Gregory let out a frustrated howl when the alarm went off, waking him from his dream. Jimmy soon followed suit, also letting out a cry. Their mom always moved their alarm when she got up, which was about an hour before them. Gregory stood, looking around frantically until he spotted it tucked halfway under his bed. He stomped on it until it turned off. Jimmy also gave it a rough kick. The two quickly got dressed, slowly heading down to the kitchen where their mom was working. She turned to them, her eyes widening. 

"You guys were so quick today! I haven't even finished cooking breakfast!"  

The twins exchanged a glance. 

"Is-... is that bad?" Gregory asked, frowning a bit. 

"Of course not, honey. You know I'm always glad to have you two around. Now, sit down! The food is almost ready."  

The two sat down next to each other at the kitchen table. Gregory glanced over at Jimmy, who had a far away look in his eyes. His brother always said that he was fine, and that his delusions had gone away, but Gregory knew he was lying. In fact, he could even hear Jimmy whispering to himself. He didn't sound particularly upset in any one way, it just sounded like he was having a casual conversation with himself. Not wanting to upset his twin, he didn't say anything. His thoughts were interrupted when a plate of food was set in front of him. He suddenly became very aware of his hunger. Gregory jumped when Jimmy spoke for the first time that morning.  

"Thanks, mama." 

The woman just nodded and smiled, sitting across from them with her own food in hand. The three ate their breakfast in near silence, other than the occasional yawn or cough. Gregory couldn't help but wish he wasn't there. He always got a bit nervous when things were completely silent, and aside from Jimmy's little whispers, it was. Gregory quickly finished eating, running upstairs. He soon heard quiet footsteps walking up the stairs and to the the door. He knew it had to be Jimmy, but for some reason, he was nervous. Worried, even. He grabbed a pencil, tucking it into his hoodie pocket. His twin soon entered. The look in his eyes said it all. 

"Gregory..." 

"Yeah?" 

"I know you're not dumb. You know that I hear things," his brother paused, "and see things."  

Gregory nodded slowly. 

"Yes... what's your point?" he asked. 

"I saw the way you were looking at me earlier. I just wanted to let you know that after many hours of consideration, I've decided that these things-... no, the voices that I hear aren't bad! In fact, they're very helpful." Jimmy explained. Gregory couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did his twin really think that these delusions he was experiencing were good? His heart sank when he noticed that Jimmy's hands and eyes had started to twitch just a tad. His grip on his pencil tightened. 

"Jimmy, are you hearing yourself?! What you're saying is crazy!" 

"... crazy? No. Listen to me, Greg. When Eric and his friends were beating me up the other day, it was the voices that told me what to do! They helped me!"

"They're just trying to control you. I didn't want to, but I might have to tell mom about this..." Gregory sighed. His fellow teen let out a low growl, and before he could say a word, he was pushed and pinned against the floor. Jimmy's bony hands wrapped around his throat, and panic filled his heart. Memories flooded his brain. Jimmy gave him a sinister grin.

"I would snap your neck before you even had the chance." 

Gregory gasped for air, pushing hard against his brother's shoulders. He kicked his legs frantically, now clawing at Jimmy's arms. 

"J-Jimmy... please..." he choked out. Jimmy just giggled, and after a few moments, he let go. Gregory quickly wiggled out from under him, backing away as he caught his breath. He pressed himself against the wall, curling up as tight as possible. Although he was thankful that his twin didn't have a knife, he was still horrified by what had just happened. Gregory knew that he would probably have bruises on his neck after this. He looked up into Jimmy's big maroon eyes. The insanity was quite apparent now, as well as what seemed like regret. 

"So like, you're not gonna tell mom, right?" 

"I-I won't... I-I'm really sorry." 

Jimmy's eyes softened. 

"... no... don't be sorry, Gregory. I-... I need help."

The teen was choked up by the end, and now had tears streaming down his cheeks. Gregory nervously stood, and despite every fiber of his being telling him not to, he pulled Jimmy into a hug. Just moments later their mom appeared in the doorway. 

"Are you two ok? I heard a bang." 

The twins exchanged a glance. This was gonna be bad.