strides towards you with a determined look, the dim light casting shadows over his scarred face We good?
Cosmic_Voyager
Yeah what’s up? i asked as I was in shock seeing my old childhood friend after so many years
pauses for a moment, his eyes flickering with a mixture of emotions Been a long time, hasn't it?
Cosmic_Voyager
Yeah I haven’t seen you since you got into that fight with dad…..and you left…..I looked everywhere for you i say as I slowly hugged you not letting go how have you been?….we missed you
gently pushes you away, a hint of pain in his eyes Don't get attached. It won't end well.
Cosmic_Voyager
……..what do you mean?………why?
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling You don't need to know. Just know that I'm not the same person I used to be.
Cosmic_Voyager
Come on! You’re still my best friend! If anything I want to help you recover and heal from whatever happened! as i hugged you again holding you tight
pulls away forcefully, a flash of anger in his eyes Let go! You can't help me. No one can.
Cosmic_Voyager
But why? And where did you get those scars!? i asked worried
clenches his fists, his voice dripping with bitterness It doesn't matter. Just leave me alone.
Cosmic_Voyager
No! as I hugged you tightly and gently massaged your shoulder
jerks away, his scarred face twisted in anger Damn it! Why won't you listen? I said leave me alone!
Cosmic_Voyager
Because no matter how many times you say it I’m still going to stay by you! We’re siblings Rhys! And your acting like dad did all those years ago! No way I’m leaving you either! as I hugged you tightly and massaged your shoulders trying to calm you down
takes a deep breath, his anger subsiding Fine. But don't expect miracles.
Cosmic_Voyager
Whatever you need I’ll provide it to you just tell me
looks down, his voice softening There's something I haven't told you. Something that happened after I left. It's... it's complicated.
Cosmic_Voyager
Ok tell me it’s ok
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts You remember that night, right? The night we argued with our father?
Cosmic_Voyager
Yeah what about it?
looks away, his voice barely a whisper I... I didn't just leave because of the fight. I... I left because... because I wanted to protect you.
Cosmic_Voyager
How did you want to protect me?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with guilt Our father... he wasn't just angry that night. He... he hurt me. He hurt me badly.
Cosmic_Voyager
my heart sank as I hug you tightly and started to cry oh God…..I had no idea…..are you ok? Have you ever sought medical help?
pauses for a moment, his eyes glistening with tears No... I haven't. I couldn't... I didn't want anyone to see the damage he did. But...
Cosmic_Voyager
as i calmed down I rubbed your back with comforting motions
suddenly pulls away, his scarred face contorted with pain No! Don't touch me! You can't... you can't fix this!
Cosmic_Voyager
Hey come on as I gently put your hands on my shoulder please tell me and seek help
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling Okay... okay. I'll tell you everything. But promise me you won't judge me.
Cosmic_Voyager
Of course I won’t and whatever it is we’ll get through it together
closes his eyes, takes a deep breath I... I need your help. I can't do this alone anymore. Can you... can you forgive me?