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

A CHANGE JOSH PRESENT DAY

I stared at my phone, thumb hovering over Luke's name in my contacts. The thought of skipping practice felt like a betrayal to the team, to everything I'd worked so hard for-but today, I couldn't do it. I just couldn't go through the motions, pretending that everything was

fine when it wasn't.

Luke picked up on the second ring.

"Hey man, what's up?" His voice was casual, but I could hear the background noise of the gym, the faint echo of sneakers squeaking against polished floors and the low hum of chatter. "Hey, man," I started, already feeling guilty. "I need a favor."

Luke groaned dramatically. "Look man. I get you are in a tough spot but you need to start getting your shit together. For Asha..."

"It's not like that," I interrupted, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I just... I need today, okay? Just one day. I promise I'll be back tomorrow, and I'll make it up to you and everyone else."

The silence on the other end stretched long enough to make me uncomfortable.

"Luke," I added, my voice dropping lower, "I really need this."

There was a pause, then a resigned sigh. "Fine. I'll cover for you. But, Josh-"

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I know. I cut him off. "I need to get my shilt together. That's what I'm doing, okay? That's exactly what I'm trying to do."..

Another pause, then he muttered "You better, man."

I know. Thanks, Luke."

The call ended, and I dropped my phone onto the counter with a clatter, exhaling a shaky breath. My chest already felt tight, like the weight of everything was pressing down harder today than usual.

filtering through the blinds. My inbox was pulled up, and at the top sat an email I'd been dreading

Subject: Update on Progress

I clicked it open. The words blurred together for a moment before I forced myself to focus, reading each

Good day,

message finds you well, though

latest update regarding Laura's condition based on her most recent scans and

while

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LA CHANGE

to monitor her closely and provide the best care

know this is not easy to hear, and I want to emphasize that we will continue to support Laura and your family in every way we can. However, as her medical team,

recover.

said, I have seen cases where patients defy the odds, and I do not wish to take away any hope you

concerns, or if you need someone to talk

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth Harrington

into my chest like knives. "No significant improvement." "Likelihood of regaining consciousness is extremely low." I swallowed hard, my throat tightening with every

this by now-used to the weight of bad news. But no matter how many times I heard the words, it

her back in her playpen. Her little feet kicked at the air as she giggled at

She had Laura's laugh.

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