Damaged Souls (Broken Man) by Christopher Scott

to do something about it now. We are going to get her the help she needs.
    I need to do something, Amanda thought to herself as she stood up to straighten the living room. I can’t believe we let Greg live like this. Actually, I can believe it, she again felt guilty for not doing more as she poured a bottle of vodka down the drain and thought back to her own childhood.
    Amanda remembered attempting to feel that her unique living conditions were just like everyone else’s, the way she lied about her mother’s absence in an attempt to simulate some kind of normalcy. I know Greg was just doing the same thing, and like me, he became very adept at it. No child should ever have to go through that, Amanda didn’t know if she was thinking about Greg or herself.
    I am here for a reason, Amanda refocused on the task at hand as she thought of her mother and walked back to the bedroom to check on Susan. This is what I am trained to do, this is what Greg needs. I am going to help this woman, Amanda made a promise she was going to keep as she walked into the bedroom.
    “Are you about ready,” Amanda asked, hoping Susan wasn’t having second thoughts after the night before.
    “Are you sure this is the thing to do,” Susan looked to Amanda for answers as she zipped up her suitcase. “Greg might need me now.”
    “Greg is going to be fine,” Amanda reassured her. “It’s time for you to take care of yourself. I don’t think anything would make Greg happier than to see you in recovery and sober again.”
    “I don’t know,” Susan hesitated as she started to cry. “Last night made me realize that I need to be there for him. What have I done.”
    “Susan, listen to me,” Amanda took her hand as she sat her down on the bed. “You need to do this, you are going to one of the best treatment facilities in the state. It’s only for a month, and then you can come home. We’ll look after Greg for now, but I promise he will be there when you get home.”
    “Are you sure,” she looked to Amanda for confirmation as she finally surrendered to her addiction.
    “I am positive,” Amanda replied as she realized Susan had taken the first step to recovery.
    * * *
    Bang, bang, bang.
    What is that noise, Greg thought to himself but couldn’t move. Am I dreaming?
    Bang, bang, bang.
    Where am I? Where is Delaney? Who keeps hitting me in the head?
    Bang, bang, bang.
    What is Jack doing in my bedroom, Greg asked himself as he managed to open his eyes. Someone please turn off that light. What is he saying.
    “Greg, can you hear me.”
    Jack’s question was drowned out by the banging in his head. I think I’m supposed to respond, Greg realized as he heard the sounds coming out if his mouth. “Is that you, Jack.”
    “I’m here, Greg,” Jack responded as Greg felt his hand grip his.
    “Where am I,” he responded as he realized he might not be in his bedroom.
    “You’re in the hospital. You have a concussion, but the doctors say you are going to be alright.”
    “Where is Delaney,” he asked as he suddenly panicked and remembered the night before. “What happened.”
    “Delaney is fine, she’s just outside in the hallway,” Jack reassured him as Greg realized he had sat up in the bed and was about to throw up. “Try not to move Greg, why don’t you lay back down.”
    “Okay, Jack,” he complied to his instructions as he thought about Delaney. “Will you get her for me.”
    “Just give me a second,” Jack’s voice faded as Greg felt his eyes close and he again found darkness.
    *****
    “I have to warn you,” Jack prepared Delaney as he exited Greg’s room and closed the door behind him. “He’s kind of out of it. I don’t think it’s just the concussion, but probably the medication as well.”
    “It’s okay, Jack,” Delaney responded as she looked him in the eyes. “I’m ready to see him.”
    “Okay,” he finally agreed as he took her into his arms one more time before letting go. “I’ll be right out here