Broken Hands

141. Reunion

Chatters filled the small hospital room. Nora, Rita, Grace, and Savanna were all present, their voices blending as they talked about random things, bonding effortlessly. Laughter filled the air, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of past fears seemed lighter. Russell, as usual, was at the center of it all, flashing smirks and cracking jokes, thriving in the attention.

Julian listened quietly, his mind elsewhere—with Grayson. His dad had assured him they'd be back soon, but the waiting gnawed at him. The last thing he heard was that Grayson's ribs were affected. Other than that, he should be fine.

"Should be."

The thought lingered uneasily in Julian's chest.

"Did I miss anything?"

A voice from the doorway snapped everyone's attention toward it.

Raymond!

A smile broke across Julian's lips as Raymond strolled in, a bag slung over his shoulder.

"I see a lot of ladies. Beautiful ladies. Priceless." He said with an exaggerated charm, like some gentleman straight out of a fairy tale.

Savanna and Grace giggled. Rita shook her head with a fond smile, while Nora outright laughed.

"Good thing I grabbed a box of chocolates," Raymond added, pulling it out with a dramatic flourish.

Julian's eyes widened. "Can I have some too?"

The room went silent. Everyone turned to stare at him.

Raymond looked like he was about to say yes, but then he glanced at Nora, hesitated, and shook his head.

Julian rolled his eyes and propped his chin on his hands, pouting.

Grace chuckled, adjusting Bluey in her arms. The cat snuggled closer, "Russell too shouldn't have any." Grace teased.

Russell smirked. "Bones are made of chocolate. So I need as much as possible."

Grace burst out laughing while Savanna faked a gasp.

"That's why you won't be having kids anytime soon," Rita quipped.

Laughter erupted around them. Russell just shrugged. "I'm an adult."

"Yeah, yeah, and we all know what kind of adult you are—chocolate bones," Rita scoffed playfully.

Raymond plopped down beside Julian, noticing the way he still looked, lost in thought. "You look moody," he observed. Then, without warning, he slipped his hand into Julian's jacket pocket.

Julian blinked in surprise, watching as Raymond pulled back his hand with a smug smile.

"Hopefully, that helps. But zip," Raymond murmured tracing his fingers across his lips like invisible zippers.

Julian reached into his pocket, feeling something round and smooth brush against his fingers—a chocolate ball. A small smile crept on his lips.

"Thanks," he mouthed.

Before he could savor the moment, the doctor walked in. The ladies greeted him warmly, and he returned their smiles before clearing his throat.

"Good news," he announced, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

"Russell will be discharged next week. He's doing great."

Cheers erupted from Rita and Nora, while Russell grinned smugly.

"Finally! I can have you stay with me," Rita said, pulling him closer and pressing a kiss to his cheek—much to his horror.

"Mum!" Russell groaned, face turning red. "Stop!"