As they entered the washroom, the air felt heavy with unspoken words.
Justin let a single tear escape, tracing down his cheek. He placed his hand gently on his right thigh and whispered, almost to himself, "Was that… planned?" 🥲
Eric, observing him closely, felt his chest tighten. Without thinking, he hugged Justin.
A small gap formed between them.
Justin whispered softly, "What happened?" 😶
Eric: "Should we… tell them?" 🙁
Justin quickly placed his hand over Eric's mouth. "No… leave it. Everyone's happy now. If we say this, Uncle Joseph will be broken." 🙁
Eric looked at Justin, realizing once again that the person he loved was not only kind but a true gentleman. ❤️❤️
Yet a shadow of doubt lingered in his mind. He gently held Justin's hand, sliding one hand over Justin's hip, anchoring himself.
Eric: "What really happened… two years ago, Justin?" 🔥
Justin, with a small smile but a hint of pain in his eyes, began. 🥰
"When I came here with Dad two years ago… he was busy on the phone. I was playing alone near the big tree when… suddenly, a branch broke and fell on me. I felt your grip tighten on my waist," he whispered, feeling Eric's steady hand holding him close. ❤️
"I was okay… really. But the branch's sharp edge pierced my right thigh. When I was discharged, Dad was busy with meetings. Aunt Megan and Aunt Lauran took care of me for six months, because I couldn't even walk."
Eric felt the distance between them shrink with every word. ❤️
"I thought it was an accident… but…" Justin trailed off, his eyes searching Eric's for understanding. 🙁
Eric, eyes flashing determination, whispered, "I want to see it. I need to understand." 😤
---continue