He was back in the hospital again. In the back of his mind, vaguely, Zac could sense there was now something different. He could barely make out the faces of his family, peering at him in confusion and worry. His eyes watered and the tears began to pour out, making him gasp in pain each time they touched his skin. Everything was burned; he was aching like never before. This time, he had gone too far.
* * *
Taylor pulled Isaac out into the hallway.
"We have to talk to him, Ike. I think we might be the ones who could get through to him."
"Taylor, the professionals couldn't get through, what makes you think that we can?"
"We're his brothers, his best friends. We know him better than anyone in the world, and if anyone can talk to him, I think it's us."
"But we've tried, and we've failed. He doesn't want to talk, that's the problem, Tay." Isaac sighed, leaning his head against the wall.
"Can we at least try?"
"I'll ask mom and dad."
* * *
Zac opened his eyes and noticed that everything was still slightly blurred. He could make out Taylor and Isaac hovering above him.
"Zac, you can't keep doing this you know," Taylor began.
"Doing what?" Zac replied, gasping in pain. He could feel the air around him. It was cold, yet his face was burning, in fact, his whole body felt like it was on fire.
Isaac sat down, a worried look etched across his features, but Taylor's face remained impassive.
"Shutting us out. Why did you do it?" Taylor asked.
Zac was silent, his breathing laboured. "I didn't mean to."
"You didn't mean to sit under scalding water?" Isaac finally said.
"Well, I don't have a lot of choices, do I? I can't move!" Zac almost yelled. He took in a deep pained breath. Why was he talking to them? They were going to break his resolve and he couldn't let that happen. He didn't want to let that happen.
Taylor's expression changed. He could see why Zac was suffering, but he didn't understand why he put himself in that position. "Zac, you have to snap out of this."
"Oh sure, because you know exactly what I should do, right? You always have all the answers? Perfect little Taylor and his perfect life," Zac spat out bitterly.
"Zac, shut up!" Taylor exclaimed in frustration. "I know you're upset, and you're still getting used to this situation, but so are we. I know it must be hard for you, but - "
"What do you know about this? You're not the one who…" Zac caught himself and closed his mouth, the pounding in his head becoming louder.
Isaac leaned over him. "Tell us, Zac, please… talk to us like you used to."
Zac shook his head. "Please just leave me alone."
My Hanfic
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