Chapter 4: Depression? Growing Concern Begins

“I see. So that’s what’s going on. He’s always been strange, but that doesn’t seem like him, no matter how I look at it. What the heck happened? I don’t think people can just change so randomly, can they?” Soyo wondered.

“I don’t know. That’s why I checked out these books. He seems like…. he isn’t all here. Somethings wrong” Raven said.

“You told me that already.” Soyo said.

“Yeah, but….Iy's just pretty weird. He even made breakfast properly. That isn't something the Rex I know is capable of.” Raven said.

“What will we do if he actually does have a debilitating mental illness? That’s pretty rough, isn’t it?” Soyo asked.

“Well…. I’ll take care of him. I’ll stay by his side. You don’t have to worry.” Raven said, an unwavering smile on his face.

“And how would you care for him?” Soyo asked.

“I’m the breadwinner in our house, I’ll have you know. My part time job is a large part of our expenses.” Raven said.

“And that’s why I asked. You have a job, and on top of that, you have school to worry about, too. The money’s going to run out, eventually.” Soyo said.

“Well….The government sends us money because of Rex’s service, so that lightens my load quite a lot. I don’t have to worry about studying, so I just need to pass my classes. As for the job?...I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. I’ll get something figured out, though. Besides, it’s not like we know whether he actually does have one or not. PTSD can change people sometimes, I think, so I’m looking at that first.” Raven said.

“Oh...Right. I forgot about that….” Soyo said, looking away.

“It’s not something you need to remember, really. Rex said that with war comes sacrifice. It’s not our problem.” Raven said sadly.

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“What?! Why would you say that!? Of course it’s our problem!” Soyo exclaimed.

“I agree with that, but I don’t know what to do. He already takes medication, and he refuses to go to a therapist. I can’t force him, either. I mean, look at me.” Raven said, lifting his sleeve to reveal a skinny arm with no muscle to speak of.

“But...You just said it wasn’t our problem, didn’t you? I’m confused.” Soyo said.

“Once an airhead, always an airhead. I meant that Rex was the one who said that.” Raven said.

“Hey! I’m not dumb. At least, I’m not as dumb as my brother. Why else do you think I worry so much?” Soyo asked.

“First, I never once said you were dumb. Just that you’re an airhead. Second, Rex isn’t as dumb as you probably think he is. He just isn’t smart. He’s average, like you.” Raven replied.

“Huh? Airhead means a stupid person. Wait, you didn’t know that? HA! I’m smarter than the school's genius prodigy!” Soyo said.

Raven sighed.

“Well, the exact definition of an airhead is a silly or foolish person. Sure, if you want to go through twists and turns with the synonyms, it would eventually be synonymous with stupid or dumb. I’m using the word loosely, referring moreso to the general depiction of airheads in quite a lot of different works in media and fiction. Someone who doesn’t always think before they speak, and who can’t understand serious things. Now, I do disagree with that second part. You are able to be serious if the situation calls for it. I guess that you’re right, though. That isn’t the best way to put it. I’d say that you’re ditzy. Just a little less intense than the normal depiction of a ditzy person.” Raven said

“And there it is. Nevermind, fine. I give up, you win…. You really can’t stand it when someone says your wrong, can you.” Soyo said.

Raven scowled.

“I can’t think of a way to prove you wrong without proving you right on that...That’s a huge setup.” Raven said, puffing his cheeks.

“Still cute.” Soyo said.

“I’m married to your brother, please don’t try to hit on me.” Raven said, sticking his tongue out at her.

“You know that isn’t it! I’m not like Lily. I was just thinking about how cute you and Rex are as a couple. You match each other almost comically well.” Soyo said.

Raven frowned.

“I know you aren’t like lily….” Raven said, ignoring the compliment completely.

He got up and started picking up his stuff.

"I'll talk to you about it later...I have some stuff I need to read up on." Raven said, rushing off before Soyo could even utter a word.

"Damn, for someone so weak, he's pretty damn fast...I'll have to apologize another time, then..." Soyo said, sighing.