Thirty and Single.

Chapter 26.

"Genesis, I know my brother can be an asshole sometimes. Please, bear with him," Parsley said softly, lifting her mug of coffee to her lips. Her voice held a gentleness that only made the ache in my chest feel sharper.

I exhaled slowly, resting my hands around the warmth of my own cup. "I didn't mean to offend him, Parsley. I only told him to see a psychologist because I care about him. Because I hate seeing him suffer like that."

She nodded, her eyes brimming with a sadness that mirrored my own. "I know, sweetie. You do care. And that's the hardest part, loving someone who refuses to help themselves. I've tried. God knows I've tried. I've even booked appointments with psychologists I trust... but he never showed up."

"Why doesn't he want help?" I whispered, voice tight. "For how long is he going to keep punishing himself for something that's already destroyed him?"

"I wish I knew, love," she replied, her voice barely audible over the hum of the coffee machine. "I really wish I knew."

I stared down into the swirls of coffee, trying to make sense of Colton's silence, his storm, and the way he seemed determined to drown in it.

Parsley, sensing the need to change the subject, tilted her head. "How's that coworker of yours? What was his name again?"

I looked up and smiled faintly. "Corey?"

"Yes! Him."

I shrugged. "He's alright, I guess. We don't really talk anymore."

Her eyebrows shot up. "Really? I thought you two were close."

"We were... for a while," I said, letting out a bitter chuckle. "There was a time Colton was pushing me away, acting like—well, like himself. Corey liked me. He was sweet, kind, everything I needed at the time. So I gave him a chance."

"And?" she prompted, leaning forward.

"One night, we were at Quinn's party. And just like that, your brother kissed me. Right in front of Corey. He saw us. He walked out and never looked back."

"Wow," Parsley muttered, wide-eyed.

"Yeah. Wow," I echoed.

She put down her mug with a sharp clink. "I swear, I need to knock some damn sense into Colton's thick skull. He destroyed your relationship, and now he has the nerve to ghost you? That's not okay, Genesis."

"Don't bother," I said with a tired smile. "I've come to terms with it. Or I'm trying to, at least."

"Genesis," she said firmly, "my brother cares about you. I'm sure of it. But he's stuck in a place where guilt has taken root and grown into fear. Maybe he's terrified that loving someone again will only bring more pain."

"I know he's broken, Parsley," I whispered. "But he can't keep living in the past. He'll only keep hurting himself... and the people who care about him. He needs to let go, just enough to start healing."

Parsley nodded. "It's true, dear. Every word."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

I stood, walked to the entrance, and opened it, only to find Colton standing there.

He looked like he hadn't slept in days. His eyes were shadowed, haunted. He wasn't the composed, guarded man I had come to know. He looked... lost.

"Colton, are you—"

"I need to talk to Parsley," he said, cutting me off.

I stepped aside. "She's in the kitchen."

He walked in, slow and heavy. The moment he saw her, he collapsed into her arms. She hugged him tightly, whispering soothing words as he trembled.