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.

of the screen felt harsh against the early morning light filtering through the blinds. My inbox was pulled up, and at the top

Subject: Update on Progress

hand trembled slightly as I clicked it open. The words blurred together for a moment before

Good day,

this message finds you well, though I understand

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

there has been no significant improvement in her overall state. Her brain activity, while still

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LA CHANGE

with you-while we continue to monitor her closely and provide the best care possible, the likelihood of her regaining

I want to emphasize that we will continue to support Laura and your family in every way we can. However, as her medical team, we feel it's our responsibility to prepare you for the possibility that she

recover.

the odds, and I do not wish to

to reach out with any questions, concerns, or if you

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

should've been used to this by now-used to the weight of bad news. But no matter how many times I heard

Asha lay on her back in her playpen. Her little

She had Laura's laugh.

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