Chapter Text
"We just want what's best for you, Joshua. Please."
Josh sat near a window in his living room, staring out at the faded sun and the bare trees. Everything was covered in an empty white.
"Okay."
A sigh of relief escaped his mother's- Melinda's- lips, and she held her eyes closed for a moment before brightening her expression with a smile.
"I'll tell your father. He's going to help me pack your bags, so just wait here and we'll be ready shortly."
Josh didn't respond.
The car ride to the treatment center was short and quiet, only the noises of passing cars to fill the emptiness. This was new to Josh; he grew up having his parents talk constantly in each others presence, always some drama at their work or political topics for him and his sisters to pick up bits and pieces of information, only to forget about it later. That is, when his parents were home. His father is always out meeting people, getting to know them. And when he's home, he's locked behind his office doors, talking on the phone or typing nonstop on his keyboard. Josh hates that keyboard; it's old and loud, and you can hear every clack-clack-clack within thirty feet of it. Why didn't he just replace it? There's no shortage of money in the family, and his father is up to date with every other piece of technology. And when both parents were home, all work stopped while they bantered on about their day. Josh's mother would walk in the door with a tired face, unmatching her put-together suit and kempt hair. As quickly as she could, she'd throw her shoes off, unbutton her jacket, and call for her husband while she got drinks ready. Brandy for her, wine for him. They'd sit at the barstools in their shiny metal kitchen and get caught up in conversation, loving each others presence. But not anymore, not after Hannah and Beth disappeared, and definitely not after Josh got worse. No, now they drink alone and go to sleep without a word.
When they arrived at the facility, Meridian Villa, Josh's attention was drawn towards the contrasting soft yellow and warm brown of the building against the dull atmosphere. The building looked pristine, and even the snow looked like it was tended to. It was unsettling.
Josh was startled when his mother rested her hand on his shoulder, not realizing his parents were already out of the car. He was lost in his mind again, where he always seems to be now.
"Why don't you wait inside, and we'll bring your things, okay?"
"Uh, alright. Do you need any help?" Josh drawled out his words, not meaning what he was offering. He was too tired.
"No, no, you don't need to worry about that, just go on in."
Josh complied, heading up the salt-covered stairs. He paused for a moment before reaching for the handle, feeling unsure if he was okay with this. Before he could open the door, he was greeted with a man's smiling face.
"Ah, you must be Joshua! So good to meet you! Come in, come in, I've been waiting." His words were punctuated yet airy, all carrying importance, yet there was an unrecognizable accent to them.
Josh felt uneasy, taken aback by the sudden liveliness. He looked back at his parents as they were just closing the trunk, a distant thump as they did. Josh stepped forward into the small room, his shoes hitting linoleum. He chose to make eye contact with the man. He didn't feel safe.
"So... do I have to sign in, or something? I- I don't really-"
The man shook his head, interrupting Josh. "Oh, no, no no, that won't be necessary; your parents have taken care of everything. You are here under their permission. Ah, and here they are now. Mr. and Mrs. Washington, how are you?"
Josh's father, Bob, let out a loud sigh. "Happy to set these bags down. Hell, I'm getting old. Mel, I'm gonna need some of that, what is it, Icy Hot?" Another sigh. "Dr. Hill, great to see you."
"Yes, it's exciting, isn't it? Alright, I can take it from here! Go ahead and say your goodbyes, and I'll show him around, get to know him, make him comfortable."
"Um, already?" Josh's mind was still at home, not yet caught up to where he physically was.
Dr. Hill let out a small laugh. "This is about you, Josh. We have so much to do!"