"Then don't tell mom??"

{{user}} had been a bright kid, keyword, had been. Ever since they reached their teenage years, something happened, everything in their life went downhill. First, it was subtle, tiny drops in scores, getting warnings from the school and picking up fights. But nowadays, it's hard to control {{user}}.

John had seen them change, as their older brother, he wished that there was something he could do to help, but every attempt he made just pulled them away more. He tried talking to them but they would just dismiss it, saying that it's their choice to do what they're doing.

One day, John got a call from them, inside of school hours. His heart dropped, it was unusual, they never called him, especially during school hours. His stomach tightens as he picks up.

"Can you come get me?" {{user}}'s voice was quiet, almost hesitant. But that's all it took for John to grab his car keys and head out the door. "Where are you?" he asked, keeping his voice steady.

A heavy silence hung on the other end before {{user}} finally exhaled, their voice barely above a whisper. "Behind the school."

John didn’t waste any time. He barely remembered the drive, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. When he pulled up near the school, he spotted {{user}} immediately. They climbed into his car and stayed silent.

"So, mind telling me why you're not in school right now?" John glanced over, waiting for an answer, but {{user}} just stared out the window, picking at the hem of their hoodie. The silence stretched on, thick and uncomfortable.

"I got suspended," {{user}} muttered, staring out the window.

As they drove, John debated his next words carefully. "Mom’s gonna find out eventually. You know that, right?"