Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 53

(Angel's POV)

The walls felt even tighter than usual today, almost like they were closing in on me. It was Day Five of the confinement week, and tension was high, almost unbearable. They'd announced a mandatory group therapy session over the speakers this morning, something about "coping mechanisms during stressful times."

We all filed into the room, the scent of stale air and disinfectant hitting my nose as soon as I entered. The chairs were arranged in a circle, as always, but today there was something different. There was a heaviness in the air.

Group therapy was a regular activity at the center, meant to encourage us to "open up" about our feelings. Dr. Timothy, a tall man with graying hair and cold eyes, usually led these sessions. We'd sit in a circle, and he'd ask questions, trying to pry into our deepest thoughts. Most of us gave him the answers he wanted to hear, knowing that any hint of resistance would lead to more probing, more questions.

But today felt different. Today, it felt like we were on trial.

And most importantly, today Dr. Joe was the one who led the session. It had been a few weeks since I last saw his creepy self.

I took a seat, trying to blend in, trying not to draw any attention. But I could feel his eyes on me from the moment I sat down. Dr. Joe cleared his throat, giving everyone a pleasant smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Good morning, everyone. I know this week has been challenging, but we're all here to support each other."

A few murmurs of agreement sounded around the circle.

"Today, I'd like to try something a little different," he said and his gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than was comfortable. "I'd like us to focus on one of our fellow patients, to help them through their experiences here at the center." The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

"Angel," Dr. Joe called, and his voice was smooth and warm, like a snake sliding over a rock. "Would you mind being our focus for today?"

I swallowed hard and nodded. What choice did I have?

"Excellent," he said and clapped his hands together. "Let's start, shall we?"

The other patients shifted in their seats and their eyes flickered between me and Dr. Joe like they were watching some sort of dark reality show. "Angel," Dr. Joe began as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "How have you found your time at the center?"

I took a breath and kept my voice steady. "It's been... eye-opening."

He raised an eyebrow. "Eye-opening? In what way?"

I forced a smile. "I've learned a lot about myself and I've had time to think."

He hummed and tilted his head. "And what have you discovered?"

thought," I replied, hoping that would be enough, but I knew

back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other. "Have you found any challenges during your stay?" "Yes, but I think that's normal," I said as my heart pounded

thoughtfully. "Normal, indeed. And how have you

talking to my friends and staying busy," I

appeared on his lips. "And which friends would those

throat tightened. "My dorm mates

pressed and his gaze bore into

I hesitated. "Not really."

widened like he'd caught me in a lie. "No one else? Not even...

down my spine. "Hendrix is my brother

his tone dripped with false sweetness.

and watched. "Yes," I

see the doubt in his eyes. "And have you found any difficulties in your relationship

face heat up. "No,

at me like I was some kind of puzzle he wanted

and my voice was firmer this

tilted his head. "You

blinked and tried to keep my expression neutral. "No.

he replied with a shrug. "It's not unusual to feel conflicted,

was afraid that anything I said would only

thoughtfully. "Tell me, Angel, have you taken part in any

beat so

he said and his smile widened. "Exploring areas you shouldn't be

I haven't," I

you?" he pressed and his eyes

and prayed

a small chuckle and shook his head. "You're an interesting one, Angel.

let the silence stretch for a moment before speaking again. "Do you believe the treatments

helping," I said and

how?" he asked and

in control," I lied

he repeated as if tasting the words. "And what about your brother? Does he feel