Chapter 37: The Ones Who Came for Me
The elevator doors slid open on the fourth floor.
Jake stood there waiting, eyes wide, heart thudding. He couldn't stop fidgeting—rubbing his hands together, blinking back a fresh wave of tears. Then, he saw them.
Alex stepped out first, eyes scanning until they met Jake's.
"Jake," he said quietly.
Before another word could be spoken, Jake ran forward and threw his arms around Alex. The tight embrace hit hard—shoulders shaking, breaths caught. It wasn't just a hug. It was a silent scream of pain, relief, and gratitude.
"You came… You all really came," Jake whispered, holding on like he would drown without them.
Alya and Lisa quickly joined the hug. Lisa touched his back gently, tears welling up in her eyes. Alya smiled through hers.
"Of course, we did," Alya said softly. "You idiot… you didn't have to go through this alone."
Jake laughed, a broken, emotional laugh, wiping his face with the back of his hand.
"Sorry… I just…" He looked at them all, one by one. "You have no idea how much this means to me."
Behind them, Marcus watched, arms crossed—but even he had a faint smile. Elena, Jake's sister, peeked around the corner and smiled at the sight.
Jake turned to his siblings. "Marcus, Elena… these are my friends. No. My family."
Marcus gave a small nod. "Nice to meet you. I can see why Jake talks differently now."
Jake beamed, looking back to his friends.
"I want you to meet my dad."
The group followed Jake to the room, but a nurse quickly stopped them.
"I'm sorry, we can't allow that many visitors inside at once. Only three at a time."
They paused. Alex looked at Jake and said, "We'll wait our turn."
Jake nodded slowly.
"Then… Alya, Lisa, Alex. Come with me first. He… he should see you guys."
The others gave them room as the three followed Jake into the quiet, dimly lit room. The door closed behind them gently.
Outside, the others waited, patient and silent.
Inside, the next emotional chapter was about to begin.