Page 102 of Rescue

“You’re not fucked up,” Cash says.

“I wrapped a motorcycle around a tree because I was having dreams about Mom taking me to the grocery store, Cash. I think that qualifies as fucked up.”

“You’re right, Lennon,” Dad says. “I should have told you. I just had no idea that you remembered any of that.”

“Because I never told you what I was feeling. We might have avoided all of this if I’d just talked to you about it.” I turn to my brothers. “That’s what I’m saying. We don’t talk about stuff. And I want us to be different.” I close my eyes. “If I’m going to get better, we need to be different.”

And then, even though we’re not a hugging family, Cash grabs me and pulls me into an embrace. “I need you to get better, Len,” he whispers in my ear. “I can’t lose you.”

“You won’t.”

“If that means talking about my feelings and shit,” he says, releasing me to wipe at his eyes, “then I guess that’s what I’ll have to do.”

You would think I wouldn’t be able to laugh at a time like this. But there’s something about Cash crying and talking about his “feelings and shit” that has a peal of hysterical laughter coming from my throat.

“Oh, God,” Daltrey says. “He’s really cracking up now.”

“Get over here little brother,” Cash says, pulling Dalt up by his sleeve. “We’re going to start being the kind of people who hug each other.”

Daltrey rolls his eyes, letting me throw an arm around his shoulder. “I can hardly wait,” he mutters. But then he returns the embrace, clutching my shoulders so hard I can feel his fingers trembling.

“I’m going to be okay, Daltrey,” I say, my voice shaking. He only grips me harder. “I’m not going anywhere.”

He nods and pulls away, not meeting my eyes.

Cash turns to Reed. “You just gonna sit there, ass?”

Reed looks up at us, and his eyes are flashing, angry. “So everything is just cool now?” he asks. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Reed—”

“Our father is a liar,” he says, standing. “And as far as I’m concerned, all of this is his fault.”

“That’s not true, Reed,” I say. He cuts me off before I can continue.

“Lennon, I am here for you in whatever way you need me to be. You need more communication, you got it. You need someone to talk to, I’m here. But I will not forgive him.” He turns to Dad. “I can’t believe I ever looked up to you.”

“Reed, come on,” Cash says, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Reed shakes him off. “I’m done with you, Dad. We’re done.” He turns to us. “You guys need anything, you let me know. But I’m done in this room.”

“Reed,” I call, but it’s too late. He strides through the door, letting it slam behind him, leaving the rest of us in Dad’s suite, staring at the place where he just stood.