Chapter 248: Little Progress

OLLIE   Dad appeared beside them, placing a gentle hand on Riley's shoulder. My twin brother stiffened at the contact but didn't pull away, which was progress of sorts. A month ago, any unexpected touch would have sent him into a defensive crouch, ready to fight or flee depending on what his training told him was the best survival strategy.   They were walking toward the car now, Riley's steps slow and reluctant while our parents flanked him like bodyguards. I straightened up in the backseat, trying to think of something to say that might help. Riley had been living with us for weeks now, sleeping in the room next to mine, eating at our dinner table, but he still felt like a stranger wearing my brother's face.   The car doors opened and Riley slid into the seat beside me without making eye contact. His medication made him calmer than he used to be, less likely to snap or withdraw completely, but it also made him seem distant, like he was viewing the world from behind thick glass.   "He