Page 84 of Ravenous

“It’s fine. The doc’s chairs were awful but this couch is pretty soft, I’ll live. And so will Joe. I mean it, Finn, he’s gonna bounce back from this. People have heart attacks all the time.”

“And they die from them all the time.” Finn tilted his head into Ollie’s, the fabric of his hat rough against Finn’s cheek.

“Yeah, but that’s like, immediately. He’s in good hands now. In the hospital.”

“But-”

Without looking, Ollie placed a finger over Finn’s lips. “Just go with it. It’s hard being the optimist, that’s usually your job. Uncle Joe will be fine and I’m not accepting any other outcomes at this time.”

That brought a hint of a smile to Finn’s face. “You too. You’re going to be fine. I demand it.”

“You’re lucky,” Finn whispered, holding his uncle’s rough hand, calloused from years of plucking strings. “If you had that heart attack at home, alone?” He shifted in his seat, letting out a long breath. “I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

Standing next to him, Ollie rested a hand on Finn’s shoulder, holding a cup of water in the other that he slowly sipped from. He’d gotten some crackers from the vending machine but before he could open them, a different nurse had appeared, letting them know that Joe had come back from testing and was ready for visitors.

There were more tubes and machines than Finn had expected, making his uncle seem fragile in his large hospital bed. But being able to see him, touch him, and watch his breathing, gave Finn some comfort.

“I’m so glad you’re still here.” His eyes stung again. For someone who never cried, today he’d set a record. “And you need to give me at least twenty more years which means there’s no more arguing. You’re moving nearby. Or into my townhouse, I don’t care. And you’re not drinking anymore. And you’re gonna start using edibles. And eat better. And go for walks.” He’d repeat all this as many times as he had to once his uncledad woke up because he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Ollie gave Finn’s shoulder a tiny squeeze. “Why don’t you two bond and…” He tried to be cute about it but his hands shook when he gestured between them. “And I’ll call my parents.”

“I can help if you need it.” Finn started to get up but Ollie waved him back into the chair.

“No, I have to do this myself.” Straightening his spine, he gave Finn a tight smile. “I’ll be in the waiting room.”

“Okay. Either text me or come back here when you’re done?” Reaching for Ollie, he placed a kiss on the underside of his wrist. “Good luck, Sunshine. Remember, they love you.”

“I know.” That peck earned him a real smile. It was soft and barely there but it fueled Finn as Ollie slipped out the door.

“I’m worried about him too, you know,” he stated in a hushed voice, knowing that somehow his uncle heard him. “He doesn’t see it but he’s amazing, like this bright golden sunlight that glitters through the trees on summer mornings. He’s upended my life completely and I couldn’t be more grateful. I didn’t know that being with someone could feel like this,” he sighed. “But he doesn’t love himself the way that I love him. And he’s so afraid. I wish I could do more-”

Finn froze as he realized that his uncle’s hand was moving.

“Uncle Joe?” Springing to his feet, Finn leaned over him, watching as his uncle’s eyes cracked open. He tried to say something, but with the oxygen mask, Finn couldn’t make it out. “It’s okay, I’m here. You’re gonna be fine.”

That seemed to appease Joe, who relaxed, slipping easily back to sleep. Even though it was only a few seconds, seeing his uncle conscious gave Finn some cautious relief, and he stayed for another twenty minutes before deciding to check on Ollie.

Exiting his uncle’s room, Finn headed toward the waiting area, and as he turned a corner he bumped right into someone.

“Oh, sorry.” Taking a few steps back, he looked up and his lizard brain took over, making him freeze.

Was this some kind of uncanny valley? A few inches taller, the man standing in front of him had thinning dark brown hair, a bushy beard, and Finn’s eyes.

“Who are you?” Finn’s voice echoed down the hallway as they stared at each other.

“Who are you?”he parroted back, spreading his arms wide like he expected a hug. “You don’t recognize me, son?”

Realization hit Finn like a bus, knocking him back a step. This day continued its descent into hell, dragging Finn along for the ride and leaving him with zero emotional bandwidth to deal with Ronald Cooper, his pushy absentee sperm donor. “What the fuck are you doing here? Did the hospital call you?”

Slowly, those arms dropped. “I’ve been trying to get in touch wi-”

“I know,” Finn snapped, “and I thought I made it clear that I don’t care. Answer the question.”

Tense silence reigned as they stared each other down until Ron heaved a sigh, acting like he’d been asked to spill a secret. “I used to be Joe’s emergency contact when you were young. I guess they called both of us but I was a couple of hours away. How is he?”

“Stable. He had a heart attack but he got here quick and is in good care. He’s sleeping now.” And Ron wasn’t allowed to see him. Finn didn’t care how long he’d driven; he could turn around and drive right back.

“Good.” Ron nodded, rocking back and forth on his heels in such a familiar way that Finn vowed to never do it again. “Listen, I-”

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