Prompt: Grinch & Seth-Ryan time
Seth sat beside Ryan's hospital bed, silently waiting.
His father had just taken his mother to the cafeteria to buy a coffee and get her away from the worrying sight of her unconscious son.
The animated "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" played quietly on the television, which made Seth smile.
During Ryan's first Chrismukkah, Seth had learned that Ryan was a Grinch elitist.
The first Seth-ism Seth had ever seen in Ryan was his high preference for the cartoon version over the live action movie with Jim Carrey.
Seth agreed with Ryan that the cartoon was a classic but it was still amusing that Ryan was so particular about it. Ryan hadn't been one to be verbal about his preference or put his choice above others.
They sat silently in the living room and watched as the Grinch stole Christmas.
As the Who's accepted the Grinch and sang "Welcome Christmas," Ryan quietly explained his reasons.
"I like the ending. When the Grinch realizes what Christmas is about and his heart grows. It gave me hope that the Grinches in my life might change and their hearts might grow."
Since the beginning of the Christmas season, Ryan had been striking Seth silent with mentions of life back in Chino.
It was easy to picture Dawn as a green person with an attitude and Ryan as Max, the Grinch's unappreciated but loyal dog.
He pondered for a moment.
"Well, their hearts might not have grown but you did get to move in with the Who's." He offered. "That's not too bad, right?"
Ryan looked up at his new brother and friend. "It's pretty great, actually," he answered with a small smile.
Seth's heart warmed a bit at the memory but it didn't last as he looked back at Ryan.
The sight chilled his heart just like the news that Ryan was hurt had when his mother called and said he and Taylor had fallen off the roof.
The nurse had said that Ryan would wake up when he was ready.
But Seth had never been good with patience.