Benny Washington, unable to relate to his distant father, and wracked with guilt over the recent death of his mother, seeks solace in best friend Peter Hall, comic books, and ballet-a passion he and Peter share. When Benny learns on the Internet tha...
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It's Not Over
Benny is sitting up in bed, wearing a tank top and workout shorts. His hands and feet are bandaged and the pain medication has brought the discomfort down to a dull throb. Those first few days after his electrocution were difficult to endure and he was sedated much of the time so he could sleep. His hands are more burned than his feet, but at least today he can flex his fingers without much stiffness.
Nicolas is seated beside him on the bed, looking more relaxed than Benny can ever recall seeing him.
He's ecstatic that his father was given time off work to stay home while he recuperates. He hasn't spent so much one-on-one time with his dad in so long that he can't even remember the last time. Their relationship has dramatically improved as a result of everything that's happened, and the newfound closeness between them feels better than all the pain meds in the world.
"You comfortable?"
"Yeah, Dad. I'm good. A little headache is all." Should he mention that the headache is more than just "little" and that it's been with him since he woke up today? No, not now. He doesn't want to worry his dad anymore.
"Davonte came by," Nicolas goes on conversationally, "but you were asleep.
That surprises Benny. "Yeah?"
"Surprised me, too. He's gotten big. He'll be back tomorrow."
"Cool." Benny finds himself looking forward to the visit.
"Oh, and Mr. Yang said he'd drop by later to see you."
Benny frowns. "Where's the God Machine now?"
"He said it's locked up safe and sound."
"Any change in those people the monster attacked?"
Nicolas shakes his head. "But the doctors aren't giving up."
Benny keeps his gaze on the bandaged hands in his lap. "It's my fault they got hurt."
Nicolas reaches out and lifts Benny's chin so they make eye contact. "Benny, we've been over this. You made a mistake and you did everything you could to fix it. Some things can't be fixed, son."
Benny nods, but still feels suffocated with guilt.
Nicolas shifts with obvious discomfort. "Benny, about your... show."
Benny stiffens. "You promised you'd go."
"Of course, I want to go. But your feet. The doctor said—"
"I'll be fine by then. It'll be the first time you see me dance and I won't wimp out."
