“Because when it’s in pain, an animal hides. And, if cornered and feeling threatened, it lashes out. Your friend is doing both.” My lungs constrict, making it harder to breathe. “I know.” “So here’s my piece of big-brotherly advice. Do with it what you will.” I listen hard, my heart beating a little faster. “Wait.” I frown at the phone. “What do you mean, wait? He’s not going to change—” “Not for him to change.” “What then?” “For him to decide what he wants more: his pain, or you.”
