Lewis wakes beneath the infirmary’s pale morning light, weak and dry-mouthed. His injured shoulder remains secured, while Parsley and Edwin sit nearby and his mother holds the opened letter beside the written questions.
Parsley
Good morning, Lewis. We stayed. Your father’s letter is here, and nothing has been decided without you.
Edwin
The questions are still on the table. You may read them, hear them, or leave them alone until you are ready.
A quiet knock sounds at the infirmary door. The Housemaster enters with a message folded in his hand, pausing when he sees Lewis awake.
The Housemaster of School House
Your father has reached Malvern. He is waiting at the infirmary entrance, subject to the doctor’s permission and your wishes.
the doctor
Lewis may meet him if he remains calm and rested. The visit can be brief, accompanied, and ended at once if he asks.
Lewis's mother
He is here, my dear. Parsley and Edwin can remain beside you. Would you like me to bring him in?
“Lewis looks up in surprise before nodding for them to bring him in.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Lewis looks up in surprise, then nods. His mother reads the answer immediately and turns toward the door, while Parsley and Edwin remain close beside him.
Lewis's mother
He may come in. Lewis wishes to see him, and Parsley and Edwin will remain with us.
The Housemaster opens the infirmary door. Lewis’s father enters slowly, hat in hand, his face drawn by the journey and the long weight of unanswered letters.
Lewis's father
Lewis. I have come because your mother told me you wished to see me. I shall listen before I try to explain.
The doctor watches Lewis’s breathing, but does not interrupt. Parsley keeps one hand near Lewis’s, and Edwin stays visibly present on the other side of the bed.
Lewis's mother
You may begin when you are ready. No one here will speak over you, and this visit will end whenever you ask.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish a truthful foundation for reconciliation with his father
“I ask Father why he answered my truth with silence.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
C. S. Lewis
Why did you answer my truth with silence, Father? I wrote to you, and you knew what I was asking.
The question leaves Lewis pale. His injured shoulder throbs sharply, and the doctor steadies the sling while his father lowers his eyes.
Lewis's father
Because I was ashamed of my own fear. I did not know how to hear what George had done to you, or how to answer without admitting that I had failed to protect you.
Lewis's father
I told myself that silence would give me time to think. In truth, I used it to avoid your pain and my responsibility. That was cowardice, not discipline.
Lewis’s father remains standing, hat clasped between both hands. Parsley’s fingers touch the edge of Lewis’s blanket, while Edwin watches without interrupting.
Lewis's father
I also feared that acknowledging your truth would require me to understand a life I had not imagined for you. I was wrong to make your honesty bear the burden of my ignorance.
the doctor
The answer has been given, but Lewis must rest now. His shoulder pain is increasing, and the visit will pause if he needs it.
Quest Complete
Establish a truthful foundation for reconciliation with his father
“Lewis tears up and tries to get up to hug his father.”
SUCCESS (Terrible Strength, rolled +2)
Tears gather in Lewis’s eyes. He pushes himself upright, careful of the sling, and reaches for his father despite the doctor’s warning about his worsening pain.
His father crosses the space immediately and bends over the bed. Lewis folds his good arm around him, and his father holds him with careful, trembling strength.
Lewis's father
My son. I am here. I am so sorry that silence made you face this without me.
The embrace remains gentle around the injured shoulder. Parsley touches Lewis’s blanket, while Edwin watches with wet eyes and leaves the father and son their shared moment.
the doctor
That is enough exertion for now. You may remain together, but Lewis must lie back before the pain worsens.
Lewis's mother
Let him hold you a little longer, if it does not trouble his shoulder. He has waited a long time to be met.
Lewis's father
I shall not ask you to comfort me, Lewis. I came to hear you, and I will stay as long as you wish.
“Lewis holds him for a few moments longer before easing back down. He asks if he was right about George then? That he used Lewis and abandoned him? Or did his father have anything to do with why he stayed away?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Lewis holds his father for a few moments longer, then eases carefully back against the pillows. The doctor supports his sling as the embrace ends.
C. S. Lewis
Was I right about George, then? Did he use me and abandon me? Or did you have anything to do with why he stayed away?
