The Tapestry of Love

Chapter 17

The sterile, dimly lit corridors of the hospital were eerily quiet as August made his way to his uncle’s room. His footsteps echoed softly against the tiled floor, and the scent of antiseptic hung heavily in the air. He walked at a determined pace, his heart heavy with worry. It had been a long time since he saw his uncle, now he wanted to see him immediately.

As August turned a corner, he paused. He saw Joshua who was sitting with his head resting against the wall, fast asleep. Joshua’s face bore the marks of worry and exhaustion. He was feeling cold, August felt a pang of pain and sympathy he knew how much Joshua cared for his father. He took off his jacket and carefully draped it over Joshua’s shoulders, hoping it would provide some warmth and comfort. He stood there for a moment, watching Joshua breathe steadily, and his expression softening. He was looking at Joshua continuously it seems that it is a precious scene that he wants to keep that moment in his eyes forever. August wished he could take away the burdens that weighed so heavily on Joshua’s heart.

With a sigh he turned and gently pushed open the door to his uncle’s room. Mr. Smith laid on the bed, his body connected to various drips and tubes. The sight made Augusts’ chest tighten with sadness. The once strong and vibrant man now seemed so frail and vulnerable.

August approached the bed, his footsteps light, as if not to disturb the fragile peace. He looked down at him, taking in the pale complexion and the shallow rise and fall of his chest. Memories of his uncle’s hearty laughter and the warmth of his embrace flooded Augusts’ mind. It was hard to reconcile those memories with the reality before him.

“Why did it have to happen, I can’t see Josh devastated again. Please uncle be alright”.

He buried his face in his hands for a moment. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and he struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. He needed to be strong, for Joshua, for everyone who was relying on him.

August reached out and gently took his uncle’s hand, feeling the cool, papery skin beneath his fingers. He squeezed it lightly, hoping his uncle could sense his presence and draw some strength from it.

“Hang in there, Uncle. We’re all here for you. Just keep fighting.” He whispered softly,

“Joshua needs you, uncle, he can’t endure it if you leave him, and we need you.” He swept the tears rising in his eyes. August sat there in silence thinking about how he could face Joshua what would he say to him, the room filled with the steady rhythm of the monitors. He stayed by Mr. Smith’s side feeling the passage of time only through the slight changes in the light filtering through the window. His mind wandered through memories and worries without knowing what will happen, the future uncertain and daunting.

Joshua felt something warm covering him, he took a look and knew whose jacket is this. He knew that scent, the elegant and sensual smell that speaks about his personality it was Augusts’. But how could it be possible? August wasn’t supposed to be there. Confused and startled Joshua stood up glancing around the quiet corridor; his heart was racing as he sensed his presence here. He noticed a shadow moving inside his father’s room. His heart pounded as he approached the door, pushing it open gently.

Inside, he was stunned by the sight before him. August stood by the bedside, holding his father’s hand, his face a mix of sorrow and determination. The dim light casts long shadows, giving the scene a surreal emotion.

“Uncle, why didn’t you tell me you were unwell?”Augusts’ voice trembled, a mixture of hurt and confusion evident in his tone.

“You also didn’t trust me?”

“When did you come?” Joshua asked his voice as slow as murmur

August turned at the sound of Joshua’s voice, his eyes softening as he met his gaze.

“Joshua, I…” he began, but words failed him for a moment. The emotions he saw in Joshua’s eyes mirrored his own turmoil. Joshua stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Augusts’ face. He hugged him tightly.

“I’d missed you,” Joshua whispered they can feel their heartbeats through this hug

“I could have been here for you, I could have helped. But I wasn’t there, I’m sorry Josh.”

Augusts’ voice cracked, and he swallowed hard, fighting back tears.

Joshua gently placed his hand on Augusts’ shoulder.

“He didn’t want to worry anyone. He thought he could handle it on his own.”

Joshua’s eyes filled with unshed tears as he looked at his father, lying so still and fragile.

Joshua took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He reached out and gently touched his father’s hand, feeling the cool, fragile skin beneath his fingertips.

“I’m sure that you’ll survive, fight for me. I don’t have anyone except you.” Joshua was crying like a child

August put his hand on his shoulder

“Don’t worry Josh he’ll be alright” Joshua looked at him and nodded he wiped his tears

“You should take some rest It must been a long journey go home now August “.

“I’ll go but now I’m here for you, I want to be with you. Remember we’ll face everything together.” August replied holding Joshua’s hand

Joshua didn’t say anything and went out.

“I know Josh you’re not okay, but I don’t give up helping you now.”

The next morning Mr. and Mrs. Black came to look for Mr. Smith’s health. Joshua was sitting next to his father’s bed and August was standing in a corner looking at Joshua sadly.

Mrs. Black entered and had a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Joshua stood up looking at her, she took him in a tight hug. August greeted her and she also took him in a hug

“How are you my son?” She asked about holding Joshua’s hands

“I’m alright, don’t worry mom.” Joshua replied and August was surprised by the mention of the word mom it was due to their relationship that was standing at the edge of their hearts.

“Let’s go out and speak, let’s not disturb Mr. Smith” they went out

“After coming out she took Joshua’s hand and made him sit next to her

“What did the doctor say” she enquired

Joshua didn’t replied he only shook his head in negation

Mrs. Smith patted his shoulder “we all are here for you, be brave I know he’ll fight with this” she tried to console him.

“It’s too late mom. He didn’t tell us and now it’s impossible to save him. He wanted me to be brave but I don’t want to lose him.”A tear fell from his eye on her hand Mrs. Black started crying looking at Joshua’s situation he was looking like a patient pale skin and the fear of losing his father was clear in his eyes.

The nurse came with the tray and went inside. After giving medicines she came out

“Miss, how is uncle? When will he wake up?”

August inquired

“He can be awake anytime, make sure to be there with him. And other members please leave don’t crowd the place.” she said and left

“Joshua see she said he’ll wake up soon, now don’t worry” August tried to convince Joshua but there is no hope in Joshua’s life.

August felt a pang of pain in his heart He didn’t know what would happen but he wanted to console him to worry less.