Don't Let Go (Sequel to Hold On JackABoy)

Chapter 27- Hoi's Story

Hoi's POV

January 1, 2001

"Aaahhh," I exclaimed, leaning back in my chair. I look around my new office. I was fresh out of college and on my way to do what I was destined for. "This is so great," I say while sitting back up and playing with my the name tag on my desk. I smiled, knowing I'm going to be able to finally help people. Ever since mi madre passed away, her death influenced me then on ever since.

I look up startled at the sudden knock at my door.
I clear my throat fixing my tie. "Come in!" I say just loud enough to be heard on the other side of the framework.
The door slowly creeps open as a frail-flooking boy walks in about 14-16. His posture confirms that he is self conscious as he is looking down for his bangs to cover his face, and his hand grasped over his other arms bicep.

He looks ups for a brief moment. "A-are you Dr, Hoizer?" He asks.

"Yessir," I say putting down my name tag and pulling out my list. "Why don't you have a seat uhhh Joshua?" I ask unsure if I was reading the right appointment.
He nods and takes a seat.
"Alright hi Joshua, I'm Dr. Hoizer but you may call me Hoi if that's easier. Now do you prefer Josh or Joshua?" I asked looking at him as he sits, not moving once still looking down. "Josh," he answers just above a whisper.

Tricky. I think to myself as he's not much for words but again I assume most everyone in here isn't either.

January 10, 2001

Tears pricked my eyes as I couldn't contain my laughs. My face red and blotchy I assume from my lack of oxygen. "Man you're too good," I claimed as I wiped the tears away with the occasional extra laugh or two trying to squeeze in. It was in this moment that I look down at the same boy I had met two weeks ago. He went from barely talking and moving, frozen in the same spot for 45 minutes a day as I quote on quote 'spoke' to this very open giggly boy with the brightest eyes. His posture has changed to a more normal one and he's not afraid to switch sitting positions or flip the top of his hair.
I cleared my throat and lent on my desk, "Josh.." He looked at me. "I'm very proud of you, to see what you've changed like in the nine days that we've known each other is tremendous!" I complimented as he sort of blushed he was embarrassed.
"T-thank you," he said. I mentally frowned not hearing him stutter like that since the first 4 days but understanding that most people struggle with compliments anyhow.

February 1, 2001

"I put in a good word for you." I smiled at him. "You're going home." I smiled as his jaw dropped.
He got out of his bunk and raced to hug me.
"Oh thank you thank you thank you." I embraced his hug, but pushed him back and looked in his eyes. "As much as I'm going to miss you, I don't want to see you back here ok?" He nodded. "..but if worse comes to shove I would rather have you here." I gave him a warm smile as there was a knock at his dorm's door.

A nurse walked in with his phone and bag. "Your brothers here to pick you up Joshua." He smiled and looked up at me. I patted his head and smiled as he began to exit the room. "Farewell Josh."

I can't say I didn't have a little swagger in my walk back to my office. The self reward that comes with helping people is so beautiful. I felt all warm and mushy.

October 3, 2005

"Jensen when are you going to come home and father your children? I know your patients need you but so do your sons and they don't have 24 hour protection!" My wife yelled over the phone.

I moaned squeezing my nose bridge as I leaned back almost pulling the wire out of the phone.

"I know Jessica, I know. Jenna needed help and I-" she cut me off.