Darn Stupid Brother You Are

(Angel's POV)

The walls felt even tighter than usual today, almost like they were closing in on me. It was Day Five of the confinement week, and tension was high, almost unbearable. They'd announced a mandatory group therapy session over the speakers this morning, something about "coping mechanisms during stressful times."

We all filed into the room, the scent of stale air and disinfectant hitting my nose as soon as I entered. The chairs were arranged in a circle, as always, but today there was something different. There was a heaviness in the air.

Group therapy was a regular activity at the center, meant to encourage us to "open up" about our feelings. Dr. Timothy, a tall man with graying hair and cold eyes, usually led these sessions. We'd sit in a circle, and he'd ask questions, trying to pry into our deepest thoughts. Most of us gave him the answers he wanted to hear, knowing that any hint of resistance would lead to more probing, more questions.

But today felt different. Today, it felt like we were on trial.

And most importantly, today Dr. Joe was the one who led the session. It had been a few weeks since I last saw his creepy self.

I took a seat, trying to blend in, trying not to draw any attention. But I could feel his eyes on me from the moment I sat down. Dr. Joe cleared his throat, giving everyone a pleasant smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Good morning, everyone. I know this week has been challenging, but we're all here to support each other."

A few murmurs of agreement sounded around the circle.

"Today, I'd like to try something a little different," he said and his gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than was comfortable. "I'd like us to focus on one of our fellow patients, to help them through their experiences here at the center." The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

"Angel," Dr. Joe called, and his voice was smooth and warm, like a snake sliding over a rock. "Would you mind being our focus for today?"

I swallowed hard and nodded. What choice did I have?

"Excellent," he said and clapped his hands together. "Let's start, shall we?"

The other patients shifted in their seats and their eyes flickered between me and Dr. Joe like they were watching some sort of dark reality show. "Angel," Dr. Joe began as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "How have you found your time at the center?"

I took a breath and kept my voice steady. "It's been... eye-opening."

He raised an eyebrow. "Eye-opening? In what way?"

I forced a smile. "I've learned a lot about myself and I've had time to think."

He hummed and tilted his head. "And what have you discovered?"

"That I'm stronger than I thought," I replied, hoping that would be enough, but I knew it wasn't.

"Stronger, you say?" Dr. Joe leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other. "Have you found any challenges during your stay?" "Yes, but I think that's normal," I said as my heart pounded in my chest.

He nodded thoughtfully. "Normal, indeed. And how have you been coping with these challenges?"

"By talking to my friends and staying busy," I replied quickly. "You know, trying to stay positive."

"Friends?" Dr. Joe echoed and a small smile appeared on his lips. "And which friends would those be?"

My throat tightened. "My dorm mates mostly-Hande, Cylan, Dilrah..."

"Anyone else?" he pressed and his gaze bore into mine.

I hesitated. "Not really."

His smile widened like he'd caught me in a lie. "No one else? Not even... your stepbrother?"

A chill ran down my spine. "Hendrix is my brother and we look out for each other."

"Is that all?" he asked and his tone dripped with false sweetness. "Just looking out for each other?"

I felt everyone's eyes on me as they waited and watched. "Yes," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Dr. Joe nodded but I could see the doubt in his eyes. "And have you found any difficulties in your relationship with him?"

I felt my face heat up. "No, we're fine."

"Really?" He leaned forward again with his elbows on his knees and stared at me like I was some kind of puzzle he wanted to solve. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I said, and my voice was firmer this time.

He tilted his head. "You don't feel conflicted about anything?"

I blinked and tried to keep my expression neutral. "No. Why would I?"

"Just curious," he replied with a shrug. "It's not unusual to feel conflicted, especially in a place like this."

I didn't answer because I was afraid that anything I said would only make things worse.

Dr. Joe leaned back and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Tell me, Angel, have you taken part in any activities outside the center's schedule?"

"What do you mean?" I asked and my heart beat so hard I was sure everyone could hear it.

"You know," he said and his smile widened. "Exploring areas you shouldn't be in, perhaps? Breaking curfew?"

"I... I haven't," I stammered.

"Haven't you?" he pressed and his eyes narrowed. "Are you absolutely sure about that?"

"Yes," I lied and prayed he couldn't see through me.

Dr. Joe let out a small chuckle and shook his head. "You're an interesting one, Angel. Very interesting."

He let the silence stretch for a moment before speaking again. "Do you believe the treatments here are working for you?"

"They're... helping," I said and chose my words carefully.

"Helping how?" he asked and his gaze never left mine.

"I feel more in control," I lied again.

"More in control?" he repeated as if tasting the words. "And what about your brother? Does he feel the same way?"

I hesitated and then nodded. "Yes."

He leaned in and his eyes glinted. "And are you close with him?"

I nodded again. "Yes, we are."

"Very close?" he pressed.

I swallowed. "Yes."

"So close that you spend time together when you're supposed to be in your dorms?" he asked and his voice was like velvet, smooth and dangerous.

"I" I started but he cut me off.

"Do you trust him, Angel?"

"Yes," I said without hesitation.

"Does he trust you?"

"Yes," I replied again and felt a bead of sweat trickle down my spine.

"Have you ever lied to him?" Dr. Joe asked.

"No," I whispered.

"Are you lying to me now?" he asked and his tone was sharp and probing.

I shook my head. "No."

He studied me for a long moment and then leaned back with a satisfied smile on his face. "Thank you, Angel. You've been very helpful."

The session ended shortly after but I could still feel his eyes on me as I left the room like a tattoo branded into my skin. My heart was pounding and I felt like I was going to be sick. What was that about? What did he know?

I had to be more careful and I had to be smarter because whatever game Dr. Joe was playing, I had a feeling it was far from over.