Chapter 36: A Light Through the Curtain
Jake sat beside the hospital bed, holding his father's frail hand.
The beeping of the heart monitor was steady, but every second felt like borrowed time. His father lay with his eyes closed, breathing faintly. Tubes ran across his body. Jake had wiped his tears dry hours ago, but the ache in his chest never left.
He had just finished helping his dad eat a little soup. Now he just sat there, watching his father sleep.
His mother sat quietly in the corner, knitting slowly. Her eyes were swollen from crying, but she smiled every time Jake looked at her.
"You're doing great, Jake," she whispered.
Jake gave a small nod. "I want to be here… as long as I can."
He looked down at his dad's hand. "You always worked so hard. You never let me see you cry. But now… I'm scared, Dad. Really scared."
There was no answer, but Jake continued in a broken voice.
"I want to show you I'm doing better. I've got a job now. I got friends who actually care. There's a guy named Alex, a girl named Alya, and so many others. I'm not the failure I used to be..."
He paused, tears falling silently.
"Please hold on long enough… so I can prove to you that I'm really trying."
His mom came over, placing a gentle hand on his back. They sat together, watching over the sleeping man they both loved.
Just then, Jake's phone buzzed. He wiped his eyes, blinked at the screen, and saw the name:
[Marcus – Incoming Call]
He picked up.
"Hello?"
"Jake." Marcus's voice came through, calm but carrying something unusual—a bit of warmth. "Your friends are here. They came to see you. One of them is named Alex… and Lisa's with them too."
Jake froze.
"W-What?" he asked, sitting up straighter.
Marcus repeated it: "Your friends are here. Should I bring them up?"
Jake's lips curled into a slow, emotional smile.
His voice cracked, but it was filled with sudden light.
"Yeah… bring them. Please…"
He turned to his mother, who looked surprised by his expression.
"They're here," he whispered.
"Who?"
Jake stood, a trembling joy in his voice.
"My family… the one I found after I left home."