Billy buttoned his shirt. He saw Doctor Hereford every other month for the last two years and it was now like brushing his teeth. It was something that he just did.

Doctor Hereford acknowledged some notes, made an entry in his journal, and put his stethoscope away. He then crossed his legs and looked solemnly at Billy.

“So, what’s the verdict, Tom?”

Doctor Hereford heard Billy ask that question many times and every time the answer was more of the same. However, now, it was different, much different and much more serious. It was not a verdict any longer, but a sentence. Doctor Hereford pinched the bridge of his nose between his eyes and rubbed. “You should have stopped fighting years ago like I told you.”

He leaned his head to the side and stared at Billy, w...

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