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"Yeah." He runs his hand through his hair. "Part of her wants to get better. But that's not enough. It's not working. I need you guys on my side. I'll be the bad cop. But I still need you to back me up."
His mom turns to his dad. They share a knowing look.
She turns back to him. "And what if she says no and she leaves? Where are we then?"
"Where are we now?" he asks.
"She's with us. She's safe," his mom says.
"Not from herself." His hand curls into a fist.
I reach for him. Place my palm on his wrist.
His fist unfurls. He looks to me like I'm his lifeline, the only person who understands him.
"She checked out of rehab early. How long do you really think it will be until she's using everyday again?" he asks.
His mom frowns.
Hurt seeps into his voice. "This is it for me. I can't keep rescuing Bree. If she doesn't get clean this time, I'm walking."
I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. That's the right decision. The mature, healthy decision.
But it's not easy.
I squeeze his hand.
He squeezes back.
"She's your sister," his mom says.
"I know." He stares at his plate. Mixes chicken and rice. "But I'd rather be an asshole than an enabler."
His mom looks to me like I have all the answers. "What do you think, Iris?"
Okay, this is it. I need to nail it.
"I don't know Sabrina, but Walker filled me in on her history." Under the table, I squeeze harder. "There isn't one answer with addiction, but whatever you've been doing hasn't been working. You need to draw that line. You need to make sure she knows that staying high isn't an option. That it means she's out of the house and out of your lives."
His mom swallows hard. "And
if she chooses staying high?"
"She has to hit rock bottom on her own." And we have to hope that's enough.
His mom looks to Walker. "You're sure about this?"
"Yeah. I already called the center. They have a spot for her next month," he says.
She looks to her husband.
He nods.
"We need to think about this, sweetie." Mrs. Williams presses her lips together. "I know that isn't what you want to hear. I know you want all or nothing. But if Bree is destined to use forever, I'd rather she do it here than somewhere else."
Walker's lips turn downward. He stabs a piece of chicken. Stares at his food like it's poisonous. "I'm not gonna wait forever."
She nods. "I know."
