Page 6 of Paper Thin Love

“I know.”

The bed railing shakes under his imposing weight.“Why didn’t you just call me?”

I shrug, then pick at the IV in my hand.

“You don’t have to be ashamed to confide in us. I wasn’t. You and Damian picked me up when I fell into a blind pit, you forced me to stand.”

I force down another burning gulp,“I’m…I’m happy I woke up.” I think I am.“I’m a mess. I’m full of regrets, of hopes lost, and a thousand nightmares I want to make come true.”

Suddenly, a fire replaces my pain.

“You lost sight. It happens. When you are blind, you need to rely on your other senses. One day, our lives will be different. Hold onto that.”

I watch his shoulders curl in, like he’s trying to take the first impact for me.“Your dad is on his way home.”

A rush of blood fills my eyes before it pauses and then roars to the surface.

Titan looks at his feet.“I heard my dad talking. They’re taking you from us. You’re going to a boarding school.”

“Shit.”

Chapter 3

Dash

“How are you managing the pain? Are the medications providing relief?” Dr. Kasper fiddles with his notes.

Is he the patient or me because the dude looks like he needs to lie down? It is, after all, four in the morning, but when Dad snaps his fingers, the world jumps.

Hell, some countries quiver.

“He’s fine.” Dad checks his watch.

Sure I am; I’m just beaten to within an inch of my life and can’t walk.

Dr. Kasper adjusts his glasses, pausing to choose his words carefully.Don’t bother trying to make my dad care, Doc.“Let me explain the nature of Dash’s injury so you understand the severity and our plan for recovery,” he begins.

“Dash sustained what we call a‘bi-component fracture’to the tibia, or shinbone, which is a common but serious type of leg injury. The bone is broken in two distinct places—near the knee joint and closer to the ankle. This type of fracture disrupts both the alignment and integrity of the bone.”He walks to the wall where a light box hangs.

I glance at Dad, who grinds his jaw so harshly that I think we’re going to have to call up his dentist and get him dentures.

Dr. Kasper clicks on the light to illuminate the X-rays.“As you can see here,” he points,“the breaks are quite apparent. The upper fracture is transverse, meaning the break goes straight across the bone. The lower break is slightly oblique, creating an angled break. This complexity makes it challenging to ensure everything heals perfectly aligned.”

I felt it when it broke in both places. I smiled. Kings don’t scream.

I learn that lesson young.

Dr. Kasper turns back to Dad, his expression sober.“Given the location and nature of these fractures, surgical intervention was necessary. We inserted metal rods and screws to stabilize the bone, ensuring it heals in the correct anatomical position. Without this intervention, Dash risked permanent deformity and loss of function in the leg.”

Maybe if I’m deformed, Dad won’t call me his son anymore. Is that the ticket to freedom?

“Recovery from such an injury is gradual and will require patience. The bones need time to fuse back together, a process that is initially quite delicate. Dash needs to avoid putting any weight on the leg for at least six to eight weeks to prevent disrupting the repair.”

Did he say weeks? Yeah, hell no.

The doctor sighs softly, empathizing his distress.“I know this is a lot to take in, but we are committed to Dash’s recovery. With diligent care and adherence to the rehabilitation plan, we expect a return to full functionality.”

“My son will be transferred to a facility that will oversee his rehab. I appreciate your care,” Dad replies sharply. Slapping the poor doctor in the face would have been less awkward.

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