I know, I've already published one today, but I'd rather publish them at night, instead of in the morning. But hey, all the better for you guys, right? ;)

He knew he could turn to Doug for advice.

And so, after much debate, he decided to talk to him.

When Doug walked into Ben's office, Ben suddenly realized his heart was beating quickly and he inhaled sharply. Was this the right thing to do?

Doug sat down at the other side of his desk. "You wanted to talk to me?"

"Yeah..."

"Ok."

"So I decided to help Carlos train for tourney. Coach thought he wasnt very good, but he wanted to play, so I offered to train him. But when he took off his jacket... I saw..." He trailed off, at a loss for words. "Scars," he whispered. "Hundreds of them."

Doug's face betrayed no emotion. "Self harm?"

"Maybe some of them, but I don't think all of them.". He paused. "On the inside of his right arm, there's a word carved into his skin."

"What does it say?"

"Worthless," Ben choked out. His heart hurt. "How many more are there?"

Doug sat silently.

"I think I want to talk to them about it, but I don't want to offend them. I don't want to scare them away. I don't know what to do."

"Maybe try to talk to them about it, but don't push for answers?"

"Yeah... maybe..." He felt far away. The pain hurt something deep within him. "Thanks, Doug."

"No problem." Doug got up to leave, but then turned back. "Good luck."

"Thanks."

The door closed softly behind Doug and suddenly Ben was sobbing, the pain too deep inside him.

He was sobbing for Carlos, and all the horrible memories scared into his skin.

He was sobbing for Mal and Evie and Jay for who knows what had happened to them.

He was sobbing for all of the children still stuck on the Isle of the Lost.

He was sobbing for himself.

The responsibilities.

The pressure.

The stress.

And then,

suddenly,

it was over.

He could cry no more.

Well, what did you all think?! Please leave a review!

To everyone who did review, thank you so much! You have no idea how much I appreciate every single review. You guys keep me writing!

-FlatFox

P.S. For those of you who don't know, physically not being able to cry is a real thing that seems to sometimes happen when the mind is going through intense emotional difficulties.