Above the Crimson Sky (Sequel to Beneath the Midnight Sky)

XVII. Cleansing the Spirit

Two Weeks Later

When one hasn't been able to appreciate nature in a while, suddenly the vibrancy sprinkles its beauty all over the landscape. It's the end of Winter but the cold has shown to be relentless and bitter; no signs of Spring making its appearance yet.

Louis sat comfortably in the oversized wheelchair. His Mother spread a blanket that Harry had given him as a get well soon gift over on his lap, making him feel like an old lady in the nursing home. Sitting beside him as a companion is Mr. Snuggles, a bear that Zayn bought from the gift shop and left for him just days prior.

"You're so loved sweetheart," Mrs. Tomlinson fondly smiled as she pushed him out to her vehicle. Louis hummed in response, acknowledging her statement. "But you still don't love yourself, and that breaks my heart. We need to get you some sort of help...."

"I'm fine, Mom!" He protested.

"Obviously not. It' still a struggle to keep you on track and...you're just now being discharged. Nurse Monroe said that you wouldn't hardly eat your meals.... we've tried rehab twice, we've tried outpatient. I'm not sure what to do about it...."

"You are NOT sending me away again. I'll jump out in front of a car if you even try!" Louis whined. "And don't think I won't, just ask Zayn!"

Mrs. Tomlinson gasped. "Louis William! You stop that negative talk right now! I am not trying to send you away...all I'm saying is we need try alternatives," She said starting the engine. "Don't you want to be able to drive? What if you and Harry get married? You don't want him having to do all the work, do you?" She looked at him.

Louis scoffed. "Oh, please. Like he'd ever marry my fat ass!"

"You're awful sassy today, honey. I'm going to stop by, get your meds, and I want you to go straight to your room. No questions asked! You may be 22 but you are not going to talk to me like that. You can come down when you've had time to think about it," she scorned. "I won't stop trying to help you no matter how much you try and stop me."

Sighing, Louis felt guilt rush over him. "I'm sorry, Mom. It's just been quite the ordeal......I know I can tell you anything so I'm going to.... when I got back from England, I never started eating properly. Sometimes when I was around you or Harry, I would eat a 'normal' amount and then go and vomit it up, even if it took one hour for to be feel satisfied.

 

Sometimes, I would spit up blood, but I had to keep going because I felt disgusting. Eventually, it became second nature. I don't know what's going to help me, Mom. I think sometimes, there is none – it's just a way of life and then we die," Louis deadpanned.

Mrs. Tomlinson gripped the steering wheel tight, trying to keep her composure. She did not want to scold Louis for being open and honest with her, but she hated that her son had no desire to get better. "Well, I won't ever stop trying to help you. It's my job," she winked.

Harry didn't visit the entire time Louis was at his parents' house, though it wasn't by choice. The doctor informed him that he needed to get this strength back up if he wanted to go back to university and the only way to get medical clearance was to stay in Doncaster and pick up his weight and prove he could manage on an outpatient basis.

With nothing else left to do, he went over the lines for his upcoming play trying to store them in his memory.

********

The moon was making its appearance greeting the sun as they crossed paths for a moment before lighting up the sky the best he could. Inside the tiny apartment, the strobe lights set off a happy beat. Zayn laid lifelessly on the old faithful futon that smelled like sweat, weed, and decay. The fabric had burn holes and stains, but he did not pay them any attention.