Trauma

Part 15 "Emotional Scene"

The drive to the mall was silent. Rick seemed deep in thought, and I knew exactly what he was thinking about.

We soon arrived at the mall and I grabbed a cart while Rick stood beside me.

"What will we buy?" I asked.

That broke him out of his trance. "Oh. Well, A couple of your groceries, and some ice cream, cheese and wine."

"Okay." I started to make my way when Rick made small talk.

"So how is your work going on?" Rick asked.

"It's fine. It's kind of tight but it's not like I have something going on in my life other than work." I replied while picking up a cabbage.

"That's not healthy, Liz. Putting work and your life together is stressful. You need to separate it. You know the saying. Never bring your work to your house. That breaks your sanctuary." Rick frowned.

"I think that was already ruined when I started working at home." I scoffed.

"Maybe you should get a hobby. Get outside more, you know?" Rick suggested.

I knew he was just trying to be helpful but it was getting on my nerves.

"You know I'm trying, Rick. It's hard for me." I said, not meeting his eyes.

"I know. That's why I was so happy when I found out you made a friend. I really hope he makes you enjoy your life more, unlike me. I feel like such a failure." Rick muttered.

"You are not a failure, Rick." I said.

"Yes, I am. I couldn't even make you get outside of your room after that..that incident. That was all Mom. I'm such a crappy brother. It all feels like my fault."

"I just wasn't myself. That had nothing to do with you. So don't you dare blame yourself." I replied, my voice quivering.

Rick was silent after that. Why was he blaming himself? That was all my fault. Not his, not my parents, just Mine.

"No, It's not your fault." Rick said.

"What?"

"It's not your fault either. It's all that twisted bastard's fault. You just told me not to blame myself. The same thing goes to you. All of it is not your fault." Rick said, squeezing my hand. 

I started to cry just like that, right in the middle of the mall. Rick wrapped his arms around me in an instant.

I didn't care people were staring at us weirdly. All that mattered was that I had a brother who would always stand by my side.