//simplicity

chapter 19-- tears

Josh's POV//

"Why..would you do that?" He looked away after I spoke, avoiding my question. He fiddled with the sheets on the bed before speaking.

"How'd you know I was here?" His words were quiet. I run my hand through my wind-tossed red locks before pulling Tyler's chin towards my direction. My actions forced him to lock eyes with me. His chocolate brown eyes were glassy and faded.

I spoke in a stern tone, trying to stay calm for Tyler's sake.

I cleared my throat,
"Your mom called."

He blinked after a few seconds before scanning my face.

He changed the subject once again, "Josh you have dark circles under your eyes.. How'd that happen?"

I use my free hand to touch the underneath of my eyes.

'I've been so stressed about that voice.. What's gotten into me?'

It was my turn to dodge a question and persist on my own,

"Tyler I'll ask again, Why would you do this..?"

A tear slipped from his eye before he turned away.

"Tyler!" I grip his hand, attempting to pull him back towards me but it caused him to cry out in pain. I let go instantly, regretting my actions. He held his hand against his chest, tears falling onto the sheets that covered him.

"I'm sorry-"

"Just go." My heart shattered at his words.

He closed his eyes, trying to hold back more tears.

"No. I will not leave you alone. I care way too much about your well-being to you leave you to your thoughts. I need you in my life, I need you to be okay. I-.. I love you baby-boy.."
I choked tears back as I spoke, meaning every word I said. He pulled me into a weak hug, careful not to pull out the needles and tubes in his arm, before I hugged back. He muffled his tears into my chest and I held him close.

"I love you too.." It was a strained response but I definitely heard it. I hugged back tighter, not wanting to let go.

"Mr. Joseph, after we run some tests a-..." She paused as she saw our bodies tangled together in a sobbing embrace.
We both let go, blushing in an embarrassed manner.

"U-hm.. After we take the tests, we will be prescribing you a large dosage of antidepressants and a entrance into a therapy session with one of our specialists. You may go home tonight if you'd like." She said with a hint of laughter in her tone. She winked at us before leaving the room. We laugh at our awkward experience we shared together. A few minutes after we calmed down, Tyler spoke up.

"I hate hospital food and I haven't ate dinner.. Do you think we could-"

"Get Taco Bell!" I spoke excitedly with him. He giggles and nods.

"You read my mind."

The lady from before, who I presumed was Mrs. Joseph walked in the room. Her eyes were like Tyler's, a sharp, stunning brown shade. But they were red and puffy from tears. Before she spoke, Tyler took the chance to ask her a question.

"Mom.. D'you think I can stay with Josh for-.. For a while?" He scratched at his neck nervously, something I'd catch him doing to the point of bleeding sometimes.. She nods violently.

"Of course dear, whatever makes you happy!" She smiles through her pain, something I see way too often. Mrs. Joseph speaks again,

"Josh, isn't it? Do you think I could pull you into the hallway for a second, I just want to ask you something." I pardon myself from Tyler's bedside. He gave me a look of dismay and I shook my head, in a reassuring way. I saw him exhale , calmer, before I stepped out of the room, close behind Mrs. Joseph.