Without you, I'm nothing

Chapter 22

5 years later...

"What if he doesn't remember me?" I asked nervously as I adjusted my collar

"Benjamin, he loves you" Grandma assured me "You look so handsome"

"Thanks, Grandma" I smiled as I fiddled with a strand of hair that was out of place.

Yesterday, I received a phone call from the institution where Jon is being kept. They told me he could be released and I wanted to pick him up immediately but Grandma refused to let me go. I am now 24 years old and healthier then I have ever been. I bent down so Grandma could peck my cheek before I left the house.

The drive was long and exhausting but I eventually pulled up in front of the institution. I gulped nervously. 6 years is a long time, what if he didn't love me anymore? What if he didn't know who I was? What if...?I need to stop thinking. I haven't been able to shut off my mind fora long time. Not a day has gone by where Jon hasn't crossed my mind.I love him so much. I strode into the building before I started to doubt myself further.

"Good morning, sir" The receptionist greeted me cheerfully "How may I help?"

"Jon Holmes" I said "I've come to pick him up"

"He's been allowed to go?!" She asked in shock

"Why is that so surprising?"

"It's just...." She bit her lip "You'll see"

"Okay" I frowned "So where is he?"

"Down that corridor, turn left and it's the fourth door along. There should be someone stood outside and his name will be on the door"

"Okay, thanks"

I set off, his room was fairly easy to find. A burly man was standing guard outside the door, just as the receptionist had promised. Timidly I approached him, tapping him on the shoulder.

"What?" He grunted

"I've come for him" I nodded in the direction of the door "Can I go in?"

"Sure, don't expect him to talk to you or even acknowledge that you're there" He opened the door and shoved me inside before closing it rapidly. I stumbled slightly on the cushioned floor, he was in a padded room. Was he really that violent? Curled up in the corner of the room was Jon. His head was resting back on the wall, eyes half closed. He was like a skeleton! The white overalls he was wearing seemed to be 10 sizes too big for him. I felt tears prick at my eyes as I took in the empty look on his face, he looked more dead than alive.

I couldn't stop myself bursting into tears. He didn't even blink. I rushed over to him and gently laid a hand on his shoulder. His bones stuck out alarmingly.

"Hey, baby boy"I smiled as I wiped my eyes "It's me" His eyes snapped open upon hearing the name. He turned to look at me and his entire face lit up with joy. He threw himself into my arms, wrapping himself around me so tightly I couldn't even breathe. "Fuck, I've missed you" I said in his ear "I love you so much!" He didn't say anything but just clung to me. "Jon? Talk to me" With great difficulty I pushed him back so I could look into his eyes.

"Baby boy?" He just smiled at me "Did you get my letters?" He nodded and pointed to the opposite corner of the room. I could see 6 years worth of letters, organised into neat piles. "Please just say something! I need to hear your voice!"