You Can't Hurt Me

Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you're part of a team

Race had been here for a damn 30 minutes, and all they've gotten done with is introductions and small talk.

Truthfully that may have been Race's fault, he wasn't... well compliant. But to be fair to him, he hadn't wanted to go to therapy, and if it weren't for Jacks consistant bugging, he would have been fine going back to his normal life.

Race probably should've held out, demanded he didn't, locked himself in his room, be a bit more difficult. He had done that for a week, and could have easily held out. But then, one night a loud noise woke them both up, it was about 2:30 am, and Jack was just sitting there was red-rimmed eyes holding on to a cold glass of milk, no heat in his words, no fear in his eyes. Just a blank stare, with a couple of tears rolling down his cheeks. He didn't yell at Race, insist he go. He just asked. Looked him right in the eye and with a sandpaper morning voice, just asked Race to go for him. Race said yes, because what else do you do.

Now Race was stuck in this stupid office, with white walls, clean tables, and a toy set in the corner, that Race had been staring at for said 30 minutes. The entire time all he wanted to do was play with the legos and instead he's stuck here, just listening to his therapist lecture on how he has to respond to questions otherwise she can't get anywhere.

"I feel like Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting." She rubbed her eyes, and leaned back.

Race didn't respond, though he couldn't guarantee he wasn't going to Google search it later. He was after all, slightly curious.

They sat in silence, Race just staring at the legos while she wrote stuff down. Finally she put down her pen and gestured to the toy.

"Do you want to play with the legos?" She asked.

Call Race a child, but he really wanted to play with the legos. He jumped down and sat criss cross, examining the array of options.

Eagerly he started building a simple house, but of course his crap therapist had a stupid mix set because he couldn't seem to find any pieces that actually went together.

She laughed, slightly amused, "you seem to really like those legos huh?"

Race shrugged, putting together a pink and a red piece, "I've never played with them before. Always wanted to though."

Her eyes widened, and she grabbed her file, writing stuff down. Clearing her throat to keep casual. "You've never played with legos? Wow, I can't think of a single kid who's never played with legos one way or another. Did you grow up in a poor area?"

"Well I suppose, I wouldn't know about other kids though. Didn't really have friends, and the Sheepshead didn't really have kids toys. I did have a stuffed animal growing up. Some free thing my dad got at the bank, was a real small dog. Called him Barks, real creative I know." Race frowned, "didn't have it for long though."

Race picked up the dog, holding it to his chest. His dad held his hand out, a wordless power struggle.

"Dad-"

"Antonio, give me the dog."

Race had rubbed at his eyes, his bottom lip trembling. He swears it had been an accident.

"But I can't sleep without him." He protested, holding it closer. Barley the size of his hand.

"Well maybe it's about time you learn too, but your actions have consequences and this is the third lamp you've broken. We don't have endless money, and you can get the dog back when you pay for a new lamp."

Race turned his body away, shielding the dog from his dads hands. How would he pay for a new one?

"I'm sorry, I tripped-" Race let out a squeak and his dad forcefully grabbed the dog from his hands, put it in his pocket, and walked out the door.