The One I Seek

The following morning, things were oddly silent in the apartment. Jes did breakfast for both of them, but Man went to buy his own food and came back.

Jes didn't say a word, gripping his fists tightly but just ate his food, choosing to keep the extra portion for lunch instead.

Today's task was more of a physical one. Both boys, along with the other pairs, reported to this obstacle course venue.
The first 3 pairs to successfully complete the course in the fastest duration of time would win donations for the task.

However, there was a catch to it. The couples had to conquer a fear every time they completed one section of the obstacle course. Both Jes and Man groaned. The obstacles itself were not difficult for either of them but conquering their fears?

Neverthlesa, everyone nodded, firm in wanting to win. Jes made sure his wound was covered securely before he went to change.

They got ready. Man was starting the first leg of the obstacle course and did it well. His first fear he had to conquer was eating a bowl of lemons. Apparently, Man absolutely detested lemons and never even wanted to go near them, but he had to plough through like 20 of it now in order to complete winning the first leg.

He looked at it with so much disgust. Jes went up to him and just patted him softly on the shoulder, murmuring a soft "You can go it, good luck."

Man nodded and turned to it. At the count of 3, he started to cut them up into halves and then sucked them dry. Poor boy gagged repeatedly as he got through them, but he kept at it. Eventually, he did finish the task, but they were 4th in standing.

Man turned to look at Jes, who just nodded firmly, saying he had it for them. The 2nd leg of the obstacle course focused on the participants ziplining across. Jes paled a bit when he heard that and turned to look at Man, who shot him a baffled look.

But Jes just smiled and turned back, not saying a word. He didn't know how to tell anyone that the obstacle leg was his biggest fear on top of snakes. Jes hated heights and ziplining as he always felt the wires would come loose and he would fall.

But he had to do this for them. For himself and Man and the kids. Jes took a deep breath as he got ready and ziplined across. He did it successfully and detached himself, just holding onto the pillar for support for a bit, trying to take deep breaths.

MAN'S POV

"Jes, are you ok? Why are your hands shaking so badly, and you are perspiring terribly!"

Jes looked at me for a bit before muttering, "I.. I am afraid of heights. I always feel like I'm falling off when I go really high up and especially hate ziplining."

My blood turned cold when I heard that, and he still put himself through it. Before I could say anything, Jes walked towards to conquer his fear. He was clearly shaking, and everyone saw it too, expressing concern, but he assured them he was fine.

But I didn't want him putting himself through any more of this. I spoke up.

"I would like to pull Jes and myself out of this task. I know it means we just forgo our chance of winning it, but right now, I want to make sure Jes is OK. I like to bring him home if it's ok."

Everyone looked at me, stunned, inclusive of Jes himself, but the host agreed, and we tapped out. This meant we automatically dropped to last position in terms of task completion, but it did not matter to me.

I went up to Jes and pulled him away, bringing him home. Our ride home was silent again and definitely for different reasons, but I was more worried about him than anything else. Once we got to his place, I got him to sit down while I fixed him a hot drink. Jes took it, being silent as he drank, but his hands were still shivering.

Once he was done, I brought him to the bedroom. I told him to take a nap first for a bit. He looked like he wanted to fight me on it but bit his tongue back and just nodded.

I tucked him in before I switched off the lights and left the room. Just as I sat down, Ben called me, saying he had seen the episode and asked me if Jes was doing OK.

"I am not sure. I hope so. I..I never knew he was afraid of heights, and yet he did it. He never seems to complain about anything, Ben. He does everything gamely. He has not, even once, stopped to say he can't and wouldn't do it."

"Sounds a lot like you, isn't he Man? You are also like that, always putting your best foot forward."

I kept quiet.

"It isn't a bad thing, but sometimes it's worrying, especially when you are in danger. You didn't realize it when I nagged at you about it, but I guess you are realizing it now. Huh, when you see Jes?"

"What do I do now?"

"Just be there for him like how you had eventually let me be there for you. I can only tell you 2 things about Jes. He absolutely hates heights, and he doesn't play basketball anymore. So don't ever ask him to do these two things or put him in a situation where he has to. He will not say no, but it will take a lot out of him."

"What's with the basketball thing?"

Before Ben could say anything, I heard Jes's voice.

"That isn't for you to know."

I turned around, realizing Jes had woken up. I hurriedly told Ben bye and hung up.

"Jes.."

"I am not upset, but please do not ask Ben on this or come to me on it. It's not for you to know. Or anyone for that matter."

I nodded and watched as Jes disappeared into the bathroom.