Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 87

(Hendrix's

POV)

Group therapy sessions were supposed to be about healing. About connection. About putting our walls down and sharing our struggles. But today, as I walked into the brightly lit room, all I felt was dread.

Dr. Craig stood at the front with a clipboard in hand and his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Everyone, find a partner," he said as calm and commandingly as ever.

The room filled with murmurs and shuffling as patients paired up. I knew exactly what was coming, and my stomach turned. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Thomas heading toward me, his confident stride as irritating as ever. "No," I said sharply before he could even get close.

Thomas paused, his brow furrowing. "What?"

"I'm not partnering with you," I snapped and crossed my arms.

Dr. Craig looked up from his clipboard. He looked confused and disappointed at the same time. "Hendrix, Thomas is your assigned partner for this session."

"Well, change it," I said coldly.

Thomas stepped closer and lowered his voice. "Come on, man. Let's just get through this."

"I said no." My voice was louder now, drawing the attention of the other patients.

Angel's soft voice cut through the tension. "Hendrix, it's just an exercise. Can we not make a scene?"

Her words hit me like a slap. She didn't even look at me when she said it. Her gaze was fixed on Thomas; her expression was calm, almost pleading. She was taking his side. Again.

fists and tried my best not to let my anger burst through to the surface. "Of course, you'd say that," I muttered

supposed to mean?" she asked,

you're always so quick to defend him," I spat sarcastically. "Don't worry, Angel.

room went dead silent. Every patient's eyes

Dr. Craig

not doing this. I'll

authority wavering at the mention of Dr. Joe. He sighed and nodded. "Fine.

another word, I stormed out of the room, not allowing my anger and frustration to make me flip. I

•

secluded corner of the courtyard where the noise of the center faded into the background. The cold metal of the PS5 controller in my hands was the distraction I needed at the moment. The screen in front of me flickered with the bright colors of the game, but my

it was

Angel.

she'd stick up for me when I got into trouble. The way her eyes sparkled when

been a team once. Just the two of us against the world. But now... now,

put down the controller and leaned back, closing my eyes. Her face was there, so vivid and so bright, haunting me like a

be him? Why

push the thoughts away. But they glued to me

...

(Bundah's POV)

a loose thread on my sleeve. Charlotte was next to me. Her notebook was open on her lap

shyly, her cheeks turning pink. "It's...

said, grinning. "I need to impress you with

as she said, "Okay. Repeat after

She giggled, and it sounded musical. "Non,