Logan

123. You Deserve Kindness

*Ripley's POV*

I sighed with relief as I walked around the grocery store, deciding to cater the benefit this year had been one of the best decisions.

Today was a simple day off, and I'd decided to pick up a new book from my favorite series later, and maybe make a nice meal at the end of the day.

I'd finally found the cheese I needed when I crashed into someone's cart.

"Sorry," I looked up from my list to see Alex, Natalie's brother. He seemed distracted, and didn't notice I'd clipped him. He let out a grunt as he looked up, and upon looking at me his face changed.

"Oh, Captain Ripley, I'm sorry I didn't realize I'd hit you with my cart. I'm sorry." He fumbled with his phone and pen and both crashed to the floor. He and I both moved to pick it up and he waved it off, "I drop my phone all the time, sorry."

"No apologies necessary, Alex." I gave a small smile and looked in his cart. He had enough food to last a month, two ten pound bags of flour, some sugar, was that...an entire brick of Parmesan?

"Who needs all of that?" I joked, and Alex started tearing up, and then broke out into a sob, which completely caught me off guard. "Oh kid, I didn't mean anything bad by it, I'm sorry." I pulled out my handkerchief and he wiped his eye and blew his nose, a few cries choking out.

"I'm sorry, it's just... I'm, I don't know who to talk to about this sort of thing. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, I don't-" He kept crying and I tucked him into my shoulder and led him away from the crowd forming, leaving the two carts behind.

"Hey, what's going on, talk to me. I'm sure whatever it is, it can be worked out."

Alex shook his head, "Not anytime soon," he sniffled, holding the handkerchief to his eyes.

"I mean, you can tell me what it is and we'll work it out together, if you want."

"I-l shouldn't be telling you, she wouldn't want you to worry." Alex was trying to keep me out of what was happening, but then he mentioned 'she' and I could only assume Natalie. "My friend, Logan, he went missing a few days ago, which they did find him. But then he passed away from his injuries at the hospital. Logan and Natalie, they were, well," He stuttered.

"I heard. So, what's happening? I'm assuming she's not taking his death well?"

Alex shook his head, "No, she's refused to believe he really is dead. She's been staying in her room most of the day, and I haven't been able to make her do anything. She isn't eating, either."

"Everyone processes grief differently." I tried to be reassuring, "You're doing the best in trying to advocate for your sister, when she needs you she will come to you."

"I don't know what I'm doing wrong," He sniffled, his voice shaky and his hair disheveled, like he'd been lacking sleep himself. "I feel like I'm failing her. My parents are going to kill me if they end up having to send her to Lakeside again." I felt a icy drop in my stomach, I'd heard rumors of her stay at Lakeside, but I didn't realise Betty had actually sent her there.

"I don't think it will come to that this time."

He sighed, "I hope not." He sighed and took a look over at his cart, "I should be getting home, though. I have more people coming over today, but thank you, Captain Ripley." He held up the handkerchief, "Um, I'm going to wash this and get it back to you."

"Thanks, kid."

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