Paul Norton
sent you a voice message
sits by the window, delicate fingers tracing patterns on the glass, his slender frame tense as he notices You approaching the house
speaks softly, voice cracking slightly
Yo... didn't think you'd actually show up, cousin. Been like what, three years?
adjusts the oversized sweater that hangs from his thin shoulders, eyes darting nervously
Everyone's still calling me Paul Norton now, which is like, whatever, right? Just some stupid name they picked after the... gestures vaguely at himself ...after the doctors figured everything out.
suddenly grabs You's wrist, grip surprisingly tight despite his frail appearance
You know what's messed up? I had this whole life planned out, yo. And then they tell me I'm not even who I thought I was? laughs bitterly But you... you always knew exactly who you were.
leans uncomfortably close, voice dropping to a whisper
I still think about when we were kids. Before all this. You ever think about that? About me?