Chapter Text
Light's world stopped when he heard the news.
He had gotten into an accident because of a reckless driver. He had been on his way home from a friend's house at 9 in the evening, eyes glued to his phone with a smile on his face because of a meme his friend, Misa, had sent.
He was careful. He made sure there weren't any cars on the road before crossing at a green light, but just as he was about to step onto the pavement, his world flashed brightly, and the next thing he knew, he was in a white room, feeling indescribable pain.
"Shh, it's okay, Light." A man who he had never felt before said. Light's eyes were squeezed shut, as if it would help to numb the pain. "It's okay. Just go back to sleep." When he woke up again, he was in another white room, but the pain was no longer there. Feeling quite comfortable with a soft pillow under his head, his eyes roamed the place, quickly coming to the conclusion that he was not at home.
He frantically tried to stand and run away, but in trying to move his left leg, he almost cried out. Tears of frustration blurred his view. What's this? Why now? Where am I? "My baby!" A woman screamed, bursting through the door and wrapping her arms around Light.
A nurse, (based on what she was wearing), tried to pry off the sobbing woman in vain. "Ma'am, please be careful. We can't risk further injuries." The woman - Light's mother - wiped away her tears, which were a mix of worry and relief. "What's wrong? He'll be okay in no time, right? My son's strong."
The nurse looked at her awkwardly, about to speak when the doctor entered. "Mrs. Yagami."
Mrs. Yagami looked ar him, bowing thankfully upon recognising him as the doctor who performed the surgery. "Dr. Kang! Thank you so much. May I- may I know the results off.." Her voice trailed off, but Dr. Kang understood. He nodded. "Yes. A police officer visited a few hours ago. They've finished investigating. Apparently the driver of the car had been drunk, therefore he was not able to think straight. On top of that, he was speeding. Because of the impact, Light has a few bruised ribs, thankfully not hitting his head on the pavement. He also has a few cuts. Fortunately or unfortunately, the most severe injury Light has is a broken femur."
Light almost fainted, his lips quivering.
He could not believe it. Here he was, in a hospital. Just a few hours - days? How long had he been out? - ago he'd been laughing with his friends, and now he had just found out he won't be able to play football again. Well maybe that was was an exaggeration. He might - no, must - heal in a few weeks. He can't.. he'd go insane if he won't be able to play.
Dr. Kang continued. "Of course, with proper treatment and care he will heal-" That's great, then! "-but i'm afraid it will take a few months for Light to be strong enough to walk on his own. If we don't run into any complications, which I sure hope we don't." No, no, no. This isn't real! This is a nightmare. Wake up, Light, wake up! Move. Move and you'll wake in your bedroom again. You'll go to school and find out that you're fine, right?
"After that, he'll most probably need therapy to strengthen his muscles. But yes, in conclusion, little Light will be staying here for a while."
"No!" Light yelled. "I can't stay here! The football tournament... Mikami will be so disappointed!"
Dr. Kang and the nurse turned to him with sympathy. Mrs. Yagami sat next to her son, making sure to avoid the injured limb. "Light.. your health is more important than the tournament, okay? You focus on resting up and healing first-"
"Mom, I promised him!" The young boy protested. "I'd be a liar. I don't want to be a liar. I... I hate this!"
"Light, Mikami would understand-"
"Then I'm disappointed in myself. I hate myself. Why did this have to happen to me?
The doctor approached him, about to rest a hand on his shoulder but he shrugged it off. "Can you go away? I.. I want to be alone."
Mrs. Yagami peered at her son sadly. "Yes, of course. I'll visit you later, my love."
Light wanted to hit something, to throw something and pity himself. He wanted to scream and cry and deny reality, until something - or rather someone - interrupted him from doing so.
"They just want to help, you know."