need help

12

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sprawling garden where Macau sat with his family. The laughter of his loved ones echoed around him, blending seamlessly with the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Macau felt a deep sense of peace settle within him.

It had been several months since the revelation of his trauma, and with every passing day, he was reclaiming pieces of himself that had been lost. Surrounded by the people he loved, he found comfort in the fact that he didn’t have to bear the weight of his past alone. Each member of his family had rallied around him, determined to support him on his journey toward healing.

The barbecue celebration had been a highlight, marking a new chapter for Macau. After the speeches and the laughter, Kinn had taken him aside, away from the noise of the festivities. “I want to check in on you,” he said, his tone serious but gentle. “How are you feeling about everything? Are you ready to talk more about your experiences?”

Macau had paused, searching for the right words. “It’s hard, Kinn,” he admitted. “There are days when it feels overwhelming, but knowing that I have you all here makes it easier. I want to be open about what happened, but I’m scared too.”

Kinn placed a reassuring hand on Macau’s shoulder. “It’s okay to be scared. You’ve been through so much. But remember, you have the support of everyone here. You can share as much or as little as you want.”

Macau nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and trepidation. The conversation had opened a pathway for him—a chance to articulate the pain he had buried for so long. It wasn’t an easy journey, but with Kinn by his side, he felt ready to take the first steps.

Following the barbecue, Macau began attending therapy sessions regularly. His therapist was kind and patient, creating a safe space for him to explore his feelings. It was a challenging process, confronting the memories and emotions he had kept locked away. But with each session, he felt a little lighter, a little freer.

“Let’s talk about the moment you first realized you needed help,” his therapist encouraged during one session.

Macau hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I think it was when I finally told Vegas and the others about my past. I had spent so long feeling ashamed, like I was broken. But their reaction… it showed me that love can exist alongside pain.”

His therapist nodded, guiding him through the process. “That’s a crucial realization. Acknowledging the pain is the first step toward healing. And you’ve already done that. Now, let’s explore how we can turn that acknowledgment into strength.”

Macau spent hours talking, sharing his experiences and fears. With each word, he felt more empowered, transforming his trauma into a narrative of survival rather than a defining moment of shame.

As the weeks progressed, Macau found himself reconnecting with his family in ways he had never anticipated. The walls he had built around himself began to crumble, allowing his loved ones to see the real him—the one who had been hidden beneath layers of pain and fear.

Vegas, in particular, stepped up in ways that surprised Macau. He would often sit with him in the evenings, watching movies or just talking. “You know, I’ve always admired your strength,” Vegas confessed one night, leaning back against the couch. “I didn’t realize how much you were carrying until you opened up to us. I’m proud of you.”

Macau smiled softly, grateful for his brother’s unwavering support. “I couldn’t have done it without you. It feels good to let go of the secrets.”

They spent hours reminiscing about their childhood, laughing over memories of silly pranks and adventures. For Macau, those moments were cathartic—he was not only reclaiming his past but also building a new foundation for their relationship