Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

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WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? THE NOW

JOSH

Walking into the hospital after practice felt like stepping into another world-one I didn't want to be in but couldn't stay away from. The smell of antiseptic was always the first thing that hit me, followed by the weight in my chest that never left when I was here. Luke was walking beside me, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. "Jess said Asha had a good night," he said, trying to sound upbeat. "She's really getting the hang of it."

"Yeah," I murmured, distracted. I was grateful for Jess, but I couldn't keep leaning on her, especially now that her due date was so close. She already had enough on her plate without taking care of my daughter too.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I need to figure something out soon. Jess can't keep watching Asha for me."

Luke glanced at me, his brow furrowing. "We'll figure it out, man. You're not alone in this."

!

I nodded, but his words didn't ease the pressure building inside me. I hated feeling helpless.

As we approached the intensive care unit, someone called my name. "Joshua?"

10:190

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

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blinked, pulled from my thoughts, and looked up to see the nurse from the other day standing a few feet away. She had dirty blonde hair pulled back into a neat ponytail and piercing blue eyes that, for a

finally managed to say, my voice

smiled warmly, and I turned back around, feeling heat rise

me, shoving me lightly. "What the

shaking my head.

feel his eyes on me

Laura's room, I immediately noticed the extra people inside. There were nurses and medical staff moving around, and the atmosphere felt different. My chest

turned to me, but before she could respond, the doctor walked in. "Mr. Andrews," he said, his tone calm but firm. "We need to take Laura to the theater to place a

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Z28 Vouchers

heavy on my tongue. Anxiety prickled at the edges of my mind. "What

effective, but long-term use can cause complications-things like infections, damage to her vocal cords, and other secondary issues. A tracheostomy is a more permanent solution for now. It's a small surgical procedure to place a tube directly into her trachea through

it a big procedure?" Luke asked, stepping forward when he saw the tension in my shoulders. He placed

assured him. "It's minor. It's very common

It wasn't major. It was common. But it still felt like another step