The next thing I remember is being awakened by a blinding white light. I immediately realized that it was familiar and that it was not the first time I had been awakened by that light. I sat up, groggy, and saw my father and another man in a white coat standing in front of me. Something was unusual and, in my dazed state, I didn't know what. After a minute it dawned on me: the world was no longer gigantic around me! Those two men were no longer colossal titans, but were of regular size, even I was a little taller than them. The nightmare was over!
My father helped me up and handed me some clothes. However, I could barely move. I was still full of bruises and wounds and almost every muscle and bone in my body ached. My dad had to help me get dressed and then, with his arm on my shoulder, he led me, barely holding me, to the car, after saying goodbye to the official who had restored me to my normal size. After so many weeks it seemed incredible to me to see my father from above, not to see him as a huge giant.
My dad drove home, all the time talking lovingly to me, comforting me and telling me that everything was now settled and that all would be ok from now on. I could only respond with slight nods, trying to smile weakly, but I was infinitely grateful for his love and support. When we arrived at my father's house, he again had to help me to the bed. Once there I collapsed completely on it and, unable to articulate a word, I fainted again, completely broken physically and morally.
For several days I was unable to move from the bed, feverish and semi-conscious. Images of what I had experienced in the past weeks came over and over again in my head, filling me with an indescribable terror. According to what I was told later, I was constantly screaming and delirious. My dad was by my side the whole time, feeding me, healing my wounds, soothing me and hugging me. I don't know what would have become of me without him.
At last the fever subsided, I got better and, little by little, the terrible memories receded to the side of my mind, which calmed down. I was never a weak person and, as soon as I was able, I fought with all my strength against those traumas. I had to move on, especially now that I had regained my size and dignity. So, after a week or so, one morning I was able to get up and sit down at the breakfast table. My father was very happy to see me, served me something to eat and asked me:
-How are you, Arthur?
- Much better, Dad, thanks -I wanted to smile at him, but at that moment I still couldn't, so I added: -I'm sorry, Dad. You can't imagine what I've been through...
-No, son -he cut me off, putting his hand on mine-. I'm the one who has to apologize to you a thousand times. Forgive me for not having been able to take care of you properly, for not having believed you when you told me what your brother was about to do, for having let me convince myself that you were dead, believing the story that Axel and Justin told me... -his voice broke.
-It's ok, Dad, it's all right -I replied, squeezing his hand-. How could you imagine Axel being able to behave like that? I love you, Dad, and I'm infinitely grateful for what you've done for me.
He smiled with infinite relief, and, to my mute question, answered:
-Your brother had already gone back to college when you were brought in -his expression became hard-. That same day I called him and told him that, if he wanted to continue his studies, he would have to find his own way. He wasn't going to get another penny from me. And, of course, that I never wanted to see him again...
-Oh, Dad! I'm so sorry -I could only say.
-You don't know what it's like for a father to have to disown his son like that. You can't even imagine. But there are some things that are unforgivable. How could I even look into the face of someone who has deliberately sent my son to almost certain death, even though he is my son too...?
His voice broke again and this time he couldn't help but burst into tears. I got up and hugged him, comforting him as best I could. At last he calmed down and then he told me:
-I also spoke to Justin's parents. You can imagine their horror when they found out what their son had done. I think he's been kicked out of the house too. We'll see how that bum manages to get by without his parents' help. He's lucky that I didn't go and give him what he deserved...
"Well yes," I thought to myself, "little punishment for that devil. Maybe I'll take care of him someday". I hugged my father again, grateful to have him. I felt his strength and warmth in my body and couldn't help but remember the days when he was so big to me that I fit in his huge hand. I shuddered and, as I evoked the incredible feeling of warmth and security that gigantic hand wrapped around me, I felt a certain sense of... nostalgia? It was clear that I would have a hard time forgetting all that.
A couple of days later, as soon as I felt up to it, I went to my company to talk to my former boss. We had always gotten along well and I was one of his most valued employees. He received me with great kindness and, although he didn't say anything, I saw that he was looking at my scars with curiosity when I sat down in front of him.
-What happened, Arthur? When I received your email, I was completely baffled. All the more so when you recommended Connor for your position. I didn't give it to him, by the way. You know I've never been very fond of him, not many people here are.
