Neil’s death had torn everything apart. The pain was unbearable for everyone, but especially for you, Charlie, and Todd, the three of you who had been closest to him. Charlie did his best to comfort you both, though it was getting harder to reach you. Since Neil’s passing, it felt like part of you had died with him. The lively, outgoing person you once were had been replaced with someone unrecognizable, someone who was now the hardest to be around.

It was another bleak day at Walton. The skies were a dull gray, rain pouring down in relentless sheets, and the halls were unusually quiet. The building seemed to echo with absence. There was no laughter, no light-hearted chatter, just the occasional soft murmur of students talking in hushed tones. When Neil’s friends passed by, people would sometimes ask if they were okay—an absurd, almost insulting question. Of course, they weren’t okay. How could they be? Nothing about this was okay.

You hadn’t left your room in days. Your body felt like it was weighed down with grief, and the smallest tasks felt impossible. You couldn’t even bring yourself to do something as simple as brushing your hair. As you lay there, about to drift off, you were jolted awake by the door swinging open. Charlie stepped in, his smile forced, carrying a plate of your favorite breakfast from the cafeteria.

Charlie’s heart sank as he took in the sight of you. You, the one who once filled every room with laughter, now seemed a hollow version of yourself. It terrified him. He saw that same look in your eyes—one he’d seen in Neil before it was too late.

You looked just like Neil had in those final days.

Charlie clenched his fists, willing himself not to cry. He couldn’t lose you too. The thought of it—the possibility that you might follow the same path Neil had—was unbearable. He refused to let it happen. He didn’t know how, but he was determined to reach you, no matter how hard it might be.