The daily serial fictional based on Chicago's Boystown neighborhood: Boystown series by Danny Bernardo

Follow us    Twitter Twitter

16. Better

When Robbie woke up, Ben was sitting by his bed in the ICU. "Where am I?" Robbie asked groggily. "You're in the intensive care unit. You had a very bad stab wound." "That girl... " "You're lucky to be alive. What happened to you?" "Some guy in a hoody stabbed me. He looked so familiar

16. Better
When Robbie woke up, Ben was sitting by his bed in the ICU.

"Where am I?" Robbie asked groggily.

"You're in the intensive care unit. You had a very bad stab wound."

"That girl... "

"You're lucky to be alive. What happened to you?"

"Some guy in a hoody stabbed me. He looked so familiar... it happened so fast... "

"Did you run away? From your foster home?"

"How did you know... ?"

"I'm Charlie Parker's boyfriend."

Robbie's eyes widened with fear. "You can't send me back there."

Ben took his hand and flipped his arm over to reveal the cigarette burns. "Did they do this to you?"

Robbie began to cry. "Do you ever wish you weren't gay? None of this would've happened to me if I weren't... "

"Never," Ben said, stroking Robbie's hand. "Not in a million years. This didn't happen to you because you're gay, it happened because people are ignorant and hurtful. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but it's gonna get better. Look at me. Look at Charlie. It will get better."

"Did your parents disown you?"

"No," Ben answered quietly.

"Did Mr. Parker's?"

"No."

Robbie sobbed quietly. "I wish... "

Erin rushed in. "Dr. Finn, 303 is coding."

Ben stood up abruptly, but continued to hold Robbie's hand. "I'll be back. It's going to be ok."

After a couple of hours of bringing 303 back to life, Ben rushed back to Robbie's side. But the bed was empty and Robbie was gone.

##
Just joining us? Catch up here:

Volume 1 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 2 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 3 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 4 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 5 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 6 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five



###

So what do think? Be the first to comment!

As a part of our commitment to upholding a high standard of transparency, we wanted to let you know that ChicagoPride.com uses cookies to improve your user experience. We've updated our cookie policy to reflect changes in website tracking laws. By continuing, you agree to our terms and provide your consent to our use of cookies.
GOT IT!