His father sits beside the bed, hat lowered between his hands. The question passes through him visibly, but he does not seek refuge in silence.
Lewis's father
Yes, Lewis. George used your trust and then abandoned you when it no longer served him. I should have recognized that sooner.
Lewis's father
I did not arrange for him to stay away, nor did I command his silence. But my failure helped leave you exposed. I knew enough to ask questions, and I did not.
Lewis's father
When you told us, I withdrew instead of standing beside you. George made his choice, but my fear and cowardice made the loneliness worse. That part is mine.
Parsley
Thank you for answering plainly. Lewis deserved the truth about George, and he deserved to know where your responsibility began and ended.
“Lewis takes a moment to let that sink in for him. George did abandon him. Lewis takes a deep breath before opening his eyes and looking at his father. He asks his father if he can accept Lewis for who he is? He is still the same person regardless of who he loves, isn't he?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
Lewis lets his father’s admission settle. George did abandon him. After a careful breath, he opens his eyes and meets his father’s gaze.
C. S. Lewis
Can you accept me as I am, Father? I am still the same person, whatever my love means. I am still your son, am I not?
The effort pulls sharply at Lewis’s shoulder, and the doctor steadies the sling as pain drains the colour from his face. His father answers without retreating.
Lewis's father
Yes, Lewis. You are my son, and you are the same person you were before I understood whom you loved. I accept you.
Lewis's father
I cannot promise that understanding will always come quickly, but I can promise not to make your life conditional upon my learning. You need not become someone else for me.
Lewis's mother
You hear him plainly, my dear. His acceptance does not erase the silence, but he is answering you now, and he is not asking you to hide.
Parsley
That is what you asked for, Lewis. You are loved as yourself, not as a version shaped to make another person comfortable.
“More tears come then. But he doesn't try to hide them. He nods his recognition of the answer. He admits he was so scared his father hated him. That he was disgusted with Lewis even though Lewis tried his best to be normal.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
More tears escape Lewis, and this time he does not try to hide them. He nods, acknowledging his father’s answer while the doctor watches his breathing.
C. S. Lewis
I was so frightened that you hated me, Father. I thought you were disgusted with me, even though I tried my best to be normal.
His father closes his eyes briefly, the words landing with greater force than accusation. Parsley remains near Lewis’s hand, and Edwin sits silent beside the bed.
Lewis's father
Oh, Lewis. I was never disgusted with you. I was frightened of what I did not understand, and I let that fear look like hatred.
Lewis's father
You should never have had to perform normality for me. You were trying to survive my silence, while I mistook your suffering for something I could ignore.
Lewis's mother
He has told you the truth now, my dear. It cannot undo what you feared, but you need not carry that fear as his hidden verdict.
Lewis's father
I am ashamed that you believed my love depended on your becoming someone else. Tell me what else you thought I felt, and I will answer.
“Lewis says he was afraid his father would disown him and throw him out on the streets if he didn't change. He was scared his father sent him here to break him and force his compliance. And he was so angry that it seemed like he could never get a straight answer from him when he had the courage to actually speak. He says that he already accepted that his father didn't want him after the second letter. He just wanted it said out in the open. He didn't expect his father to finally respond with love.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
C. S. Lewis
I was afraid you would disown me and throw me into the streets if I did not change. I feared you had sent me here to break me into compliance.
C. S. Lewis
I was angry because, whenever I found the courage to speak, I could never get a straight answer from you. After my second letter, I accepted that you did not want me. I only wanted you to say it openly. I never expected you to answer with love.
The room falls silent except for Lewis’s uneven breathing. His father’s hands tighten around his hat, then loosen as he forces himself to meet his son’s eyes.
Lewis's father
You were right to demand an answer, and wrong only in believing that my silence proved you unwanted. I never meant to cast you into the streets, but I understand why my conduct made that fear reasonable.
Lewis's father
I did send you away believing Malvern would discipline you, and I see now how easily that became an attempt to make you compliant. I am ashamed that I called it care.
Lewis's father
I want you, Lewis. I want the son who told me the truth, not a corrected version manufactured to spare my feelings. I should have said that before you had to beg for it.
