust he had shattered.

One evening, Kim approached Macau’s room with hesitant steps. He knocked gently, waiting until Macau’s soft voice gave him permission to enter. Inside, Macau sat by the window, looking out into the dim evening sky, his expression distant.

“Macau,” Kim began, his voice softer than usual. “I wanted to talk, if…if you’re up for it.”

Macau glanced over his shoulder, surprise flickering in his eyes, but he nodded. Kim took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words.

“I…I can’t take back what I said, or the way I treated you,” he started, voice thick with regret. “But I want you to know that I’m sorry for every moment I made you feel like you were alone. I didn’t understand… I didn’t even try to understand. And that’s on me.”

Macau looked down, a faint sadness crossing his face. He had spent so long believing that his family saw him only as a burden, someone to be tolerated at best. But now, hearing Kim’s words, a part of him dared to hope that maybe, just maybe, things could be different.

Kim took a shaky breath and held out a small, wrapped gift. “This…this is for you. I know it’s small, and it can’t make up for everything, but… I thought it might be a start.”

Macau took the package, unwrapping it carefully. Inside was a handmade photo album, filled with snapshots Kim had managed to find—some old, some recent. Pictures of their family, candid moments that Macau had been a part of but might not have noticed. And at the very end, there was a picture of him and Kim, from years ago, when they were both younger and the weight of their father’s influence hadn’t yet poisoned their lives. They were smiling, genuinely, and for a moment, it felt like a different lifetime.

Macau’s fingers traced the edge of the photo, his vision blurring with tears he hadn’t realized he was holding back. He looked up at Kim, unable to speak.

“I want us to be that way again,” Kim said softly, his own eyes glistening. “Maybe not the same, but…better. I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, and I understand if you need time, but I’ll be here, Macau. I’ll be here whenever you need me.”

Macau’s voice was barely a whisper, choked with emotion. “Thank you, Kim. I… I didn’t think you’d want anything to do with me anymore.”

Kim shook his head, his expression fierce. “No, Macau. I’m not letting you go again. I won’t turn my back on you. Not ever.”

They sat there in silence for a while, a tentative yet profound connection forming between them. It was only the beginning, and both of them knew there was a long road ahead. But for the first time in years, Macau felt the smallest spark of hope, a sense that maybe, with Kim by his side, he could finally begin to heal. And Kim, determined to make things right, silently vowed that he would do everything in his power to ensure Macau would never feel abandoned again.

Later

With Macau still recovering from his injuries, each day seemed like a slow, agonizing battle, but Vegas never left his side. The doctor had told them that Macau would need time and patience to regain his strength; the trauma he had endured, both physically and emotionally, had left him deeply scarred, and his body’s ability to move on its own was still limited.

Vegas made it his mission to stay close, watching over Macau as he lay in bed, still and fragile. He took on the role of caregiver without hesitation, helping Macau with anything he needed, from adjusting his pillows to feeding him carefully. It was a difficult process, not just physically but emotionally, as Vegas was constantly reminded of how much he had missed, how much his brother had suffered in silence.

One quiet evening, Vegas sat beside Macau, gently holding his hand. The room was dimly lit, the only sounds the faint ticking of the clock and Macau’s quiet, steady breathing. Macau’s eyes were half-closed, exhaustion weighing heavily on him, but he seemed aware of his brother’s presence.

“Remember that time you convinced me to sneak out to the beach?” Vegas said softly, hoping to bring a small smile to Macau’s face with a memory from their past. “You were so determined, even though I told you we’d get caught.”

Macau’s lips twitched slightly, a faint smile. “You…were terrified of getting in trouble,” he murmured, his voice weak but holding a hint of amusement.

Vegas chuckled, giving Macau’s hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re right. But you were fearless, weren’t you? I wish I could’ve been more like that…more like you.” His voice softened, guilt seeping into his words. “I should’ve been there for you, Macau. All those times you were hurting…I missed it.”

Macau’s fingers tightened weakly around Vegas’s hand, his gaze meeting his brother’s. “I…didn’t want you to know,” he admitted quietly. “I thought I could handle it. I didn’t want you to see me…like this.”

Vegas’s heart ached at his words, and he moved closer, brushing a comforting hand over Macau’s hair. “You don’t have to be strong alone anymore,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ll be here, no matter what. And I’ll help you through this, even if it takes years.”

Macau’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, a fragile vulnerability in his gaze. “I don’t know if…if I’ll ever be the same, Vegas,” he admitted, his voice wavering. “It’s hard to imagine walking again…or being okay.”

Vegas leaned closer, determination shining in his eyes. “You don’t have to do it alone, Macau. I’ll help you every step of the way. I know it won’t be easy, but I believe in you. We’ll face this together.”

A single tear slipped down Macau’s cheek, and Vegas reached up, gently wiping it away. There was a long silence, heavy yet comforting, as Macau let his guard down, feeling the warmth of his brother’s presence.

“Thank you…for staying with me,” Macau whispered, his voice barely audible.

Vegas gave him a reassuring smile. “Always, Macau. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. We’ll take this one day at a time, and when you’re ready, I’ll be right here to help you take that first step.”

The two brothers sat together in quiet companionship, the room filled with an unspoken promise—Vegas would be there, unwavering, helping Macau rebuild his strength and his hope. And for the first time in a long time, Macau felt a glimmer of peace, knowing he wasn’t alone in his struggle anymore.