HANAHKI DISEASE IS AN ILLNESS BORN FROM UNREQUITED LOVE.
PETALS BLOOM FROM THE LUNGS, THEIR ROOTS THREADING THEMSELVES THROUGH EVERY BRANCH.
THEY GERMINATE, ENCLOSED IN BLOOD AND FLESH, FEEDING, ABSORBING THE SUFFERING WITHIN, FILLING EVERY CREVICE TO THE MARROW OF THE BONES.
"Malcolm Isaiah Hoying-Way
Patient #3265
Sex: Male
Age: 17
Condition: Hanahaki, critical, DNR*"
That's what read on his hospital issued wristband, black print on white plastic.
That's what his lover, fathers, and family read as his flower covered body was zipped in a black bag.
The flowers were beautiful, really. Different shades of red visible under the blindingly white intensive care unit lighting.
The only question remaining was, why did the boy suffer from this terminating disease?
His boyfriend loved him, as did his friends and family.
Why?
Who's love did he yearn for, yet never receive?
Who's approval was always sought after with no success?
The answer to this question could only be found in one woman.
"Who were the boy's biological parents?" the doctor asked Malcolm's fathers.
"Lindsay Hoying and Lazare... Smith."
Of course. The light bulb had illuminated.
His mother.
The rough, uncaring, abusive mother who always made him feel as though he was not enough.
Her dead body was found the next day, with a simple red rose left on her chest along with a note.
"For Malcolm, with love..."
YOU ARE READING
Short Stories
General FictionSome short stories based on characters created by myself and my friend. ((Strong language warning))
