"It's probably because of loneliness that he created an imaginary friend. It's not an uncommon condition," The Therapist reported as she looked through the file,
"Juan, could you tell me when...you met Oren?"
"In my high school." Juan answered with frustration, "I'm telling you he's real! I'm not crazy!"
Seraph pursed his lips, giving his hand a squeeze as they sat in the neatly organized office, "...Juan, let's hear her out."
Juan looked away, a scowl on his features as the therapist asked again, "Has he met anyone else in front of you? Or talked to someone you're both familiar with?"
"...no. He always...refused. Besides, it's not like I had other friends and he seemed...aloof."
"I see."
"I'm not crazy! I'm completely fine, okay? He's just—" Juan froze as Seraph reached to hug him instead, his fists clenched.
No, he wouldn't believe it. There was no way...Oren wasn't real. His Oren? His best friend who was there for him every time he almost drowned?
How could that be?
"It can't be," His voice trembled as he stared at his blurry palms, "He's real. He has to be."
"Juan," The Therapist said softly, "Your friends have already asked in the Central University and no such person exists. And neither does he has any birth record."
He refused—
"Your mind subconsciously made you believe that you weren't alone. Though you were passively suicidal, you didn't want to give up either. And so, you created a reason for yourself."
"..."
"Juan, you need to face the reality in order to accept your present." She smiled at him softly, "Look at this. You have good friends taking care of you."
"...but why.." Juan trembled as he spoke,
"Why did he leave?"
"Your mind was most probably subconsciously reassured that you aren't lonely anymore, so it didn't see a need to use Oren as a coping method."
"I see." Juan muttered through his teeth.
His chest burnt with emotions that couldn't have experienced before. There was rage, and shame. He was also feeling quite pathetic that he resorted to hallucinate out of lonliness—
"Juan," Seraph gave him a warm squeeze,
"We'll be fine."
"..."
How would he be fine without Oren?