Supposed to fire my imagination

 

Was it really true? Ari couldn't believe it. But of course, he'd driven all the way to the hospital to be with Pan. Jade was by his side seeing to troubled Roxanne who was mumbling about nothing.

Pan was only twenty-two. How was that possible? Ari felt for sure he was older than him, maybe in his late twenties. But then again, Pan was addicted to nicotine and seemed to have plenty in order to stay his stoic self.

Of course, it was a matter of how he got into this state. It seemed hitting the cement floor caused a concussion.

Ari just sighed and told whoever would listen that he was sure they were just playing around. They were not into domestic violence. He'd never knew of it. It was an accident. Couldn't they see it that way? Maybe he shouldn't have called for an ambulance, after all. It was an all nighter. At least, Nonnie and Weezer didn't come. Finally, Pan's mother arrived. She looked shattered. Like she thought it was a car accident of some kind. Not a bump at the back of the head.

Naturally, Pan went through an MRI and other tests. He was just anemic for the most part. Of course, the sad woman looked Rox over and gave her a hug as if she considered her more than just her son's girlfriend.

"Are you all right?" She made it sound it was all Pan's fault. Maybe it was. Of course, Pan was being his mute self. It irritated all of them, as if this time he'd fixed himself into never speaking again. No smile. Nothing. That was Pan in a nutshell.

"Tell me, does Pan have a brother?" Ari was brave enough to ask after he cornered Pan's mom while they were taking Pan's stats.

"Oh..uhh.." She looked as if she'd done something wrong. Ari was beginning to feel maybe she had, or had he asked the wrong question. Finally, she nodded. 

"I think I saw him, other day," Ari looked at her blankly and even Jade gave him a look that he'd gone too far. Rox looked at him as if it couldn't be possible. She pressed her lips as if she needed to stop herself from saying anything.

"What?" Pan's mother was in shock as if she might croak. A nurse went to her as she leaned against the wall ready to collapse.

"Why did you do that?" Jade went over to him and winced. She sounded as if it was a secret matter he wasn't supposed to know.

"Because she needed to know, he's back."

"When did he go away?" Rox didn't know, looking bug-eyed at Ari.

"Only, Pan's mom would know." Ari looked at her as if he might do some investigative reporting on the side.

Of course, Rox began to weep. She said this was all her fault. Pan finally spoke up and said he was fine. She went to him and got in bed with him with a good cuddle.

"They're going to be fine," Ari shrugged thinking Pan was just a little shit who might need a good punch from time to time.