My brother and I

Our psychologist

"Thank you both for coming today."

the psychologist said, his voice steady and gentle, a warm contrast to the clinical surroundings of the office. He settled into his chair, observing the brothers with an attentive gaze, hoping to create a welcoming atmosphere.

"It’s not like we have a choice, doc." Lloyd replied, his tone dripping with casual defiance. He was sitting carelessly on the plush couch, his body slouched in a manner that conveyed his confidence.

One arm draped casually over the armrest, his fingers idly tapping against the leather as if to underline his relaxed demeanor. 

His right leg was tossed over the left, the posture exuding a sense of both commanding and dominance. The weight of his right calf rested heavily on his left thigh, creating an open, almost possessive stance.

Despite the seemingly nonchalant posture, there was an unspoken assertion of control in the way he occupied the space. He didn’t need to sit upright to assert his presence.

A quiet serenity enveloped him, tinged with arrogance, every slight movement marked by a subtle, effortless dominance.

"Yes. I know that it was your parents who forced you both to see a psychologist because your grades had started to deteriorate." said the psychologist.

Joshua, sitting beside his big brother, couldn’t help but feel a little stressed. He shifted slightly, the tension in his frame starkly contrasting with Lloyd's relaxed aura. "Not only that." Joshua chimed in, his voice quieter but tinged with frustration. "They think we are hiding secrets from them."

Lloyd’s lips curled into a slight smirk as he met the psychologist’s gaze directly. "Well, who doesn't hide secrets? A person without secrets isn't human, right?" He turned his head towards Joshua, his eyebrows raised in playful challenge. "Isn't it what I always tell you?"

Joshua simply nodded, a hint of resignation in his eyes. He had grown accustomed to Lloyd’s flippant attitude, though it often left him feeling both protective and exasperated.

The psychologist paused, allowing the silence to stretch as he considered their dynamic. After a moment, he responded.

"...Yes. Um, and that's why you're here in front of me. I am your psychologist. The person you can talk to about your problems and resentments. You can talk to me about any subject, remember?"

"Yes." Joshua replied softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The psychologist leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest. "So, you mentioned feeling a lot of pressure at home, especially from your parents. Could you tell me more about what’s been going on?"

Joshua let out a long sigh, folding his arms across his chest as if trying to shield himself from the weight of the conversation. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes flickered toward the floor.

"Well... it's-" he began, but his words trailed off as his brother’s voice cut through the air.

"It’s complicated." Lloyd interjected sharply, running a hand through his short brown hair, his fingers catching briefly in the strands as if frustration itself was lodged in his scalp. His brows furrowed deeply, darkening his expression.

"Our parents are always so fucking demanding. Nothing is ever fucking good enough for them." His voice grew more bitter with each word, his teeth nearly gritting as he spoke. "I feel like we’re never allowed to just be ourselves."

Beside him, Joshua nodded, the agreement in his movement subtle but clear. His expression was softer, tinged with a resigned acceptance. "Yeah." he murmured. "It’s like they only care about appearances. But, well... it's no new. It always been this way."