Half a heart

Chapter 96

Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, Mental Health, Emotional Distress

Jacob's POV

I waited in the quiet hospital lobby, my heart pounding a little harder than I wanted to admit. Today was the day Charlie was finally coming home. After a month in the psych ward, he'd put in the hard work and endured so much, and now I was here to bring him back where he belonged.

I glanced up and saw him slowly coming down the hallway, his small frame looking even smaller in the oversized hoodie he wore. His teddy bear was clutched tightly in his arms, and his eyes looked a little brighter than they had before. But the sight of the feeding tube still in place made my chest ache; even though I knew it was necessary, I knew how much he struggled with it.

"Charlie!" I called softly, my voice filled with warmth. I crouched down to his level, opening my arms as he walked over.

He stopped in front of me, looking a little uncertain at first. Then he melted into the hug, his arms wrapping around my neck tightly. "Hi, Jacob," he whispered, his voice quiet but filled with relief.

"Hey, buddy," I murmured, rubbing his back gently. "I've missed you so much. Everyone's been waiting for you, counting down the days until you were coming home."

Charlie buried his face in my shoulder, clinging to me. "I missed you too," he whispered, his fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt.

After a long moment, I pulled back a bit, giving him an encouraging smile. "Are you ready to go home?"

He nodded, his grip on his teddy bear tightening a little. "Yeah. I just... don't want to be here anymore," he mumbled, glancing back down the hallway as if it was somewhere he was glad to leave behind.

I looked up as a nurse approached, holding a bag filled with his things. She smiled warmly, handing everything over to me, including a smaller bag with everything we'd need to manage his portable feeding tube system. "Here you go, Jacob," she said kindly, then turned to Charlie, her expression softening. "You take care, okay? And remember, we're all so proud of you. You did an amazing job here."

Charlie gave her a small smile, nodding. "Thank you... for helping me."

With that, I gathered up all of Charlie's things, shifting the bags in my arms, and took his hand gently. "Let's get out of here, yeah?"

Charlie nodded again, and together, we walked out of the hospital. The sun was shining outside, casting a warm light that I hoped would feel comforting to him. As we got to the car, I opened the trunk, placing everything carefully in the boot before turning to Charlie.

"Alright, let's get you settled." I opened the back door where his weighted blanket was already laid out, waiting for him.

Charlie's eyes softened as he saw the blanket, and he climbed into the backseat slowly, clutching his teddy close. "Thanks for bringing this... it makes me feel safe."

"Of course, buddy. I know how much it means to you." I reached out, gently draping the blanket over him, making sure he was comfortable.

Once he was settled, I climbed into the passenger seat, glancing back to make sure he was alright. He looked cozy, curling into the blanket as he stared out the window.

As we started the drive, I turned around to face him, giving him an encouraging smile. "How you feeling, Char?"

He glanced up, biting his lip. "It's... strange. Being out of the hospital. I thought I'd be happier, but... I feel a bit nervous."

"That's okay, Charlie. It's a big change after so much time in one place. But you've got me and all the boys waiting for you. And you'll settle back in at your own pace, alright?"

He nodded slowly, letting out a small sigh. "Yeah... I just... don't want to let anyone down." His fingers fidgeted with the edge of the blanket, his gaze drifting to the feeding tube as if reminded of the weight he was carrying.

"You won't," I said firmly, catching his eye in the rearview mirror. "Not a single one of us expects you to be anything other than yourself. And whatever you need, we'll be right there with you, every step of the way."

Charlie gave a small, tired smile, his shoulders relaxing just a bit. "Thanks, Jacob. I... I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You won't have to find out, because I'm not going anywhere," I promised, my voice soft. "I'll be right here."

The rest of the drive was quiet, with Charlie drifting off now and then, his head resting against the car seat. I kept glancing back, making sure he was okay, feeling relieved each time I saw the calm look on his face as he slept.

Finally, we pulled up to the house, and I turned to see that he'd just woken up, blinking sleepily. I got out, going around to open his door, then carefully helped him out, taking his hand as he climbed out, his blanket still wrapped around him.

"Ready to go inside?" I asked gently.

He nodded, leaning against me as we walked to the front door. Inside, the boys were waiting, all of them looking just as relieved and happy to see him as I was.

With a deep breath, I led Charlie inside, squeezing his hand as he took in the familiar surroundings. His smile grew a little more, and I could tell he was beginning to feel the comfort of being back where he belonged, surrounded by all of us who cared so much for him.