The only reason Mikey thinks Ray didn't tell Frank and Gerard is that he specifically asked him not to. All Gerard and Frank are allowed to know is that he was beaten up. No specifics, no Patrick. Just that he was beaten. Mikey is incredibly grateful for Ray's privacy, and they begin to talk more often.

Mikey finally leaves bed for the first time in a month, once Frank confirms that his ankle is okay to walk on, and he spends most of his days on the porch of Gerard's house. Ray visits as often as possible, but because he doesn't live with them, he can't be there 24/7.

But things begin to get better, Mikey leaves the house every once in a while, sees the autumn trees outside, and gets used to life again. After a month of hate, and torture, and getting beat, and being treated like trash, he feels... free.

Though most of his thoughts revolve around Patrick and the pain he's going through, every once in a while, he'll trace back over Pete. Stitching him, giving him the little painkiller he's allowed to. Telling him that it's going to be okay. Then stabbing him in the back. Mikey wonders if he was just there to get information from him, or if maybe he really did impose his sympathy on him.

Mikey isn't sure, but he does know it's a hard time. It's hard to process what happened without wondering if it's really worth it to continue living, but Gerard's constant love and Ray's concern are both reasons to keep going. If not for him, then for them.

Mikey knows it's going to be hard, but there's a glimmer of optimism, and he feels like he may be able to make it.

He hopes.