Book#2 - NARRY - Don't Doubt The Life Inside

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Liam is shaking Niall awake after his nap telling him that its time for a walk.

"W-walk?" I can barely move m-my toes..." Niall is bewildered that Liam even thinks there is a possibility that he can walk. Niall could hardly feel his legs let alone stand on them.

"I've worked with a lot of people with the same condition as you. Mostly all of them can walk with a little help." Liam attempts to convince the ill boy.

Niall doesn't say anything or make a move to get up. He only sits on his bed looking disappointed in himself.

"What's the matter? Don't you at least want to try?" Liam asks. He takes a seat beside Niall on his lousy hospital mattress and bumps him lightly with his shoulder.

"No, because when I f-fall to the ground I'll hate myself even more." Niall admits softly. Liam frowns and sighs. He grabs Niall's hands lightly and stands up in front of the boy.

"Good thing I wont let you fall."

Niall looks up from his lap to see Liam's face and he can't help but smile. He's happy Liam is who he is; even if Niall didn't know him that well. The guy was nice and putting in an effort, so what the hell, why not at least try for him.

Niall let's Liam grip his wrist tightly as he shuffles his bum closer to the edge of the bed. He plants his bare feet to the cold tile floor and closes his eyes, lifting himself and hoping for the best. When his feet stay to the floor and Liam's grip loosens. He knows he's done it, and that's just one less thing wrong with him.

"Do you have more faith in yourself now?" Liam asks with a short laugh. He grabs a pair of blue forearm crutches leaning against a wall and offers them to Niall carefully.

"Whatever, l-let's just get to the toilet. I've got t-to pee." Niall rolls his eyes and smiles, sliding his arms through the crutch's cuffs.

"Sure, and we'll get something to eat right after, okay?" Liam appoints. Niall nods and takes his first slow, wobbly step forward. And Liam is right, he doesn't fall.

The meals there look like they are deathly and they smelt even worse. Niall's appetite is gone the second Liam placed the tray in front of him.

"T-there is n-no way you're getting m-me to eat that." Niall exclaims, turning away the food.

"You have to eat, you don't entirely have a choice Niall... this is what they've got." Liam opens a small plastic package and hands a fork to Niall. He huffs and shakes his head childishly, refusing the utensil.

"Why a-are you even helping me a-anymore. You're my physical therapist, y-you've walked me a-around the hospital, your job i-is done." Niall rudely remarks, getting frustrated with himself for having a stupid stutter as he attempts to make a point.

"I'm here, by your side, from 7am to 9pm to help you with daily activities you cannot perform on your own. Don't complain about me because I'm really the only... well, pleasant P.T. you'll get." Liam informs. Niall sighs again scowling at Liam but reaches out and waits from Liam to place the plastic fork in his hand. As soon as it's in his palm, Niall curls his fingers loosely so his hand doesn't lock up (he knows better now) and lowers it carefully to the container of what he thinks is mashed potatoes. He scoops what his weak hand can handle and he tries to lift the food to his mouth. But gravity's a bitch and the fork slips onto his hospital gown, covering it in creamy mush.

"This is b-bullshit!" Niall shoves the table angrily and it swings out of his way. He brings his knees up to his chest and makes himself as small as he can while he tries not to cry. Niall knows if Harry was with him he'd know what to say or how to make him feel better. Harry would probably cuddle and kiss him and let Niall cry on his shoulder for as long as he needs.