CHAPTER:11

Walking along the street, I was overwhelmed with sadness and frustration at how I had behaved towards my parents. After about five minutes, I noticed Louis pulling his car to the corner and stepping out. He approached me, expressing concern, "You should be resting and relaxing. Why are you doing this?" My response was curt, "Because I want to. This way, I'll feel okay. It's none of your business, so please leave me alone. I'm already dealing with a lot."

I started to move away from him, but he stood in my path again, explaining that he wasn't trying to hurt my feelings but only wished the best for me. He assured me that if going on the trip would make me happy, he'd support me. He gently hugged me, and I embraced him back, my emotions getting the better of me, and I began to cry. He pulled away, wiping away my tears, and asked why I was crying. Between sobs, I managed to express my fear—how I didn't want to die, but felt powerless to change what was inevitably coming. I admitted that I lacked the courage to confront it and that I was running from my fears, which seemed to haunt me relentlessly.

Louis comforted me, reminding me that I wasn't alone. I had a family and friends who loved and cared for me more than I realized. Through my tears, I acknowledged his words, saying, "Yeah, I know, and thanks for everything you all do for me. I'm sorry for being a jerk. I even fought with my parents today, and I was angry at myself for repeating the same behavior with you." Louis assured me that it was alright, that I hadn't meant those hurtful words. He also reassured me that he would be there when I returned, that he'd come with me to talk to my parents about the trip, and he'd help me pack, given that we needed to leave early.