Chapter 10 – Ignored Pain +Chapter 11 – Silent Endurance

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Chapter 10 – Ignored Pain

The morning light was pale and thin, slipping through the blinds of the small apartment.

Ellic lay on his bed, clutching his side, wincing as another sharp cramp cut through him. His breathing was shallow, controlled — he didn’t want to show weakness, not even to Jamie.

The dinner from last night still weighed on him, and now his body added its own silent protest. Every muscle ached, every movement sent jolts through his body, but he had made a promise.

“I’ll go to the office tomorrow,” he had told his boss. “No excuses.”

The thought of breaking that promise gnawed at him. Ellic sat up slightly, breathing slowly, trying to steady the pain, when he heard the sound of Jamie getting ready.

Jamie was calm, indifferent, as always. He zipped his bag, checked his phone, and muttered,

“I’m heading out.”

Ellic’s weak voice barely rose above a whisper. “Jamie… I… I’m not feeling well.”

Jamie glanced at him once, frowning for a brief second, then shook his head and walked past.

“Can’t do anything, Ellic. I have my stuff. See you later,” he said, leaving the apartment.

Ellic’s eyes followed him, a mixture of frustration and resignation settling over him. The cramp didn’t stop. He bit his lip, trying not to cry out, curling back under the thin blanket. His body screamed, but no one was there to notice — and the one person who could care, didn’t.

Hours passed. The shadows in the room grew longer, the afternoon sun cutting across the floor. Ellic’s body ached with every heartbeat. But he couldn’t let himself rest fully, couldn’t call anyone — not his parents, not a doctor — because he had a promise to keep.

Somewhere, in the chaos of life and rebellion, Jamie’s indifference stung more than the pain itself. And yet, deep down, Ellic already knew — he would endure it. He always did.

The day faded into evening, and the cramp didn’t stop.

Ellic sat quietly in the dim light, staring at the ceiling, alone with his suffering, and with a silent hope that someday, someone would notice — truly notice — the burden he carried.

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Chapter 11 – Silent Endurance

The night was heavy, the apartment quiet except for the soft hum of the fan.

Ellic still clutched his side, the cramp refusing to subside. Hours had passed, but the pain was relentless — stabbing, unyielding, a constant reminder of his limits.

Even so, he moved slowly into the kitchen, determined. He didn’t want to burden anyone, especially Jamie. With careful hands, he prepared a simple meal — sandwiches, a little soup, and some tea. Everything modest, nothing fancy.

By the time he sat down to eat, his phone buzzed. It was a message from his boss:

“Take proper rest. Come to the office only when you’re fully okay. Don’t push yourself.”

Ellic smiled faintly. Even amid the pain, it was comforting to know someone cared about his well-being, even professionally. Still, he finished the food slowly, each bite deliberate, each movement measured.

Jamie walked in moments later, tossing his bag on the couch. His expression was full of mockery, as usual.

“Look at you,” Jamie said with a smirk. “Acting all normal. You’re like a robot, seriously.”

Ellic didn’t flinch. He didn’t answer. He just sipped his tea, letting the words slide over him like water off a leaf.

Jamie huffed, shaking his head. “Every single time… I swear, you never react! You’re so boring. Where’s the fire, Ellic? Even a little anger?”

Ellic set down his cup, eyes calm. “Some battles aren’t worth shouting over, Jamie.”

Jamie laughed — a harsh, sarcastic sound. “Typical! Everything’s about patience, discipline… you act like life is easy for you, huh?”

Ellic didn’t respond. He took a deep breath, massaging his side subtly, hiding the cramp as best as he could. His mind whispered a quiet mantra: Endure. Be patient. He’ll understand… someday.

Outside, the city lights flickered. Inside, the apartment was filled with tension, silence, and an invisible thread — Jamie’s teasing and mockery on one side, Ellic’s quiet endurance on the other.

And though Jamie mocked him endlessly, Ellic’s strength was quiet, unshakable, like a lighthouse in the storm, waiting for the other to notice.

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