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Cade follows first, then my mom

We all say nothing as we head inside the building, check-in, and take our seats in the waiting area

Little ti’s office He’s an older ray hair and a heavy beard He’s kind and patient, though, and as far as therapists go, I don’t think he’s that bad

Cade and I sit on the couch and my mom takes the chair

Dr Long sits in his chair, his legs crossed, and smiles kindly

“I’lad to see you all back today,” he says “I know this is only your second visit together, but consistency is progress, and I think these ether, as well as your separate appointether and appraises us “What would you all like to talk about today?”

I bite h s we need to talk about

Cade surprisesfirst “Gabe I want to talk about Gabe”

My head swivels toward hi pierces my chest

Cade ss thickly and looks at“Thea blames herself, and I want her to know that it wasn’t her fault It was no one’s fault It was a freak accident”

I exhale a shaky breath and“Is that true, Thea? Do you think it’s your fault?”

I press ht ht years since he died It’s too painful, and every time I think of him, it’s like someone’s stuck a knife inme in half

“I know it’s my fault,” I mumble

“Why is that?” Dr Long asks “Why do you know it’s your fault? Tell me what happened”

I take a deep breath as flashes of that day flit through my mind