Karl felt the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. With his parents gone, he was now the sole caregiver for Richard, who was still struggling to come to terms with his past.
As they navigated the empty halls of Karl's mansion, Richard's silence was oppressive. Karl tried to engage him in conversation, but Richard's responses were monosyllabic and lacking in emotion.
Karl felt a pang of frustration and helplessness. He had tried everything to reach Richard, from therapy to medication, but nothing seemed to be working.
As the days turned into weeks, Karl began to feel the strain. He was shouldering the burden of responsibility alone, and it was taking a toll on his mental and physical health.
Despite his own struggles, Karl refused to give up on Richard. He was determined to help his friend heal, no matter what it took.
But as he looked at Richard, sitting silently in the corner of the room, Karl couldn't help but wonder if he was fighting a losing battle.