Page 21 of Where We Belong

Cory: Is that why you never had a serious relationship?

Ben: :thinking-face: emoji

Ben: You might be on to something. This might be why I’m apparently angry at the world.

Cory: Whoa, how did we go from are you available to anger issues?

Ben: If we scroll up, we might find the answer. The point is that you helped me with my homework.

Cory: Why do you have homework?

Ben: I’m going to therapy.

Cory: How did that happen?

Ben: I’m trying to find the old Benedict.

Cory: You lost him? I heard your brother has a company that can search for people. Have you contacted him?

Ben: :unamused: emoji

Cory: Fine, tell me what happened to old Ben?

Ben: It seems like he’s been gone for a while.

Cory: The fact that you stopped partying doesn’t mean you’re lost. It’s probably growth.

Cory: Is this because your friend Avery misses you? I bet it’s hard not to have dear ‘ol Ben following you around while you spend Daddy’s money.

Ben: Insightful. Tell me more about this growth.

Ben: And yes, I refuse to discuss Avery with you. Focus on my real problems, Cory.

Cory: Avery was a big problem, but let’s forget about her.

Cory: You’re a father. You can’t just be sleeping around or traveling to another state (or country) when you feel like it.

Ben: Oh, you’re talking about taking time off and enjoying life. The fact that I went with Avery was because she was always available. How many times did I invite you, and you were occupied? That’s not the point, though. I’m referring to fun Ben—the one who made friends with everyone.

Cory: You stopped trusting easily. But probably most of those friendships were superficial, and you’re at a point in your life where you don’t want to waste your time with them. Your daughter takes precedent.

Ben: Can I take you to my therapist?

Cory: Ha, I don’t think so.

Ben: But this is really helpful. And it’s more like a video call, so you don’t have to go anywhere. I’ll come to you.

Cory: Definitely no. You’re on your own.

Ben: I need you.

Cory: So what happens if fun Ben never comes back?

Ben: You have little faith in me.

Cory: People change, evolve, and take different paths. You just have to learn to live with that.

Ben: I just want to stop being angry at the world.

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