The Withering Flower

Chapter 3 : An Unexpected Surprise

*whispers*

"Listen, I do not want to hurt her. I would never."

"you don't even know her!"

"I might not. but i know well enough that she's sick, really sick, and she needs all the love right now: and y ou must know it's not only you mr. John Krislo who can give her that love!"

"why is everyone f#king telling me that! I love Melody. more than my own life and i know that i'm the only one who can shield her from the pains that love and life brings. and i'm going to do anything and e verything to do just that.

"and how far has that gotten you John? Look, the last thing I would want is to hurt Melody, i get that you love her, i do. but by shielding her from pain, you're aware you are also shielding her from the world; from the opportunity to make and have friends, from the chance to be free and explore and experience the world both in its dangers and beauties, from the opportunity to truly know and be herself and know what love truly is...ill be outside. "

*Liam leaves the room*

"for a guy who just came into our lives, he's a good man. John"

*John walked o ver to her bedside and knelt by her*

"mel," he sighed. "how long have you been awake?" he asked.

"long enough."

"mel..."

"What's wrong with you? huh John?
John fell on the chair and engulfed his head with his hands.

"What do you mean what's wrong with me?"

"Why do you hate Liam."

"I do not hate him mel."

'"then why do you fight h im?"

"I just (sniffs), I just don't want you to get hurt. i dont want him to hurt you. I can't bear seeing you go through a heartbreak, seeing you hurt."

"John, look at me!"

*John raised his head and looked at his sister*

"I'm in the hospital crying out loud!I'm sick. i'm going to die soon. i can't do things normal people can.(sits up) how much more hurt can i possibly be?

"you are not going to die! you're not going to die." tears began to emerge in John's eyes as he spoke. It was then that Melody saw not the strong brother he put himself to be, but as the worried, tired, sad, worn out brother he actually was. She understood where he was coming from. He was no longer the strong person he wanted her to believe he was, he was as hurt as she was.

"I'm trying mel. i'm really trying. but the thought of you dying and going to leave me - i just can't. i'm trying to be strong for you, i'm trying...'' John said as he began to sob. Melody knew that it was because of her that her brother had somehow shut himself from having fun and hanging out with his friends. She was tired of being the reason John did not have fun.

"John." Melody lightly called.

"hm?" he looked up, h is eyes blood red and face wet with tears.

"go home John. sleep, go to the mall, go to a friend's place, watch a movie, eat some popcorn. go have fun." Melody said.

"if it were that easy." John shrugged.