To Hold Tight or to Let Go

Chapter Twenty-One

Kongpob stood away from the bed as the nurses and the doctor crowded around the hospital bed. He winced as he heard the gurgling and coughing sound of Arthit's feeding tube being pulled out from his nose.

"Ah there you go, breathe easy," the doctor coaxed softly. "Don't try and talk just yet, your throat might feel scratchy and weird from the tube."

The doctor moved from the bed and Kongpob looked at Arthit immediately. Arthit's eyes were wide open. He was really awake. His eyes swept over to Kongpob and Kongpob felt his heart clench. Arthit's eyes were sharp and full of knowing so Kongpob knew in his heart that Arthit knew exactly who he was.

"I'm going to perform some tests to check his levels so we can proceed further with treatment. For now, I'll keep his catheter in until I perform his motor skills test," the doctor informed them. "You're welcome to get closer to the bed and talk with him for a little while I get prepared for the tests."

Kaiya hurried to the bed and sat close, followed by Kerrkalai but both Ohm and Kongpob were apprehensive. Kongpob was unsure of himself or what Arthit might be thinking. Was he mad? Was he thinking about going back to sleep and never waking up again? Was he blaming Kongpob for keeping him alive when he didn't want to be?

"Hi son," Kaiya smiled down at Arthit. "You might be a little dazed but don't worry about anything, we never left your side and we won't."

Arthit didn't have any facial expression. His eyes flickered over to Kongpob again and then he began to scratch the bed as his fingers reach out in Kongpob's direction.

"What's the matter son? Are you feeling pain anywhere?" Kaiya asked, getting concerned. Arthit didn't answer. Instead, he continued scratching at the bed, his fingers moving towards Kongpob.

"I believe he's trying to get Kongpob to go to him," Ohm said.

"Baby boy come! Why are you all the way over there?" Kaiya backed up from the bed to give Kongpob some space.

Kongpob was tentative, but he slowly walked over to the bed. Arthit's fingers kept moving in his direction and when Kongpob was standing next to the bed, he reached over and grabbed Arthit's hand. Arthit's grip was virtually nonexistent, almost as if his time being immobile weakened him tremendously. But as Kongpob held his hand. His stopped scratching at the bed and closed his eyes. Kongpob smiled and tried to hold back his tears.

"Sorry I took so long to come over P. Seeing you awake is a little overwhelming but I'm so happy to see you," Kongpob whispered to him. Arthit opened his eyes slowly and looked at Kongpob. He didn't make any facial expression before he was closing his eyes again. Kongpob lifted Arthit's hand and kissed his knuckles.

The doctor returned to the room ready to run his tests. He went to the opposite side of Kongpob so Kong didn't have to move away from Arthit.

"You may feel some exhaustion Arthit but the tests will be quick then you can rest again," he said.

Arthit opened his eyes and looked at the doctor.

"Can you try and speak now?" the doctor asked him.

Arthit opened his mouth but nothing but a hoarse rasp came from him.

"That's alright. I figure your voice wouldn't be ready until tomorrow anyways. You'll need warm water to help your throat. Now, since you can't talk just a simple nod will do. Is that alright?"

Arthit nodded.

"Can you see my fingers clearly?" the doctor asked, holding up three fingers.

Arthit nodded.