The infirmary remains quiet beneath the pale morning light. Parsley still holds Lewis’s hand as agreed, while Edwin sits nearby with his unopened notebook and the doctor keeps watch.
The Housemaster of School House
Lewis, your mother has arrived. She is waiting in the passage, and I have told her that Parsley and Edwin may remain with you.
The Housemaster stands just inside the doorway, one hand resting on the latch. Behind him, the corridor carries the subdued rustle of an anxious visitor and the school’s distant bells.
The Housemaster of School House
She wishes to see you and hear how you are. Shall I bring her in with Parsley and Edwin present, or would you prefer another arrangement?
Parsley
We will follow your choice, Lewis. I can keep holding your hand, or let go, and Edwin and I can stay or give you privacy.
Edwin
Your mother will hear you clearly. We shall not speak for you unless you ask us to.
the doctor
The visit may proceed if it remains calm. Lewis is not to be pressed, and he may end it whenever he wishes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn whether Lewis’s father will write or visit
“Lewis admits the passage of time is a bit foggy. Has it been a week already he has been in here?”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled +0)
C. S. Lewis
The passage of time is a bit foggy. Have I been in here a week already?
Parsley’s fingers remain gently closed around Lewis’s hand. Edwin opens his eyes from the notebook, while the doctor checks the boy’s face for fresh confusion.
the doctor
No. It has been two days since you were brought here, though the concussion makes the hours run together. Your mother has arrived this morning.
Parsley
Only two days, Lewis. You have slept through much of them, and we have been here whenever the doctor allowed us.
Edwin
The letters, the rota, and the rain have made it feel longer. Nothing important has passed without someone telling you.
The doctor adjusts the blanket and leaves Lewis’s injured arm undisturbed. Beyond the door, his mother waits quietly, the visit now measured in hours rather than an uncertain week.
the doctor
Your memory is behaving as I would expect. You are safe, your mother is waiting, and you may see her when you are ready.
“Lewis nods. He says he is just confused how she got here from Newcastle so quickly. But they can send her in. He wants Edwin and Parsley here with him. Parsley can keep holding his hand. He won't hide from her.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
C. S. Lewis
I am only confused how she has come so quickly from Newcastle. But send her in. I want Parsley and Edwin here, and Parsley may keep holding my hand. I will not hide from her.
Lewis nods, but the movement jars his shoulder. Pain tightens his breath, and the doctor immediately steadies the sling while Parsley keeps his hand gently held.
the doctor
Slowly, Lewis. The journey may seem shorter than it is when one is carried by urgency. Do not spend yourself proving anything.
The Housemaster of School House
Your mother came by the quickest available train and has waited patiently. She shall come in now, with Parsley and Edwin present as you requested.
The Housemaster opens the door. A woman enters in travelling clothes, pale with worry, then stops when she sees Lewis’s secured arm and the boys beside him.
Lewis's mother
My dear boy. I am here now. You need not hide anything from me, and you need not send your friends away.
Parsley’s fingers remain around Lewis’s hand. Edwin sits upright but silent, while the doctor watches the room and leaves Lewis’s mother space to approach at his pace.
“Lewis smiles genuinely. "Hi mum..."”
C. S. Lewis
Hi, Mum.
Lewis smiles genuinely. The expression is unguarded and warm, reaching his mother before any explanation can make the moment difficult.
Lewis's mother
Hello, my dear. There you are. I have been longing to see your face.
She approaches the bed, but stops short of touching him until the doctor gives a small, approving nod. Her eyes move from the sling to Parsley’s hand.
Lewis's mother
And these must be the friends you wished to keep beside you. Thank you for staying with him.
Parsley
We wanted to be here, ma'am. Lewis need not explain everything at once.
His mother nods, taking in the quiet arrangement without trying to alter it. Edwin offers a shy greeting, while the doctor remains watchful and the room settles into trust.
“Lewis says he's grateful she got here so fast. He asks quietly if father will be coming too at some point.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
C. S. Lewis
I’m grateful you came so quickly, Mum. Will Father be coming too, at some point?
His mother’s face softens, though concern remains around her eyes. Parsley keeps holding Lewis’s hand, and Edwin stays quietly attentive beside the bed.
Lewis's mother
I am glad you wanted me here. Your father knows what has happened, but I cannot promise that he will come.
She draws a chair nearer, careful not to disturb the sling, and looks directly at Lewis rather than seeking an answer from the doctor or the boys.
