Page 97 of Beneath Cherry Blossom Memories

“It’s not medicine if I prescribe it myself,” I grumble.

“That’s right. Now, let’s circle back to what has you feeling so distraught.”

“Everything.”

“Vague answers are no good in my office.”

I huff, folding my arms and crumpling the tissue in my fist. I sniffle loudly. “I miss Phoenix. I miss him and want to talk to him.”

“Understandable. Do you think talking with him will help?”

“It might.” I shrug.

“Do you know why our patients are isolated from friends, family, and partners?”

“Because they’re liable to enable me. Loved ones want to make me happy and therefore hinder my recovery,” I repeat his jargon like a good boy.

“Correct. See, you pay attention more than you claim to.”

“Phoenix isn’t an enabler. He’d never let me relapse,” I argue. “He’s my only supporter. The only one in my corner.”

“Am I not?” The good doctor’s eyebrow arches.

“You’re ridiculous.”

He smirks. “But you’ve told me more than you’ve told anyone else. We have trust. And one of our goals is for you to trust Phoenix.”

“I do.” His eyes narrow. “Alright,fine.I guess it could be…more.”

“And to trust him, you have to trust yourself.”

Phoenix

Two Months

“Holy shit!” Kelly squeals, leaning over Michael to show the rest of us her phone.

We are at this cafe in Berlin, having a late lunch, and judging by what I’m seeing on her phone, our band page just hit three million followers. Jorge hoots loudly, pumping his fist before tearing his phone out at lightspeed, fingers flying over the keyboard. I bump knuckles with Devon and beam at my band. The followers, reposts, and endless tags on social media keep coming.

We areblowing upbecause of this tour. Europe fucking loves metal. And us.

I pull up my sibling group chat and tell everyone the good news.

Dreadful just hit 3mil on IG.

Veronica: FUCK YEA, BABY BRO!

Damien: It’s late. Couldn’t this have waited until tomorrow? The twins have soccer practice at 5 am ??

Nyx: Then get off your phone, old fuck.

Nyx: YAY, GO, PHOENIX!!!

Veronica: I’m only awake because there’s a leech on my boob.

Damien: I’ll be sure to have you take them next time, Nixie.

Nyx: You wouldn’t dare.

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