Page 69 of Hey, Stepbro

We walk slowly through the rows of tombstones, each one representing someone's loved one. Blakely's grip on my hand tightens as we get closer to his mom's grave. It's clear that this is a difficult moment for him, but I know it's also an important step in his healing process.

I have no idea what it's like to lose a parent. Especially as a teenager, no less. Carlos was an asshole, but he's still alive and kicking, even though I rarely speak to him after the shit he pulled.

Blakely is so strong to come here with me today. And I'll show him he can rely on me no matter what.

As we reach her grave, Blakely lets out a shaky breath, his eyes filling with tears. I wrap my arm around him, pulling him close. He leans into me, seeking comfort in my embrace. We stand there for a few moments, taking it all in.

"Mom," Blakely whispers, his voice cracking with emotion. "I miss you so much."

I tear up myself, feeling Blakely's pain deep in my own chest. As an empath, I experience others’ pain as if it’s my own. All I want to do is protect him, shield him from any more heartache. But I know that ultimately, he needs to face this head-on if he wants to move forward.

"Take your time, Blakely. I'm right here with you."

His eyes glisten with unshed tears. "Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"That's what I'm here for."

"Mom was my rock. Losing her felt like losing a part of myself. It's strange, you know? You think you're prepared for something like this, but when it actually happens... it hits you so much harder than you'd ever expect."

I nod, understanding his words even though I haven't experienced that particular loss myself. "You never really know how strong you are until you have no choice but to be strong."

"Exactly."

Blakely reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny teddy bear. It's worn and well-loved, clearly having been cherished for years. He carefully places it on the headstone, his fingers lingering on the soft fabric.

"The hospital sent this back to me after... after Mom passed away," he explains, his voice barely audible. "I left it with her when I had to say goodbye. I thought she should have something comforting with her, even if I had to go as they carted away her body."

My being is consumed by love, seeing how vulnerable and open he's being with me right now.

"Blakely, I'm so proud of you. And I know your mom would be too."

"Thank you." He leans into me, resting his head on my shoulder.

"Tell me more about her passing."

"I've already shared a bit about this, but you know that when she died, she was taking pills. It turns out the pharmaceutical company that made them is really vicious. They put profit over people's lives. I wonder if those pills played a role in her death."

My chest tightens at his words.

A cold shiver runs down my spine.

My dad works for a major pharmaceutical company.

Nightingale.

I don't pay it much heed. There are a million pharmaceutical companies out there, and more than a few have iffy track records. From what I understand, Nightingale is one of the better ones, so there's no way Blakely could be talking about them.

Besides, my dad wouldn't work for a company that pushed out drugs that hurt people like Blakely's mom. He's a great person. He simply wouldn't do it.

I don't want to interrupt Blakely or add any more stress to this moment, so I don't bring it up. Especially not now as we're standing in front of his mother's grave.

Now's not the time.

"I'm so sorry. That's awful."

"We don't know for sure if it was the pills that took her life. She was drinking pretty heavily too, and the doctors said that may have played a factor. Still, I remember the pill bottle on her bedside table, and my heart tells me that the company is evil. Other accounts that I've read on the internet have backed that up, even though it's tough to admit."

"I bet."

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