“It was the bronze family. They’re targeting me. That’s why the bookshop is being targeted, and now they’re hurting people I love. When is it going to stop?” I say as my eyes fill up with water.
“I don’t know, baby. I’m sorry,” Teddy says with a hint of hopelessness in his voice.
“I thought this was going to be a fresh start. Since I’ve arrived, I’ve had the past haunting me. I’m no closer to finding out the identity of the bronze family, I’ve been too busy having fun,” I cry, my heart hurting. Teddy faces me and grips my hand.
“Noah, stop. Stop beating yourself up. This isn’t your fault,” He pleads as he starts wiping my tears.
“I’m going to find every single one of them and make sure they rot in jail for the rest of their life,” I whisper, my blood boiling. I feel my face grow hot as my hands form fists on my thighs. Teddy looks at me for a moment. Then he looks away, not sure what to say.
Suddenly, there is a vibration in my pocket.
“Baby… your phone is going off,” Teddy says quietly. I don’t want to answer it. But before I can stop myself, my fingers swipe right on the call. Kai’s blood has dried on my fingers.
“Noah? I wasn’t expecting you to pick up. Are you okay? How have you been?” Arthur says, his voice cheery and bright.
“Hi,” I say as tears begin to swell in my eyes.
“Are you alright, mate? You sound a bit choked up there,” my friend says, his voice smooth and caring. I’ve missed his voice.
“It’s just… I was doing so well,” I start, but the tears come thick and fast. “This is so hard,” I whisper. It’s as if he can hear the tears fall when he starts to speak again.
“I know it’s hard, but you need to keep getting back up again. You’re still breathing, aren’t you? That’s what it means to live, I think. You have to learn to breathe and get back up again so that you can enjoy the times that are easy and enjoyable. Do you get what I’m saying, man?” he asks, and I nod with glassy eyes. I realise he can’t see me nodding, and I actually have to respond.
“Yeah,” I choke out, a fat tear falling down my cheek and landing on my phone screen.
“Tell me what’s happened,” he asks, and then I go into everything that’s happened recently. I talk about meeting Teddy and falling in love, about patching up my friendship with Kai, about making friends with everyone at Ted’s flat, and then about the threats from the bronze family, what just happened with Kai and how it’s all my fault. Teddy’s arms are around my shoulder the entire time.
“You’ll get through this, Noah, you’re stronger than anyone else I know,” He says while Teddy rubs my shoulder. I rest my head on his.
“I don’t feel very strong right now.”
“The strongest people never do. You need to just get up and try again. That’s all you can do,” he says as I wipe my tears. My face is wet and hot.
Doctors are walking towards us and I realise they’re going to start talking to us.
“Arthur I need to go, but thanks for this. I love you man,”
“I love you too man, stay strong for me. Okay? Keep in touch,” He says. I hang up the call before Teddy and I stand up.
“Any news?” I ask as the doctor puts his clipboard under his arm.
“The stab wound is in their abdomen, but no important organs were damaged. He’s being prepped for surgery so we can repair the damage. But he’s in a coma right now due to the significant blood loss,” the doctor explains.
“Is he going to be okay?” I ask, gripping tight onto Teddy’s hand. He squeezes my hand a couple of times.
“I understand your concern, and I want to assure you that we’re doing everything we can to help your friend,” he says.
That’s not a yes, though.
What if he doesn’t make it?
What do I do?
I can’t go on without him, I need him.
“Thanks, Doc,” Teddy says. The doctor smiles softly and starts to head back.
“I’m taking you home,” Teddy says, and I turn to him.
