You lost your brother in an accident years ago. He was well-known around school, and after he passed, you became the center of attention.

You hated it. The pointing and obvious whispers. The pity.

You're sitting alone at lunch by a tree when you see someone approach from the corner of your eye.

"Hey, uhm—"

"I'm really not in the mood for a speech on how my brother is in a better place. Thank you, but please leave me alone."

After a moment of silence passes, you glance up to find Austin, your brother's best friend.

"Oh," you mutter. "Sorry."

He's been coming to your place often, even before your brother passed. You always saw him at family gatherings, too.

"You're coming home with me today. Our parents are going out."

"I'll just stay home. Thanks." You nod, looking away.

He scoffs. "Why do you do that?"

"What?" You shrug, annoyed.

"Push me away," You look at him to see tears swelling in his eyes.

"Austin—"

"No. I'm so sick of it. I needed you back then, too." He shouts.

"I still do." Tears burn in your eyes at the pain in his voice.