Disordered Eating (Skephalo)

More Than A Skeleton

Darryl's POV

It was time to pick up Zak from the hopsital again after more than half a year. The doctors told me he was doing really well in this process of eating again and becoming "weight restored," which made me want to cry from joy. Weight restored meant that he was at a healthy weight again, not that his mind was fixed, but he was safe enough to start working on his mental part of recovery.

Zak looked more amazing than before. He seemed to have more energy. He looked alive, and as Vincent puts it, "more than a skeleton." His skin was less grey and pale, and he looked like he was happier. I know in some ways he felt worse than ever, but his emotions weren't as intense from lack of nutrition. He still looked like he was in pain from osteoporosis, as that would stick with him forever. The doctors said it could be treatable to relieve some pain, and that Zak has built up more bone density again.

Zak was going to be in intense therapy from now on. The doctors kept reminding me that his weight restoration was temporary. He could go right back down after being let out of the hospital. Weight restoration didn't mean recovery.

However, Zak seemed motivated to try. It's like he needed to hit rock bottom in a way. The heart attack scared him badly. It scared me too. I have nightmares of Zak on the bridge smiling and laughing and suddenly just having a heart attack and just falling off by mistake. I kept especially Rat but also Rocco close to me at night. It helped stop nightmares when one of them are in the bed, since I can't hold Zak.

I'll be able to hold him again.

I could tell Rocco also missed him. Sometimes Zak would be allowed to go outside and I'd bring Rocco out there in the hospital garden. Rocco always jumped around Zak and barked. Despite being apart, Rocco was always more loyal to Zak than me.

Silly puppy.

Zak was so happy to see Rocco in those brief few minutes. I don't think it was even allowed, but it made him so happy. Whenever I visited him he'd like to talk about Rocco and to see him. I'd tell him about his behavior, or about him and Rat's antics. I had Rocco approved by the landlord. Luckily he didn't find out about how Rocco was there before.

My phone began to ring and I picked it up.

"Is this Darryl Noveschosch? This is Poppy calling you from Roses N Poses." A lady on the other line asked, "your blue flowers from your online order is ready."

"Yes that's me. I'm about to swing by and pick them up," I said.

"Alright. Just walk on in and ask for Rose to get you your flowers," The lady said and hung up.

The flower store here was kinda odd. None of the employees had their real names shown. They used fake flower names in the store. So there was a "Daisy" cashier,  a "Chrysanthemum" cashier, apparently a "Rose" cashier, a "Lily" cashier," an "Azalea" cashier, and a "Poppy" cashier. Not one of them was named after a flower outside of work, and they had their flower of choice clipped to their hair.

I've been here once before to pick up flowers for a sick relative. It is the only flower store in town. My friend worked there and her name was "Chrysanthemum" there. She talked to me about everyone there, but Rose must be new.

Anyway, it was time to pick up the flowers and head to the hospital. As I was walking out of my apartment, Vincent poked his head out.

"Hey, can I come with? To pick up Zak?" He asked.

I nodded yes, as I guess that was okay, "We're going to need to stop by Roses n Poses first though."

"Flowers for him?" Vincent asked.

I nod again and we both walk to my van. We drove to the flower shop really close by the hospital. Vincent had never actually been here, which would make sense. He decided to follow me into the store.

I saw "Chrysanthemum", my friend, when we walked in. She wasn't busy so I walked up to her.

"Hey, we're looking for Rose?" I said as a statement but in a question like voice.

"Rose will get to you soon. I'll tell Rose to come up to you guys on the walkie. I'm about to clock out," She said, "This stupid flower is itchy today."

"Chrysanthemum" spoke over the walkie talkie and asked for Rose to come up, and then she clocked out. Rose started to walk up to us. She had long red hair in a beanie and she had amazing makeup. Rose was wearing a cool plaid skirt and a tight brown shirt with a garden apron. Rose had a black rose clipped to the side of her head. Vincent was kind of staring, and I looked at him weirdly.

Rose then spoke to us in a deep voice, "how can I help you guys?"

We were both shocked that Rose's voice was so deep and that it came out of her. Rose laughs at us.

"Uh, we're sorry. We didn't mean to- it's just shocking," I quickly said and whacked Vincent gently.

"Don't worry. I don't think I'm trans. I just kinda like dressing up like this," Rose said, "My name is Jude though."

Vincent reached out to shake Rose/Jude's hands and blushed. They both made eye contact with each other and Rose kept laughing.

I was helped with my blue flowers, but they kept their eyes on each other the whole time. I think Vincent mumbled something about going for dinner, and Rose/Jude agreed to go.

Did Vincent just get a date because I picked up flowers for Zak?

Rose blew a small kiss and a wink at Vincent, and I backed out of the flower shop slowly. Vincent was a bright red. Rose/Jude then asked for a quick hug, and I watched as Vincent awkwardly went for a hug.

The hug was quick, but Rose then gave Vincent a small peck on his cheeks. A bright  Lipstick mark was on his left cheek where Rose has kissed. Vincent then let go and gave his number. We both left and got in the van.

"That was the most confusing thing ever," Vincent said.

"Well either way, enjoy your date," I said.

Vincent tried to rub the lipstick off, but it just smeared a bit with a napkin I had in the car. He seemed worried someone would ask about it.

We arrived at the hospital and Zak was fully ready to be released. Seeing Zak leaving the hospital after so long made me cry. He looked amazing. He seemed like he was ready for change. He didn't scare me any.

Vincent hugged Zak immediately and cried about how proud he was.

"What's that on your cheek, Xem?" Zak asked and giggled.

"Don't ask about that! Let's get you home," Vincent said.

Vincent then stepped back and I walked up to Zak. I stared at his face with a smile in tears. His face was fuller and there was more color in his cheeks. His eyes seemed to sparkle more and he seemed less disoriented.

I handed Zak the flowers from behind my back, and Zak took them. He "ooed" at the pretty blues and gave them a smell.

"I see the beauty in flowers now," He said.

"Oh yay!" I clapped.

"But the most beautiful flower is you," Zak said and leaned in to kiss me.

He lowered the flowers and with one hand on my face. He kissed me strongly but it didn't last a long time. Still, it set off flames in my heart.

"So, where are we going to eat?" Zak asked after he pulls away from my face.