His father reaches toward Lewis, then stops short, leaving the choice of touch with him. Parsley and Edwin remain close, witnesses to the answer finally spoken aloud.
“Lewis pulls him into the hug.”
FAILURE (Terrible Strength, rolled -1)
Lewis reaches with his good arm and pulls his father toward him. The sudden movement catches his injured shoulder; pain flashes, and his strength gives way before the embrace can close.
The doctor catches the sling while his father drops to one knee beside the bed. Lewis cannot draw him fully in, and the failed effort leaves him trembling against the pillows.
the doctor
No more pulling, Lewis. The shoulder has decided for you. Keep still, and let him come close without making your body pay for it.
Lewis's father
I am here. You need not spend your strength to prove that you want me near you.
His father stays kneeling, one hand resting openly on the blanket rather than touching Lewis without permission. Parsley steadies the pillows, while Edwin watches the sling.
Lewis's father
May I hold your hand instead? We can have the embrace when you are healed, if you still wish it then.
Lewis's mother
He has reached for you plainly, my dear. Let him rest now, and let his father remain close without asking him to hurt himself again.
“Lewis nods and turns his hand over for his father. He says quietly that he wants his father to meet the boys who didn't abandon him like George did. Who have sat by his side for weeks while he has been recovering.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
Lewis nods and turns his hand palm-up. His father takes it carefully, kneeling beside the bed, while Parsley steadies the pillows and Edwin watches with quiet attention.
C. S. Lewis
I want you to meet the boys who did not abandon me like George did. They have sat beside me for weeks while I recovered.
Lewis's father
Then I am honoured to meet them properly. Thank you both for staying with my son when I failed to stand beside him.
Parsley
I am Parsley, sir. Lewis and I became friends through plain speaking, and I stayed because I love him. I shall keep telling him the truth.
Edwin
I am Edwin. I love Lewis too, and I have stayed because he matters to me. We are part of the Phoenix Company, where we hold one another accountable.
Lewis’s father bows his head to each boy, still holding Lewis’s hand. His expression changes from guarded gratitude to deliberate respect.
Lewis's father
Then I would like to meet the Company’s written rules, if you will show them to me. I shall also write to each of your families and thank them for the care you have given my son.
“Lewis smiles and mentions that Mum invited them over for Christmas. He promises to only spend half the break cuddling with them.”
SUCCESS (Great Oratory, rolled +1)
C. S. Lewis
Mum invited Parsley and Edwin over for Christmas. I promise to spend only half the break cuddling with them.
Lewis smiles, still holding his father’s hand. Parsley’s ears redden, Edwin looks suddenly fascinated by the notebook, and his mother hides a fond laugh.
Lewis's father
Only half, is it? Then I shall expect the other half to be devoted to food, rest, and allowing your shoulder to heal.
Lewis's mother
They are both welcome, my dear. We shall make up the rooms properly, and nobody will be made to feel like a visitor in his own holiday.
Parsley
That sounds lovely. I shall bring a book, and I promise not to object if the Christmas arrangements include an unreasonable amount of cuddling.
Edwin
Nor shall I. I should like the fire, the cocoa, and the company. Half the break sounds like a very respectable beginning.
Lewis's father
Then I shall write to your families with thanks, and ask what arrangements they require. If Christmas is to be shared, it shall be planned openly and properly.
“Lewis turns to Parsley and adds, "and I would ask first before we cuddle."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
C. S. Lewis
And I would ask first before we cuddle.
Lewis turns toward Parsley, and the movement pulls sharply at his injured shoulder. The doctor steadies the sling as pain briefly tightens Lewis’s face, but his question remains clear.
Parsley
Thank you. Yes, I would like that. Ask me each time, even at Christmas, and I shall answer honestly.
Lewis's father
That is properly arranged. Affection should be offered, not presumed, and nobody’s welcome in our house will depend upon surrendering his choice.
Edwin
I should like the same rule. We can ask, answer, and change our minds without making anyone feel cast out.
Lewis's mother
Then it shall be part of the Christmas arrangements. Warmth, cocoa, and plenty of asking before embraces.
Parsley smiles and keeps his hand near Lewis’s, waiting rather than taking it. His father begins another note to the boys’ families, while the Christmas plan grows more exact.