Page 57 of Isolation

“For example,” Milo sighs, “both Mia and Reid’s tuitions have gone up. I pay for some of Dad’s expenses, but he is not working for the coming months. So, I am picking up more than usual. I had to make a healthy donation to get Tessa started on that clinical trial. It came highly recommended even though it’s clearly ineffective, which means I might have to pay for a new program. I am giving a heftyloan,” he uses air quotes for the word loan, “to—”

Milo cuts himself off, as if realizing what he was just about to spill.

“To my parents,” I finish his sentence with an understanding small nod.

Milo doesn’t deny or confirm the statement, presumably to relieve me of the shame I feel over Milo taking on my family’s financial burden. I wish I could help them instead, a thought that only makes me want to work harder every day. In the meanwhile, Milo is their only lifeline.

In fact, Milo is the only lifeline for this whole family. Nothing has changed even after all of these years. Everyone still shamelessly exploits Milo. He spent his life taking care of this family. He studied so hard, he worked so hard, and the struggle is still not over.

It never ends for him.

I can’t wrap my brain around the weight of his never-ending burden. This damn family is a pack of vampires, sucking one human being dry.

When will this toxic-as-fuck family stop needing him?

Apparently, my attempt at making small talk is fucking terrible. Our exchange dwindles after that little statement. I am personally too distracted by the information he just disclosed.

Milo playfully punches my shoulder. “Stop it, Rave.”

“Stop what?”

“You look like someone just died,” he grins. “Don’t worry. I am still a very wealthy man. It’s not about the money. It’s about—”

“The expectation for you to lessen the burden of others?” I give him a sad smile, feeling bitter on his behalf. “Milo,” I say softly, “Why are you doing this? It’s not your responsibility.”

“I like helping my family,” he says it as if it’s no big deal.

“They are not your family,” I argue.

That comment earns me a scowl, and a look that I hate to see on his face.

“I mean,” I quickly add, “of course,weare family. You know what I mean. You have your own parents to take care of. You don’t need another set of parents to take care of.”

“Rave,” Milo says quietly, “no one asked me for this. But I would never rest easy knowing that I could do something to help in their given situation. I am doing this for myself.”

Milo was right. I forgot, but he reminded me of exactly who he truly is. Milo will probably take care of this whole family till his dying breath. He would do it all, and without a single complaint.

I look away. My heart is tearing open for him right now. I wish I could somehow fix this for him. It’s frustrating to watch someone you care for suffer, without having the ability to change their situation. I want to take over his responsibilities to give him a break so he doesn’t have to wake up every single day of his damn life doing something he doesn’t want to. I want to give him his freedom and somehow relieve him from the captivity of this poisonous family.

“It’s unfair that you don’t have your own support system,” I mumble under my breath, bitterness seeping through. “Someone who splits the responsibilities with you and lessensyourburden for once. I hate that so much.”

Milo turns to me in surprise, almost in reflex, pinning me with a weird look. He is studying me curiously, but he doesn’t expand on his thoughts. He simply holds my gaze.

The morbid thoughts have me staying quiet. Milo is watching me from the corner of his eye, unimpressed by my mood. I’m trying to be better company, but I can’t get my energy level up. Since my attempt at small talk is terrible, we might as well get to the real point.

“Anyways, what do you want to talk to me about?” I ask him directly.

Milo gives me an ominous smile. “Why do you assume I have something to talk to you about? I can’t take you out without needing to have a talk?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because if you were trying towoome, you would have done something fancier. You are doing something neutral because you want me to feel comfortable enough to talk to you.”

“Wooyou?” Milo marvels with amusement. “Who even uses the wordwooanymore?”

“Well, I just used it,” I indignantly cross my arms over my chest.