Hands | DNF

6.

"Well you see, it's a funny story. I kinda got into a bad argument with my brother over me.. yeah I got in an argument with my brother and I kinda had a really bad panic attack and I guess I passed out. So yeah I wasn't lying when I said I was asleep I woke up like 4 hours ago or something idk."

I look at the phone and just see Clay stare at me with sadness and worry in his eyes. He was just looking and that made me nervous. He always said something, always.

"Please say something Clay! You are making me anxious."

"I am making you anxious? I can't believe my eyers George. You are one of my best friends and you always make me laugh and you are always like a ray of sunshine and now I feel like I don't even know you. I noticed you didn't like talking about what you felt so I didn't push. But apparently I should have. If i had you wouldn't be in a hospital. I could have maybe helped you or I don't know... I could have been there to help you. If I had maybe pushed you wouldn't be in a hospital now!"

"No no no. Please don't think like that. I am fine honestly nothing is wrong. It was just stress and the stupid fight."

"What were you fighting about that you had a fucking panic attack, George?"

Holy shit, I've never heard him swear!

"It was nothing, really. It was nothing important."

"See! You are doing it again! You are locking me out like always. Why is it so hard for you to let me in? Why is it hard for you to let people in?Just fucking tell me. And don't you dare lie!"

"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO SEE HOW BROKEN I AM!"

What the fuck did I say?! That came out without a warning. Shit no no no.

Before I can think through my next move. I grab my phone and hang up. What was I doing? I hear a knock at the door and see Wilbur staring down at me.

"How much from that did you hear?"

"Enough..."

I just bury my face in my hands. I hear Wilbur come closer and feel him crouch next to me. I feel his hand wrap around my wrists pulling my hand away from my face. He looks at me and gives me a little smile.

"George, I know how hard it's been for you. I just want you to know that I care deeply for you. You are my closest friend and I cherish you so much. I just want you to remember that you matter and that I'll always be here whenever you need me. Just call me and I'll be there in a second."

"Thank you! "

He reached up and hugged me. I would never forget that hug. It made me feel warm and not alone. I felt save and I guess that unlocked something in me and I let everything out. It was one of my mom's hugs.