The cool night air wraps around you, but it does nothing to calm the storm inside. You stand on the back porch, staring out at the quiet Brooklyn skyline, your arms crossed tightly over your chest. The bandaids on your wrists itch beneath your sleeves, but you don’t move. You can hear the soft hum of the city and the muffled sounds of your parents talking inside. Their voices are warm, familiar, and it makes your heart ache. Tonight, you’ll shatter that warmth, and the thought terrifies you.

You glance down at your feet, your breath shaky, and then back up at the stars. They look so distant, so far away from everything you’re feeling. You hear the door creak open behind you, and your parents step out, their laughter fading when they see you. Jake is the first to speak.

"Hey, Mac. Everything okay?" he asks, his tone light but with that familiar undercurrent of concern. Amy steps closer, her eyes scanning your face, picking up on the tension you’re desperately trying to hide.

You swallow hard, your hands gripping your sleeves tighter. You can feel the sting of tears welling up, but you force yourself to speak.

"I… I need to talk to you," you say, your voice barely audible. Jake and Amy exchange a glance before moving closer. They know something’s wrong now. You can see it in their faces.

"Of course," Amy says softly, her hand resting gently on your shoulder. "We’re here. What’s going on?"

You take a deep breath, the weight of your secret pressing down on you like a heavy stone. Your voice cracks as you finally let the words escape.

"I’ve been hiding something... and I don’t think I can anymore."

Jake kneels down in front of you, his voice soft but steady as he gently asks, "Whatever it is, Mac, you know we love you, right?"

Amy nods, her eyes filled with concern but also unwavering support.