Page 106 (1/2)

“That’s it?” I could hear the hurt in her voice

I sighed “I’ It’sand try to help you find him He’s okay He always is” But in the back of my head I knew there was no way to be sure It’s what I told myself It’s what I told Mom every time Garrett did this

“And what if he’s not?” she pleaded

“Then, there isn’t anything I can do” I spoke quietly I hated saying it, but it was true What could I do to force my brother to take his meds? How could I make him keep his therapy appointments? How did I convince him that he had to face his illness?

“Fine” Her voice was clipped The crying had stopped “I’ll talk to you at lunch”

“I’ He’ll be back soon Try not to worry”

I hung up the phone and took a deep breath I walked inside, pausing at the doors to change shoes My office was at the end of the hall I had a few steps to collect myself and try not to think about what kind of trouble otten into this time

I pushed open the wooden door There was a wo room

“Hi” I smiled at her

The clerk waved at me “Your first appointment is here”

“Oh All right I need just a minute” I shared an office with another resident She hadn’t arrived

Yesterday during the orientation I received her name, but we hadn’t met

I walked through the waiting area and into my office I settled behind one of the desks and turned on the laptop the university had given me The fan churned inside and I felt the warers

I needed these few stolen seconds to re room was a woal help, but needed it I was here to do soful and rich with my life I could help people I couldn’t help Garrett, or my mom to see what he did to everyone, but there were people here who needed me People ould listen People ould respect ht it

I could do so here my fas My parents were divorced They still argued They couldn’t be in the saether There was no peace or calm