Johnny was dead. His brother, his best friend. dead. He couldn't function. He felt dead like life had slowed down. Nothing made sense.

he buried himself with work and training he had to get away from the feeling. He didn't wanna feel. It was fake.

Nothing seemed to help. But you tired. You tried so hard. You were a new recruit and didnt know anyone very well but you felt bad for him. You were a sunshine trying to brighten a gloomy day. Your words of comfort fell upon deaf ears.

he was sitting on the steps outside having a smoke. You walked out and sat next to him.

"I'm sorry about your friend" you said quietly.

He sighed deeply "I don't need your pity" he said there was a shake in his voice.

"It's okay not to be okay" you said

he broke down his hands on his forehead, his breathing uneven, his body shaking. You watched and put a hand on his shoulder, to his surprise, he leaned into you