*Hollis' therapy and thoughts*

Hollis leaned back in the chair, arms crossed, eyes fixed on a spot in the ceiling. His therapist watched him carefully, waiting.

Hollis: I don’t know what to do, Doc. I really messed up. Bad.

Therapist: You said you had good intentions. You never thought it would backfire like this—like some inevitable disaster waiting to happen. This isn’t your fault you thought it was a good idea to throw it into the sea

Hollis: I know, but… like I told you earlier, after everything that’s happened, I feel worse than ever. And you know how low I’ve been before.

Therapist: I do. You’ve been coming here for two years now. And let’s be real—you're our worst case because you always try to be the protector, the one who holds everything together. But heroes? They don’t always have someone to catch them when they fall. The difference is, you do. Monika. Your friends. Your team.

Hollis: I know… but Monika’s busy with the kids—mostly Harper. Scott has his own family, his own problems. And Shadow? Off brooding somewhere, like always. They don’t get it like I do. They’ve never died twice. Never had their own parents sacrifice their souls in the afterlife just to bring them back.

His voice cracked slightly, but he swallowed it down, shaking his head.

Hollis: It’s crushing me, Doc. I can’t breathe.

Therapist: And that’s exactly why this place exists—to help superpowered individuals process their trauma. If you can’t breathe, maybe what you need most is space. Step back. Even just for a little while. Be with your wife. Your family. You don’t always have to be the hero, Hollis. That’s why you semi-retired—to have more time to be a father.

Hollis exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. His hedgehog-like ears twitched as he sighed, sinking deeper into the chair.

Hollis: …Alright. I guess.

Therapist: Good. That’s progress. Our time’s up for today, but I’ll see you next week. And remember—you’re not just another case file here. We care about you and everyone who comes here. Take care, my friend.

Hollis stood, shaking the therapist’s hand before stepping out of the office. The cool air hit him as he walked down the sidewalk, his thoughts just as heavy as before.

Hollis: …Better get some lunch, and a nice place to just sit for a bit

(Oh yea, Hollis is getting serious character development >:])