In the most difficult times, it’s John’s love that had kept him going.

Just like thorny roses, love would hurt one while saving one’s life.

Eric was always the star pupil in his class. He’s kind-hearted, good-looking, and had been the top student for years.

Yet, he gave up college and chose to build up a business from nothing with John.

Eric has gotten many suitors while through all these years, but he had laid eyes on no one.

He sacrificed everything he had to John.

All their important clients were developed by him. He did a lot to convince them to choose their company and service.

At the early stage of their career, John was extremely stressed and gloomy. He was also irascible and moody in and out of their bedroom.

Eric chewed up all bitterness and anguish, treated them as honey, and swallowed them down without a word.

Maybe because of his quietness, John now believed he was useless all along.

Eric slipped of the bed, curling up on the sofa and smoking for the rest of the night.

He had loathed drinking and smoking in his school days, but still used to, even fell in love with both.

He had loved John Chapman for 14 years and couldn’t do it anymore.

It’s not just because of his disloyalty, also Eric didn’t want to lose himself in hatred and grievance.

He had compromised for years in the name of love and was tired of it now.

Maybe he just didn’t love John that much anymore.

He

“Why you get up so early? Half of the bed is freezing cold.” John finally awoke. With his messy hair and soft sleepy voice, he was more like a college student than the owner of a public company.

“Just used to it. Can you eat out today? The breakfast is not ready yet.” The kettle was boiling. Eric turned his back to John, gulping down a bundle of pills with water.

John frowned but controlled his impatience and anger when he saw Eric’s legion of pill bottles: “Are you alright?”

“Simple flu.” Eric snorted. “It’s nothing. Why are you still here? Don’t you have work to do today?”

John smelt a hint of taunting in Eric’s words. He cleared his throat to hide his uneasiness, “I’ll take a day off. I’ve left for so long and wanted to spend more time with you.”

Eric remained completely calm, heading to the kitchen, “Alright. I’ll have spaghetti for breakfast. Would you like some?”

“Sounds good.” John was soothed. He slumped in the soft sofa, waiting for his breakfast.

Eric didn’t have any appetite at all: the smell of food only made him sick.

John Chapman, what a sweet torment sent by God.

While Eric was adding onions in sauce, John noticed the orchid, “Where did you get this flower? I thought you don’t like gardening.”

“It’s a gift from a friend. He said it’s a cool diversion.” Eric paused, then answered.

“What friend? Do I know him? This is a pretty expensive gift.” John pressed, which made Eric wanted to scream, or down all the hot sauce in a pot on his big head.

And, he really wanted to puke.

As the one who was unfaithful in their relationship, why would John even dare to ask these questions?

Eric bit his lower lip forcefully, swallowing whatever he was going to say.

He didn’t want to yell to John.

“Answer me, Cleese!” John shouted angrily.

“I’ve never asked you about your lovers. And my personal life is none of your business.” Eric said slowly.

The sauce was ready, so was spaghetti. Eric

turned off the stove and served spaghetti on two plates.

John was crimson, either for the anger or shame, “What lovers?! What are you talking about? Remember, I’m the one supporting the family! That how you repay my sacrifice?”

Eric cut him off with a short snort, “Oh, save it! Supporting the family my ass! I own at least 30% of the company! I bought this house! Are you still dreaming, Chapman?”

John felt deeply offended by Eric’s refuting: the latter was always obedient and gentle to him; he’d never seen this part of Eric.

He summoned up courage and shouted, “Are you admitting that you are cheating on me? I knew there is something going on here! Last night, you didn’t even let me kiss you! The little pot of flowers is more expensive than a limousine! What kind of friend would give you a gift like this!”

Eric was also surprised by the price of the orchid.

Why would a simple doctor be so generous to a stranger?

Although curious of Dr. Idle’s story, Eric managed to focus on more pressing business. He was still enduring great pain and had enough of John’s crap. He shouted back, “Get out! This is my house, and I don’t need your nonsense! I don’t care how many or what kind of lovers you have. I don’t even care you are shagging a human or a dog! I give you your freedom, so be kindly leave me alone!”

John was never scorned like this. He gritted his teeth, raising a hand and meaning to slap Eric.

Eric stayed still. He looked at John, with well-hidden grief in his eyes, “Are you really doing this, Chapman?”

John was stopped by Eric’s sorrow but still angry about his earlier claim. He believed his rare return was a gift and favor.

He had expected Eric was overwhelmed, even shed tears.

Little did he thought that the only thing he got from Eric was a snub.

He was used to other lovers’ complaisance and couldn’t bear to be treated as a normal person. He glared at Eric one last time, grabbing his coat and leaving.

John slammed the door close and didn’t look back on his way out.

Eric frowned. He stared at two plates of spaghetti for a long while, then took one of them, sitting at the table.

He wanted to puke for the smell of spaghetti and John.

But he still pushed himself to eat some.

At the end of the day, he finally vomited in the toilet. Things he threw up were not only spaghetti he ate but some blood as well.

It hurt too much.