Lewis's mother
He may decide to travel after he has read the school’s notice. I have told him that you are asking for him, and that he ought to hear you himself.
Lewis's mother
Whatever he chooses, I will not let you face this visit alone. If he comes, we shall meet him here, with your friends present if that is what you want.
The doctor watches Lewis’s breathing while Parsley’s thumb rests steadily against his knuckles. Edwin opens his notebook, but waits, leaving the next words entirely to Lewis.
“Lewis looks relieved and says that it is what he wants. Deliberately, he looks to the Housemaster and the doctor and asks if he could talk to his mother without them for a moment.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
C. S. Lewis
That is what I want, Mum. Could I speak with you alone for a moment, please?
Lewis looks relieved, then deliberately turns his eyes toward the Housemaster and the doctor. Parsley’s hand remains in his, steady but unpossessive.
the doctor
A short private conversation is permitted, provided you remain calm. Signal if your shoulder or head worsens.
The Housemaster of School House
Of course. Parsley and Edwin may wait just outside, and I shall remain within call. Your mother will have the privacy you request.
Parsley
I will let go now, Lewis, but I shall be just beyond the door. You may call for me whenever you wish.
Parsley releases Lewis’s hand only after meeting his eyes. Edwin closes his notebook, and both boys withdraw with the Housemaster and doctor into the passage.
Lewis's mother
There we are, my dear. It is only you and me for a little while. Tell me what you need me to understand.
“Lewis stops Parsley and Edwin from leaving. This conversation is for them too.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
C. S. Lewis
Wait, Parsley. Edwin. Please stay. This conversation is for you too.
Parsley stops just beyond the doorway, while Edwin turns back with his notebook held against his chest. The Housemaster and doctor pause in the passage.
Parsley
All right. I will stay, if that is what you want. I shall not speak for you, but I will listen.
Edwin
I will stay too. You need not divide your life into separate rooms for our convenience.
The doctor studies Lewis’s face, then gives a measured nod. The Housemaster leaves the door open, preserving privacy without making the boys strangers to the conversation.
Lewis's mother
Then let them remain, my dear. I came to understand what has happened, and I can do that with the people you trust beside you.
Parsley returns to the chair near the bed, and Edwin settles beside him. Neither touches Lewis, but both remain plainly present as his mother waits.
“Lewis offers Parsley his hand. He says simply, "they are not just my friends mum."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
C. S. Lewis
They are not just my friends, Mum.
Lewis extends his uninjured hand toward Parsley, leaving the choice open. Parsley meets his eyes, then takes it gently and returns to the bedside.
Lewis's mother
I understand. You want me to know that Parsley and Edwin are more than school companions to you.
Parsley
We are here by choice, ma'am. Lewis has not asked us to speak for him, only to remain beside him.
Edwin
And I am glad to remain. Whatever name you give us, we are part of his life here.
His mother looks from Lewis’s hand in Parsley’s to Edwin’s attentive face. She does not reach to separate them, and the doctor remains quietly watchful.
Lewis's mother
Then I shall listen carefully, my dear. I will not make you conceal the people who matter to you.
“Hoping she understands the romantic connotations, Lewis says simply that he feels about them the way he felt about George. He looks her right in the eye as he says it. Especially Parsley who has been what George wouldn't.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
C. S. Lewis
I feel about them as I felt about George. Especially Parsley. He has been what George would not be.
Lewis holds his mother’s gaze as he says it. His injured shoulder throbs sharply beneath the sling, and his uninjured hand tightens around Parsley’s.
Lewis's mother
Oh, my dear boy. I understand now. You are speaking of love, not merely friendship, and Parsley has given you the tenderness George withheld.
Parsley’s face flushes, but he does not withdraw. Edwin lowers his eyes, receiving the truth without claiming an equal history Lewis has not assigned him.
Parsley
Thank you for saying it plainly, Lewis. I know what you mean, and I am here because I choose to be.
Lewis's mother
Then I shall treat this as real and important, even if I must learn how to understand it. I will not ask you to pretend otherwise.
The pain in Lewis’s shoulder deepens, forcing him to close his eyes briefly. When he opens them, his mother remains beside the bed, and Parsley’s hand is still in his.
“Lewis notices and motions for Edwin to take his hand too. He says that he loves Edwin too. Even if they are still only just figuring out what that means and how it differs from what he has with Parsley. But he would not cut Edwin out.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Lewis notices Edwin’s lowered gaze and raises his uninjured hand toward him, making the invitation plainly and without urgency.
