An Unbreakable Bond

Seventeen

CAUTION: Mistakes everywhere! Don't point them out or they will attack.

A week passed since Mitch was released from the hospital and he was more sad than he was when Travis broke up with him. He stayed up in his room, removing himself from the people he considered family. Scott sighed as he looked upstairs, pressing a button that flashed a white light through the house.

"Come on, Mitch. It's time for school."

No response.

Scott sighed as he shook his head as Kirstie walked downstairs, raising an eyebrow at her older brother. He shook his head, his exasperation growing.

"Mitch hasn't been out of his room since he was released from the hospital. He supposed to go to school today, but he's not coming out of his room."

"Maybe he's just nervous? I would be too. Not a lot of kids have cochlear implants surprisingly. Maybe he doesn't want anyone to bother him about it."

"Yeah, I know, but he really needs to go to school. He's missed a lot of it since last week."

Kirstie was about to reply when something was broken upstairs, making her jump. More stuff was thrown on the wall of a bedroom, making her widen her eyes. She looked up at Scott worriedly, wondering what was going on.

"That's coming from Mitch's room," Scott whispered, going upstairs. Kirstie followed him timidly, a trait that the girl rarely exhibited. "What is going on?"

Ripping of fabric and stuffed animals ensured and more stuff was thrown. Scott opened the door slowly to watch Mitch throw a picture frame across the room, jumping when it shattered. His room was a mess, no doubt. His bed was flipped over and all of his drawers from his dressers were pulled out. Pictures and stuffed animals were ripped or torn apart while glass was all over the carpet. Mitch was to throw another glass object when Scott stopped him, shaking his head. He took the glass object from his younger brother and set it down, locking eyes with him.

*What's wrong? Are you okay?*

That did it.

Mitch shook his head as a sob was released, followed by other loud sobs. He began to hyperventilate, falling on his knees as he hugged himself. Scott looked over at Kirstie, the both of them trying their best not to cry. Their brother's pain couldn't be explained through words and it broke their hearts endlessly. Scott sat down next to Mitch, hugging him gently.

*What happened?*

*Travis was the one who told everyone that Rick wasn't my real dad. He was the one. I thought he loved me.*

Scott shook his head, looking up at Kirstie. She was crying now, her heart aching for her brother. She walked in the room, avoiding the glass that could hurt her. She sat down next to Mitch, running a hand on his back.

*Mitch, you don't deserve that. Travis still loves you and he is not cruel, but what he did was cruel. You deserve so much better, Mitchy.*

*But I want Travis. He made me happy.*

Mitch began to hyperventilate again, sobbing at the same time. Scott hugged him tighter, allowing a tear to run down his cheek now. Kirstie rested her head on her younger brother's shoulder, holding his hand gently as she rubbed her thumb over the small knuckles. The only sounds were Mitch's cries, echoing throughout the house. The siblings stayed with one another, not remembering the last time they had a moment like this.

And they honestly wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

~~~

"Where were you this morning? I was worried."