All because I liked a BOY?

Healing

As the hours stretched on, Bible stayed by Jeff’s side, refusing to leave even as the weight of the night pressed heavily on him. The soft hum of the hospital monitors was the only sound in the room, each beep a reminder that Jeff was still here, still fighting.

Bible tightened his grip on Jeff’s hand, his mind swirling with emotions. Anger at Megan, sorrow for Jeff’s pain, and an overwhelming fear of what could have happened if he hadn’t trusted his instincts.

The door to the room opened quietly, and a nurse stepped in, checking the IV line and vitals. She glanced at Bible and offered a kind smile. “He’s stable now. The doctor will want to talk to him when he wakes up, but he’s going to be okay.”

Bible nodded, his throat too tight to speak.

Once the nurse left, Bible leaned forward, brushing a stray strand of hair from Jeff’s forehead. He looked so fragile lying there, a stark contrast to the man who had carried so much on his shoulders for so long.

“I swear I’ll protect you, Jeff,” Bible murmured. “From Megan, from the world, and from yourself if I have to.”

The morning sunlight began to filter through the curtains when Jeff stirred, his eyes fluttering open slowly. For a moment, he seemed disoriented, his gaze scanning the room before landing on Bible.

“You stayed,” Jeff croaked, his voice rough from sleep and emotion.

Bible smiled softly, brushing a tear from Jeff’s cheek. “Of course I did. I’ll always stay.”

Jeff looked away, guilt flashing in his eyes. “I... I didn’t mean to make you worry like this. I just... I didn’t know what to do.”

Bible’s heart clenched, but he kept his voice steady. “Then you call me, Jeff. Always. You don’t have to go through this alone. Not ever again.”

Jeff hesitated, then nodded, his resolve cracking but still there. “I’ll try. I promise I’ll try.”

Bible leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Jeff’s temple. “That’s all I ask.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, Jeff let himself believe that maybe—just maybe—he didn’t have to face the weight of the world on his own. With Bible by his side, he felt a flicker of hope, small but growing stronger with each passing moment.

And Bible, holding Jeff’s hand tightly, silently vowed to never let that hope fade.

The days following Jeff’s hospitalization were a whirlwind for both of them. Bible found himself adjusting to a routine he hadn’t expected: getting up early to make sure Jeff had everything he needed, setting reminders for his medication, and making sure the house felt like a sanctuary for Jeff, away from all the chaos. Bible had always been the one to give, but now, he was in a new role—taking care of Jeff in ways he hadn’t imagined.

Jeff was still weak, physically and emotionally. His hands trembled as he tried to eat, and Bible would gently guide the fork to his lips. The sight of Jeff’s usual strength being replaced by fragility tore at Bible’s heart, but he knew this was part of the healing. Jeff had to learn to trust in others, and Bible would be there for every moment, even the small ones.

One evening, after Jeff had finished his dinner, Bible sat down next to him on the couch. He’d been quieter than usual, lost in thought. Bible could tell something was weighing on him, but he didn’t push. He simply stayed close, the warmth of his presence offering a silent comfort.

“Jeff,” Bible said softly, his voice almost a whisper. “You don’t have to carry everything alone. Not anymore.”

Jeff turned to him, his eyes tired but filled with gratitude. “I don’t know how to stop,” he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m scared... scared that if I let go, everything will fall apart. That I’ll lose what little I have left.”