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.

table where my laptop sat open. The glow of the screen felt harsh against the early morning light filtering through the blinds. My inbox was pulled up, and at the top sat an email I'd

Subject: Update on Progress

words blurred together for a moment before I forced myself to focus, reading

Good day,

message finds you well,

latest update regarding Laura's condition

in her overall state. Her brain activity, while still present, has shown a gradual decline over

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LA CHANGE

closely and provide the best care possible, the likelihood of

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, we feel it's our responsibility

recover.

I do not wish to take away any hope you may hold onto. Miracles can and do

don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or if you

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth Harrington

email again, the words sinking deeper into my chest like knives. "No significant improvement."

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

to where Asha lay on her back in her playpen. Her little feet kicked at the air as she

She had Laura's laugh.

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