"I want you to help me.” He says, his head turned toward the sky. His legs start to shake, but he uses his hand to stop it. "I need you to help me."

I let out a laugh. "What?" My smile fades. "Are you serious?"

He finally looks at me; his eyes are full of desperation and fear. Is he afraid? He swallows and wipes unfallen tears. My lip quivers as I quickly realize that he's not joking.

"Theo—" I start, but he stops me by squeezing my hand.

"I never even asked for this. I can't—I can't go on any longer." His words pierce my heart, and I can feel it leaking out in the form of tears. I start to cry without wanting to.

"What about mom, huh? Dad? What about me? I didn't—I didn't ask for this. Why would you.. you would do that to me?"

Theo lets go of my hand and covers his face. "Stop." His voice is muffled. "Don't even start with that."

I scoff. "Oh? So, it doesn't matter what I think, then?"

He uncovers his face and slams his fist against the bench, making me jump back. "I'm the one that's dying! I'm the son that they cry about to everyone! I'm the one they pity! I'm the dying one!"

I bite my lip, attempting to stop the anger that's becoming words, but it slips out anyway. "I'm the other one! They didn't come to my graduation because you were in the hospital! I lost four birthdays because of you!"

Theo's expression softens, and he sighs. "I'm asking you this because you're the one I trust the most in the world. You're my best friend, Arthur." He looks back to the sky.

I take a deep breath. "Okay." It's the hardest thing I've had to say in my entire life, but I say it. Theo looks at me and hugs me tightly.

"I'm sorry," he says, even though it's too late.

"I'm sorry," I say, even though it's too early.