C. S. Lewis
Edwin, take my hand too. I love you as well. We are still finding out what that means, and how it differs from what Parsley and I have, but I will not cut you out.
Edwin looks up, startled and wet-eyed. He waits for a small nod from Lewis, then crosses to the bedside and takes his offered hand.
Edwin
I love you too, Lewis. I do not need you to make it identical, or settle its shape today. I only want not to be hidden or discarded.
Parsley
Then let it be true without becoming a contest. You have room for both of us, Lewis, and we can speak honestly while we learn what that means.
Lewis's mother
I hear you, my dear. I may need time to understand all of this, but I will not ask you to deny Edwin or pretend that love must take only one form.
Lewis holds both boys’ hands beneath the pale infirmary light. His shoulder still aches, but neither affection nor truth is forced to leave the room.
“Lewis asked if she saw the two letters he sent to father? Asking about why his father has been so distant since Lewis told them about George, and if his father sent him here to punish him for that?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
C. S. Lewis
Did you see the two letters I sent Father? I want to understand why he has been distant since I told you both about George. Did he send me here to punish me for that?
His mother’s expression tightens with pain, but she keeps her gaze on him. Parsley and Edwin remain silent, holding Lewis’s hands without answering for him.
Lewis's mother
I saw the letters before they went. Your father received them, and he has not answered them as he ought. His distance began because he does not know how to face what you told us about George.
Lewis's mother
I do not believe he sent you to Malvern as punishment for telling the truth. The decision was made when we thought the school might give you discipline and opportunity, but I now see how badly we understood what awaited you.
She lowers her eyes to the sling, then looks back to Lewis. Her voice remains steady, though the admission costs her.
Lewis's mother
Your father’s silence is his failure, not a sentence imposed upon you. I will ask him directly whether he meant Malvern as punishment, and I will bring you his answer without softening it.
Parsley
You asked plainly, Lewis. We heard the answer plainly too. Whatever your father intended, this was not something you deserved.
“Lewis lets the tears well up. A relief from a weight he didn't recognize the size of. He tells his mother he's sorry he couldn't be who father wanted. Or that at the least Lewis was a disappointment to them.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Tears well in Lewis’s eyes, and the pressure he had not known how to measure loosens at last. His fingers remain enclosed by Parsley’s and Edwin’s.
C. S. Lewis
I’m sorry, Mum. I’m sorry I couldn’t be who Father wanted. Perhaps I was a disappointment to you both.
His voice falters, but he does not withdraw the words. His mother reaches toward him, then pauses until the doctor gives permission to touch his uninjured shoulder.
Lewis's mother
No, my dear. You were never a disappointment because you could not become someone else. I am sorry we made you think love had to be earned by pleasing us.
Parsley
You told her the truth, Lewis. You need not apologise for failing to fit another person’s design.
Edwin
You are not a disappointment to me. I would rather know you as you are than be given someone shaped for my convenience.
Lewis's mother
Your father may have failed to understand you, but that failure belongs to him. You are my son, and I am glad you told me plainly who you are.
“Lewis asks her to hug him, he jokes he would do it himself but he's not exactly at his best right now.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
C. S. Lewis
Mum, would you hug me? I would do it myself, but I am not exactly at my best just now.
His mother laughs through her tears. With the doctor’s permission, she bends carefully over the bed and gathers Lewis against her without disturbing his shoulder.
Lewis's mother
I should hope not, my dear. You have been suspended from the rafters and are in no condition to manage a proper embrace.
Lewis rests against her, his face pressed to her shoulder. Parsley and Edwin keep hold of his hands, making the embrace a quiet circle around him.
Lewis's mother
There now. You may leave the heroics to the nurses. I shall stay until you are tired, and I will tell your father exactly what he must hear.
the doctor
That is acceptable, provided the embrace remains gentle. He is settling well, and calm company is plainly helping his recovery.
The doctor’s approval gives the visit a longer shape than Lewis expected. His mother remains beside him, while Parsley and Edwin stay present without crowding the bed.
“Lewis asks his mother if she read the report then, how they found him?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
C. S. Lewis
Mum, did you read the report? How did they find me?
His mother keeps one arm around him, careful of the sling. Parsley and Edwin remain silent, their hands still holding his beneath the blanket.
Lewis's mother
I read the Housemaster’s report on the train. It says Francis found you in the cricket supply shed and ran for help.
Lewis's mother
He did not touch the scene or try to move you. He called for the Housemaster, who sealed the shed and sent for the doctor.
