After multiple—no, countless times—you had tried to comfort Josh in any way possible to help him cope with the loss of his sisters, of your sisters. But he just hasn’t budged. He’s become distant from the family, and pushed himself away from his friends, forcing himself into complete solitude, hell, even the bond you guys once had wasn’t there anymore. It’s like he was a ghost living in the house.

So, finally, you built up the courage to confront him, to berate him for making everyone around him worry so much, for being so goddamn selfish.

“I’m sorry, okay? I just.. I dunno.” Josh shrugged his shoulders, shrinking away like he always did.

“You don’t know? Mom and dad are worried sick about you and you don’t know what’s been going on with you? For gods sake Josh, do you know how many times I’ve had to reassure your friends and relatives that you hadn’t just kicked the bucket yourself?” You said, your fury strong and your anger boiling over the edges.

“Jesus Christ, izzy, what the fuck do you want me to say? I think it’s pretty fucking obvious how I’ve been feeling!” Josh retorted, standing up from his seated position. The chair screeched as it was pushed back.

“No, no! I’m sick of this shit! I’m sick of taking care of mom and dad, I’m sick of you not doing anything and I’m fed up with your bullshit excuses! You’ll have to get over like the rest of us did!” You shouted, but you were abruptly stopped by the force of the slap that hit your cheek. It stung and your cheek turned a bright red.