Chapter 7: A Change in Behavior
I watched as Johann walked out of the house, his shoulders slumped and his eyes cast down at the ground. It was a familiar sight, one that I'd grown accustomed to over the past few days.
At first, I thought it was just Johann being his usual moody self. But as the days went by, I started to notice a change in him. He was quieter, more withdrawn. He'd lost his spark, his energy.
I tried to brush it off as mere teenage angst, but deep down, I knew it was more than that. Johann had always been sensitive, and I'd seen him struggle with his emotions before. But this was different. This was like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I decided to keep an eye on him, to see if I could figure out what was going on. I started to notice little things - the way he'd avoid eye contact, the way he'd hesitate before speaking. It was like he was afraid of being hurt, of being vulnerable.
As the days turned into weeks, I grew more and more concerned. Johann was my brother, my best friend. I couldn't just sit back and watch him struggle.
I tried to talk to him, to ask him what was wrong. But he just shrugged me off, told me he was fine. I knew he wasn't fine, but I didn't know how to reach him.
I started to feel helpless, like I was watching my brother slip further and further away. I didn't know what to do, how to help him.
As I watched Johann disappear into the distance, I knew I had to do something. I couldn't just sit back and watch him struggle. I had to take action, to try and reach him.
But how?
I sighed, feeling a sense of frustration wash over me. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I had to try.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. I was going to talk to Johann, to try and get him to open up. It wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to try.
I set off after Johann, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what I'd find, but I was ready to face whatever came my way.
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