The sound of an overturned bottle that Justin emptied and put next to his bed last night irritated his ears. Someone opened the curtains and the sunshine got into the room violently, uninvited. He closed his eyes tightly and let out a murmur of discontent, pressed his face deep into the pillow hoping that everything will return to normal. It did not. He felt hands grabbing his shoulder, tugging it firmly.
– Wake up – He heard it being repeated several times. It seemed that the tone was getting stronger every time the words come up again. He tried to ignore it but when he realized that it is not going to go away, he gave up. Justin slowly moved his body up the bed. Rubbed his face with his hand and sighed.
– Drink – the voice commanded. He cast a quick glance at hands reaching to him with a glass of water and a blue pill. He swallowed it obediently and washed it down with the cold water.
– Good. Now get up – The voice commanded. Justin sighted again and hesitated for a while. – Come on – Finally he grabbed the hand outstretched in his direction and stood up with real difficulty. Ryan patted him on the shoulder, put his arm around his neck and helped him move. He made him seat at the table and put something to eat in front of him.
– It's going to be ok. Everything will be fine, you will see. Now all you have to do is eat – Ryan said slowly and convincing. He stood there in silence as Justin buried his face in his hands, wondering intensively what he should do now. He wish he knew.
– I know it's hard. It's terrible, man. – he admitted – But you will get through it. You have to – Justin shook his head. – You will – Ryan assured him. – I'll see to that. Now eat – he left the kitchen almost in a hurry, as he wanted to escape, leaving Justin with those words, not giving him a chance to doubt them.
– I feel so sorry for him – he heard Selena's voice and sighted.
– Yeah – Ryan whispered.
– Don't blame yourself. There's nothing else you can do. He needs time – she said embracing Ryan softly. He saw at the corner of his eye that Justin did not move. – Just give him some time, will you? – Ryan looked at her and nodded in assent. She watched him warily with her brown eyes. - Good – she kissed him on his forehead and smiled. Her eyes brightened and she hugged him once again. Ryan almost unconsciously smiled back at her but he was not happy. He knew what's knocking in Justin's head right now. He knew what has been knocking in his head constantly for several weeks. What is keeping him awake, not allowing to fall asleep without help of some sleeping pills or alcohol. He knew what was forcing him to take the blue pill everyday just to be able not to think and analyze so much, numbing his senses. It was Hailey. And the fact that she was dead.
