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.

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

Subject: Update on Progress

as 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 I understand the circumstances

update regarding Laura's condition based on her

there has been no significant improvement in her overall state. Her brain activity, while still present, has shown a gradual decline over the past few months. I believe

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LA CHANGE

continue to monitor her closely and provide

emphasize that we will continue to support Laura and your family in every way we can. However, as

recover.

patients defy the odds, and I do not wish to take away any hope you may hold onto. Miracles can and

or

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth Harrington

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

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

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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