The Silent Half

Chapter 18

Conner entered the room later that night and found Conrad already asleep, curled up tightly as though trying to fold himself away from the world. Without a word, Conner went to his own bed and lay down, sleep pulling him under.

The next morning, Conrad woke late, his body heavy with exhaustion despite the long hours of rest. He freshened up in the bathroom, dressed for school, and went downstairs. Breakfast was already set out, but the sight of food made his stomach turn. He walked past the dining room and went straight to the car, choosing instead to wait in silence.

When Conner finally came out, he slipped into the seat beside him. Conrad sat at the far edge, head resting against the window, his pale face framed by closed eyes.

“Dude, are you okay?” Conner asked cautiously. “You don’t look too good. Maybe you should skip school.”

“I’m fine,” Conrad replied, his voice hoarse and weak.

Conner’s chest tightened with guilt. He wanted to take back the words he had thrown at his brother the night before but his pride wouldn't let him.

But Conrad gave no answer, only turned his face to the glass, slipping back into the quiet shell he wore so well.

At campus, they walked into class together. Alex spotted them and walked over, her lips quirking into a teasing smile as she turned to Conner. “Well, look who finally decided to get his character straight.” She had grown used to telling the twins apart by now.

Conner grinned. “Miss me?”

“Ew,” Alex scoffed, rolling her eyes before her gaze slid to Conrad. She faltered when she saw how pale he looked. “Hey, you okay? You don’t look so good.”

“I’m fine,” Conrad murmured before slipping past her and sinking into a seat, laying his head on the desk.

Alex blinked, unsettled. She turned back to Conner. “What’s wrong with you two? First you, now him?”

Conner hesitated, torn between wanting to explain and knowing Alex didn’t understand their home life. “Just… keep an eye on him today. Even if he tries to push you away, don’t leave him alone.” His voice was tinged with guilt.

As Alex nodded slowly, Conner’s thoughts churned. He remembered the countless times he had lied when they were younger, twisting things so their parents would side with him. He remembered how Conrad had taken the blame in silence, how their mother had been the only one to treat them equally. And after she died… Conrad had shouldered the guilt alone, even once trying to take his own life as a child. Conner knew all this, yet last night he had still thrown cruel words at him. The memory made him feel sick.

Class ended quickly. Conrad stood to leave, and Alex caught up with him.

“Are you heading home? Or should we grab brunch?” she asked, trying to sound lighthearted.

“I’m not hungry, we'll talk tomorrow” Conrad answered, his voice still hoarse. He took a step to leave, but dizziness swept over him and he braced himself against a desk.

Alarm shot through Alex. “Hey, you don’t look good. I’m taking you to the health center.”

“I’m fine,” Conrad said again, steadying himself with effort before walking away.

Unconvinced, Alex quickly messaged Conner, telling him what had happened.

Outside, the sun struck Conrad’s face, and the brightness blurred his vision. His knees weakened and the ground tilted beneath him—until strong hands caught him, steadying him in place.

Conrad blinked up, squinting against the light. A familiar face came into view.

Jeremiah.

Jeremiah’s expression was usually cold, but now there was something else there—worry.