Tommy sat huddled up on his bed, ignoring the pinch of pain in his chest. It had been a couple of days since he had woken up, and he was bored half to death. There wasn't much to do when you were bedridden. He could read, which was boring when you only had the bland redstone books Mumbo brought. And then there was talking to people, and that was out of the question.

Sure, the many people who visited seemed nice, but Tommy knew better than that. Plus, they all seemed to pity him, and he did not need pity.

Really, the only thing Tommy wanted at the moment was to go home. L'Manberg may be destroyed, but his friends were there.

Tubbo was there.

But Tommy? Tommy was stuck in a bed, forced by people he didn't even know.

"Tommy?"

Tommy jumped, cursing whoever had startled him. Why couldn't people knock?

"Oh, sorry for scaring you!" the person grinned nervously. This was someone new, a short man with light brown hair and a red jumper.

Tommy shrugged and glanced away. Did the man expect him to talk? Hah, not gonna happen.

Despite Tommy's silence, the man continued. "Uh, anyway, I'm Grian! Welcome to Hermitcraft!"

That's where he was, Hermitcraft. In Stress's base, to be more exact. At least, that's what everyone had told him. Stress, in question, was the lady seemingly in charge of taking care of him.

"How are you doing?" The man, Grian said.

Tommy stayed quiet. This was just routine now, really. Whoever was visiting him would try to get him to talk, and when failing, they would just end up trying to continue a one-sided conversation.

Grian sighed. "You don't have to talk if you don't want to, but telling us how you feel would really help us get you out of bed. But I'll admit, you're really good at this whole being quiet thing. I can't keep my mouth shut for more than ten seconds!" The adult chuckled to himself.

Tommy used to be like that. He still kind of was, when around friends. But months in exile with Dream as his only real company had taught him how to shut up.

"You know," Grian continued, "I'm pretty much everyone's last hope for getting you to talk. If I can't, no one can. So please? Say one word? Or even just tell me to go away and I will. But I can just sit here and talk for literal hours, too."

Tommy could listen for literal hours. That wouldn't make a difference.

"Okay, if that won't make you budge, I can bribe you too. I have diamonds, netherite, and books that aren't incredibly boring."

Tommy looked up. He didn't want to talk, but promise of decreased boredom? At this point that's something he would do anything for.

"Ah, so you're bored of Mumbo's redstone books? I figured. The amount of times he's lulled me to sleep by reading those is incredible. There's just some things that I can't find very fun. Redstone is one of them."

Tommy couldn't help but smile at that. Tubbo had always loved redstone, and his rambling about different mechanics could definitely put Tommy to sleep.

"I can go grab some of my favourite books if you want? You just have to ask."

Tommy tilted his head as he thought for a moment. Was it worth it to break his vow of silence? Staying quiet was getting tedious. But that would mean giving in, and he couldn't be seen as weak.

Still, he didn't think he could physically handle keeping his mouth shut for another day, not when they actually wanted him to speak.

Tommy took in a deep breath just as Grian went to stand up.

"I," Tommy's voice was a bit raspy from lack of use. "I would like that."

Grian grinned. "He speaks! I'm glad you like books as much as I do!"

Tommy gave a half-smile. It wasn't that hard, was it? He just had to make sure to not give anything away.

"Let me run to my base to get some books. I have this huge mansion. I could take you there once you're out of bed! Just don't look at the back."

"What's on the back?" Conversation. Tommy could do this.

Grian's grin grew wider at Tommy's question. "Nothing! Literally, nothing. It's not decorated at all. It's kind of a joke now because of how long it's been left untouched."

Tommy's eyebrows furrowed. "Is it made of cobblestone?"

"No, why?"

"Because everything looks better with cobblestone."

Grian laughed. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay, then! I'll see what I can do." Grian gave Tommy another smile. "Thank you for talking. I really appreciate it."

"If you start getting sappy then I'll shut up again."

Grian snorted. "Okay, I'll be back soon. Try not to die or anything while I'm gone!" He paused. "That may have been badly timed, because you could actually... nevermind."

"I'm not doing that badly!"

"Sure." Grian smiled as he turned to walk out.

Tommy sighed inwardly. Talking made his chest hurt. Still, it was worth it. As much hesitancy Tommy had at trusting people, Grian seemed nice. Too nice? Tommy just had to hope he made the right choice.