I just wanted a normal life

  What’re you doing?

Basking in freedom. 

  Y’know, my little brother’s grounded for getting his room set on fire.

I bet it wasn't even him. 

  …Interesting.

  …Okay.

The kitchen was set on fire. Your boyfriend and that idiot, Isaac set fire to my kitchen. And got me grounded. I felt like I was gonna pop. 

  Where have you been hiding?

Hiding? Oh no. I've been grounded. Me. Grounded. 

…Right.

  I’m not going to ask.

  …It’s okay…to not be okay, Nate. You don’t have to hold it together with me if you can’t.

  …I..y-yeah..

  I love you. Okay? You’re my best friend. More than that, actually, you’re my brother, you know that. And that isn’t ever going to change, even when you’re the biggest dumbass that I know. Losing..I know what this feels like. Better than anyone, I know. And I didn’t really have anyone when it happened to me, and that…that’s not happening with you. I get it, I know what this is like, and I’m here if you need me, Nate. 

  I know.