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

LIMBO JOSH

Laura had been in long-term care for a week, and so far, things were steady. Better than steady, even, considering the circumstances. The respiratory therapist said her lungs were improving, and the physiotherapist was working on keeping her body from succumbing to stiffness. Small victories, but victories nonetheless.

I'd done everything I could to make the room feel more like home-her favorite pillow, the scent of her perfume faintly lingering in the air, and her music softly playing in the background. It wasn't much, but it was Laura. Pieces of her that I hoped would remind her, wherever she was, of the life waiting for her.

Asha had taken to the routine better than I expected. Jess had been a lifesaver, keeping her happy and cared for while I balanced the hospital and practice with Luke.

This weekend, though, was different. Playoffs were here, and for the first time since this nightmare began, I wouldn't be by Laura's side.

I sat beside her bed, my hands fidgeting with hers. Her fingers were warm but unresponsive, resting limp in mine. The steady beep of the monitors filled the silence, each one a reminder of the battle her body was fighting.

"Laura," I began, my voice thick with emotion. "I promise you, if I

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could, I'd be right here with you this weekend. But I need to play, babe.

I paused, brushing my thumb over the back of her hand. "Asha deserves the best, and this dad-he needs to work. You'd understand that, wouldn't you? I know you would. You've always been the strong one, always knew what had to be done, even when it was hard." My voice cracked, but I pressed on. "I love you, Laura. I love you so damn much. And I'll be back here sooner than you think. I'll play my heart out for you, for Asha, for us."

scent of her shampoo still faintly clung to her hair, a comfort and a heartbreak

up. The weight

audible over the hum of the machines. "You've got this. We've got this. And

was dragging a part of myself away from her. I shoved my hands into my pockets, my mind spinning with the usual whirlwind of guilt, hope, and frustration. I wasn't paying attention-too wrapped up in my own head- when I rounded

thud sounded as the person's clipboard hit the

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scattering papers everywhere.

288 voucher

said, immediately

it's fine! I wasn't looking where I was going either," a soft voice replied, just as the owner of it knelt down

heads collided with a

I hissed, grabbing my

God, are you okay?" she asked, her voice

concern.

That long, blond ponytail. For a split second, my brain played tricks on me, and I thought it was Laura kneeling there. But as the world came back into focus, I realized it wasn't her. It

pink. "Guess I'm

crouched there like an idiot.

with me? I shook my head and reached out, grabbing the papers and

"Here," I muttered.

strand of hair behind her ear as she took the