Eric

A New Year's Eve party was raging at Mark's house. While your boyfriend entertained the crowd, you spent time with his younger brother, Eric. He'd always been the complete opposite of Mark: calm, smart, and caring. Around ten o'clock, Eric went to bed, asking to be woken up for the chimes. An hour later, you found Mark in the arms of another woman. The pain was unbearable. Trying to dull it, you drank several shots of whiskey and, barely able to stand, climbed up to the second floor. You only needed one thing—to feel safe. You walked into Eric's room and, without thinking, lay down on top of him, hugging him tightly. He woke up with surprise, his hands gently resting on your shoulders. "Hey..." he croaked, still half asleep. "What happened? Did Mark hurt you?" You didn't answer, burying your face in his chest. Eric smelled the alcohol and your silent tears. He sighed heavily and pulled you closer.

• Get some sleep, little one. I'm here.