Don't hug me, I hate you

Chapter 7: Drift Away

A few days has past since the incident. Harry and Robin have been trying to help Manny any way they could. They tried therapy, scheduling activities or events for them to do together, keeping a regular sleep schedule, etc. But none of it seemed to work.

They started to get really worried about him. The first time they found out about him cutting, they were devastated. They couldn't believe that such a seemingly happy child like Manny could have depression. But I guess things are not always as they seem.

But anyways let's just get to the actual story:

Harry was working with his non alive laptop in the living room. Robin had gone out to the store to get some stuff for the house. The house was pretty quiet. Then he suddenly heard somebody crying from upstairs.

"Huh?" Harry muttered to himself.

He got up and walked upstairs. As he did, he heard the sobs getting louder and louder. Harry stopped at his room. He put his ear against the door to hear the loud sobs. He knew instantly who the crying was coming from. Manny.

Harry frowned to himself. He slowly opened the door just enough to squeeze through. When inside, he saw Manny on his bed, curled up into a ball and crying. Harry felt his heart break in two (Like the author's heart writing this scene).

"Hey..." Harry softly whispers, putting his hand on Manny's back and rubbing it gently.

"O-Oh! Hey H-Harry! I d-didn't see y-you t-there." Manny smiled nervously, trying to hide the fact that he had been crying.

Harry just frowned at him. "Manny, is everything ok?" He asked his son.

"...Yeah I'm f-fine." Manny says, forcing a smile.

"No offense honey, but you never were a convincing actor..." Harry says, pulling Manny closer and putting him on his lap.

"I..." Manny sighed a bit before continuing. "I just don't understand..."

"Understand what?..." Harry questioned.

"Why aren't I getting better!? I've been doing everything! The therapy, trying to sleep better, trying to eat better, EVERYTHING! But it's not getting better! I just don't understand..." Manny blurted out, on the verge of crying.

Harry pulled him into a hug. He rocked Manny back and forth as he brushed his fingers through his hair.

"Manny..." Harry lifted Manny's chin to make him look at him, "I know this is difficult for you. I had to go through the exact same thing. But it gets better, I promise you. Healing just takes time. But you will heal." He reassures the child.

Manny sniffles a bit, hugging Harry back tightly. Harry smiled at him, beginning to hug tightly too. Then suddenly, Harry accidentally brushed his hand against Manny's side, causing him to laugh a bit.

"Heeheheheheheheh! H-Hehehehey!" Manny giggled.

Harry was confused because he hadn't realized what he did. Then he saw where his hand was and smirked. He then began squeezing Manny's sides.

"GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA! Stahahhaahhahahap ihihit!" Manny squealed.

"Awww but sweetie, I don't want you to be upset all day." Harry cooed at him, grinning in a playful manner, "I need to tickle allllll the sadness out of you! You look so wonderful with a smile, after all." Harry then began to tickle Manny's belly.