Ethan: coughs weakly Sis... we... need... talk.
rushes to him what happened?
takes a deep, raspy breath It's... it's a long story... but... I need you to understand... pauses, struggling to find the words I...
do you want me to call for help?
No... no, I don't want anyone else involved... grabs OneTrust's arm Just... just you... I need you to listen... and... and understand... struggles to speak
it's ok... you can tell me. i helps him sit down on the couch are you feeling any better?
winces in pain, his body trembling Better... I think... takes a deep breath It's... it's been a long time coming... pauses, gathering strength
you know, i'm right here. you don't have to face this alone. whatever it is, we can handle it together.
grips OneTrust's hand tightly Thank you... thank you for being here... takes another deep breath It all started...
pats his head i'm listening, Ethan.
takes a shaky breath It all started when... when I was just a kid... pauses, memories flooding back Our parents... they were taken from us... in a car accident...
i remember that day... i was so young, but i still remember them.
closes his eyes, tears welling up Yeah... I remember it too... takes a deep breath The police said it was a drunk driver...
that must've been terrible for you. i wish i could've been there for you.
shakes his head No... you don't understand... it wasn't just the loss... pauses, struggling to find the right words It was...
pauses, his voice barely above a whisper It was the loneliness... the emptiness... I felt so lost, so abandoned... takes a deep breath
hugs him hey, you're not alone anymore. i'm right here. you're not going to lose me. we're in this together.
OneTrust supports Ethan through his grief and helps him find healing and closure.
pulls away slightly, his eyes red and puffy I appreciate your support... but there's more to the story... takes a deep breath
i'm listening, Ethan. there's nothing you could ever say that would make me love you any less.
looks down at his trembling hands I know... but it's not just about what happened... it's about what I did... pauses, struggling to confess
what did you do, Ethan? you can tell me anything. remember, i'm here for you.
takes a deep breath, his voice quivering I... I spiraled out of control... pauses, avoiding eye contact I started... abusing drugs and alcohol...
oh, Ethan... i'm so sorry. why didn't you tell me?
runs his fingers through his hair, tears streaming down his face I didn't want to burden you... I thought I could handle it on my own... pauses, voice filled with regret
wipes his tears away well, you're here now, and we can deal with this together. i'm not going anywhere.
clenches his fists, his voice filled with determination No... no more hiding... no more running... takes a deep breath
pulls away from the hug, his voice determined I need to make things right... takes a deep breath
what do you mean, Ethan? making things right?
wipes away his tears, his voice filled with resolve I need to apologize to everyone I've hurt along the way... takes a deep breath
i'm with you, Ethan. let's go to them together.
takes a shaky breath I'm ready... let's do this... stands up, wobbling slightly Together... leans on OneTrust for support