Her voice falters at the edges, but she continues plainly. She does not soften the facts, nor make Lewis carry responsibility for what was done to him.
Lewis's mother
The report says you were conscious before the doctor arrived, and that you remembered details about the two boys. Francis stayed until help came.
Lewis's mother
I know it is dreadful to hear repeated. But you were found, your friends were told, and the school preserved the evidence. You were not left alone.
“Lewis nods. He says he just needed to make sure how much she knew already. He looks at Parsley and says he needs a really big favor.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Lewis nods carefully beneath his mother’s arm. The answer has settled one uncertainty, though the infirmary still feels crowded with facts and silences.
C. S. Lewis
I just needed to know how much you already knew, Mum. Thank you for telling me plainly.
His mother presses her cheek briefly to his hair, then lets him turn toward Parsley without releasing his uninjured hand.
C. S. Lewis
Parsley, I need a really big favor.
Parsley
You may ask it. I will listen first, and you will not owe me an answer or a promise merely for asking.
Lewis's mother
That sounds like a sensible rule. Whatever the favor is, my dear, make certain it is something you truly want, not something pain has demanded of you.
Parsley shifts closer, still careful of the sling, while Edwin watches quietly. The room gives Lewis time to name the favor in his own words.
“Lewis asks Parsley to tell his mother how they met, became friends, and started Pheonix company. And how that led them here. Lewis doesn't think he has the strength to get even half the story out. But he trusts Parsley to say it plainly.”
SUCCESS (Fair Oratory, rolled +0)
C. S. Lewis
Parsley, please tell Mum how we met, became friends, and started the Phoenix Company, and how it led us here. I trust you to say it plainly.
Lewis’s voice thins with exhaustion. He leaves the story in Parsley’s hands, keeping hold of him while his mother and Edwin listen without interruption.
Parsley
We met when I was being troubled by Fribble, and Lewis intervened by saying plainly what was happening. After that, we discovered we could trust one another’s honesty.
Parsley
John joined us, then Morris and Edwin, and later Francis and Edward. We shared books, secrets, and the work of protecting one another without making protection into ownership.
Parsley
The Phoenix Company began when we wrote rules for mutual accountability. No private punishment, no coercion, and no boy standing alone. We brought those rules before the Housemaster, and he recognized them.
Parsley
That made the Bloods angry. They singled Lewis out because he spoke most visibly against their authority. What happened in the shed was retaliation against the Company, not a punishment he deserved.
Lewis's mother
Thank you, Parsley. I understand better now. My son did not merely find friends at Malvern. He helped build a place where frightened boys could remain free and truthful.
“Lewis nods. Lewis most loudly and publicly pushed back against the Bloods and the whole school knew it. He expects that they thought they could break him and the rest would fold and restore the old order. They are wrong though.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +4)
Lewis nods, slowly but unmistakably. His injured shoulder remains bound, yet the gesture carries the certainty that the Bloods misjudged what they attacked.
Parsley
They thought breaking the most visible voice would make everyone else retreat. Instead, the Company has answered by standing together more carefully than before.
Lewis's mother
Then they have not broken you, my dear. Nor have they restored the old order. You and these boys have made something stronger than fear.
Edwin
The rota is already working. Juniors are being accompanied openly, and the Housemaster has accepted our rules. The school cannot pretend nothing has changed.
Parsley’s hand closes gently around Lewis’s. Outside the infirmary, boys carry the Company’s arrangements through the college, turning private courage into visible practice.
The Housemaster of School House
The Bloods expected silence after spectacle. They will receive testimony, records, and a Company that remains lawful, public, and united.
Lewis's mother
And I shall tell your father that you did not merely endure Malvern. You helped change what it permits boys to do to one another.
“Lewis relaxes at hearing that. "Thank you, mum."”
Lewis relaxes beneath his mother’s embrace. The tension leaves his uninjured hand, though Parsley continues holding it gently and Edwin remains close beside the bed.
C. S. Lewis
Thank you, Mum.
Lewis's mother
You are welcome, my dear. You need not thank me for telling the truth, but I am glad you can rest a little.
Parsley
You heard her, Lewis. You are not carrying this alone, and nobody here expects you to make the burden lighter for us.
Edwin
We shall keep the ordinary things going while you recover. The rota, the letters, and the rain will all still be here when you wake.
Lewis lets his eyes close without withdrawing his hand. His mother stays beside him, while Parsley and Edwin remain quietly present beneath the infirmary’s pale morning light.