Bounded by Secrets

"Fractured Bonds, Silent Sacrifices"

The next morning, the sun streamed through the windows of a modest government office, where Jack was seated at a public meeting. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, he sat at a panel beside Mayumi, who appeared calm and poised, listening intently to the speaker addressing the crowd.

The speaker turned to Jack, addressing him with a measured tone. "Mr. Jack, as someone so young yet responsible, how did you manage your personal and family challenges?"

For a moment, Jack was silent. His gaze dropped to the polished surface of the table, his jaw tightening. After a pause, he took a deep breath, his voice steady but heavy with emotion.

"After Mom's death," he began, "every responsibility was suddenly on my shoulders-especially for my younger brother, Ted. We were rich; we had every facility money could buy. But our dad was busy with the business, and there wasn't much time for us."

He paused, his fingers gripping the edge of the table. "So, I did what I could. I took care of myself, and more importantly, my brother. But in the process, I forgot... I forgot that I was a child too. That I deserved care and attention."

His voice faltered slightly before he continued. "It was only when I fell severely ill one day that Dad noticed. He gave his best, and for that, I'm grateful. But... till date, I suffer from that illness. I live with its impact every single day. Care in childhood isn't just important-it's the most crucial foundation for a person's entire life."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as Jack's words settled. Mayumi placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, giving him a small nod of encouragement.

Suddenly, Jack's phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw a message from Ren:

**"Jack, please come to the city hospital. Something urgent. Please come fast. Have faith."**

Jack's heart sank, his mind racing with possibilities. Without hesitation, he turned to Mayumi, urgency in his voice. "We need to leave. Now."

"What happened?" Mayumi asked, concern evident in her eyes.

"I don't know yet," Jack replied, already heading for the door. "But it's serious."

Together, they rushed to Jack's car. The drive to the city hospital was a blur of racing thoughts and weaving through traffic, Jack gripping the steering wheel tightly. Beside him, Mayumi kept her composure, glancing at him occasionally with silent reassurance.

As the hospital came into view, Jack's gut twisted with unease. Whatever awaited them inside, he knew it would change the course of their day-and possibly much more.

Jack pushed open the door to the hospital's luxury room, his breath catching at the sight before him. His father, Kevin, lay unconscious on the pristine white hospital bed, his face pale and lifeless. Beside him, Ted sat on a stool, his face buried in his hands as loud, heart-wrenching sobs echoed through the room.

"Dad..." Ted's shaky voice was barely audible as he looked up, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Why... why did this happen?"

Jack stood frozen, the weight of the scene hitting him like a tidal wave. His usually sharp mind was blank. He didn't know whether to console Ted, demand answers, or collapse himself.

Light, standing by the bed, walked over to Jack. She placed a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder, her soft voice trying to hold the brothers together. "Jack... you need to stay strong. For Ted, and for yourself."

Jack remained silent, his eyes locked on Kevin. Ted's sobbing was like a dagger to his heart, yet he still couldn't move. Slowly, Jack walked over to Ted, placing a hand on his little brother's trembling shoulder.