Out of curiosity, Takuya raised his head slightly to steal a quick glance. Goro is reclining on the white couch. His head lolls weakly towards Shingo although his dull eyes are not focused on the person before him. Takuya studies the pair of pale to the point of bloodless hands spread lifelessly at either sides of fragile torso.
Almost immediately, Takuya's mind starts to wander three days back. The disappointment had remained after Shingo had informed him that Goro had retreated back into his shell again.
" These things take time." Shingo had explained. " We need all our patience for him. There are times his condition will improve and sometimes it will dip."
He had nodded dumbly but the hurt had remained smarting within him. A loud scream snaps him back into reality and it took him a moment to realize that his brother is having a relapse again. Shingo is holding onto both his hands to avoid any further injuries as he waits for Goro to grow tired of all the thrashing around.
The orange dropped from his hand as Takuya rushed to the bedside to help pacify Goro. As he nears, he noticed the bleeding cuts on Shingo's lower arm. He looks at the latter in shock but Shingo seems too preoccupied to notice.
Due to the lack of strength, the little commotion ended pretty soon. As Goro lay quietly, Takuya wipes the tears and perspiration from his face while Shingo washes his wound gingerly.
" Can you get hold of this Nakai fella?" Shingo asks Takuya suddenly as they left the room together.
' What?" Takuya asks in disbelief.
" It's time Goro faces his demons."
" No, I can't allow it!" Takuya protests fiercely. " He is responsible for my brother's plight now. I refuse to let him near."
' You are building your anger on your brother." Shingo informs him quietly before walking away.
* * * *
" Nichan," Goro utters weakly waking Takuya up immediately.
" Goro! You can recognize me?" Takuya asks excitedly as he watches his brother nods tediously.
" Nichan~"Goro gasps sadly.
" What is it, Goro? Tell me what you want; I will get it for you."
" Please forgive me." Goro starts to weep. " I didn't want to get myself into trouble! I didn't want to bring shame to you!"
" What are you talking about, you silly boy? I am not ashamed of you! Goro is my pride and joy."
Goro continues to weep till he starts to convulse. " I ~ I ~ pleaded with them to let me go~ but they wouldn't!"
Takuya felt a stab of icy pain went through his heart as he relives that horrible night together with his brother.
" They laughed at me. They said I have to pay the price for my friend who ran away." Goro's shaky fingers gripped Takuya's hand till it hurts badly. " They wouldn't let me go~ they wouldn't ~"
" Goro, listen to me." Takuya interrupts firmly. " I am here. I will go through this with you. Don't be afraid. I will protect you."
