Delaware's POV:

Pennsylvania and I stayed with America until he drifted off into an uneasy sleep, his brow furrowed with worry and his body remaining stiff. Tears trailed down my cheeks as I kissed my older brother's forehead softly, getting off his bed quietly after grabbing his diary and leaving the room, closely followed by Pennsylvania. I was still in shock from America's reaction. Did he really think that we would hurt him?! After everything he'd been through?! He'd looked absolutely terrified of us....

"Del, you okay?" Pennsylvania asked softly, resting an arm on my shoulder. I shook my head, gritting my teeth. I hated crying in front of people, especially the other states. I was the oldest. I could not show that I was weak. I held up America's journal and handed it to him. A shocked look came across his face as he read the words on the front: '/Diary of a Hero/ Awesome dude/ Nation/ Person/ Worthless piece of S***.' He flinched and handed the diary back to me, shaking his head.

"Suit yourself. I'll be reading it to the rest of the original 13. We're the oldest, and they need to know," I said quietly, tucking the leather-bound journal into my pocket. Especially Virginia. He's the oldest state after all, even if I look older, I thought absentmindedly. I saw Pennsylvania flinch out of the corner of my eye and sighed.

"Do we have to?" he asked, a grimace on his face. I nodded, slightly sad at my twin's discomfort. Pennsylvania sighed dejectedly and looked at the journal with loathing, a grimace on his face. I knew this was going to be hard, and it would take a while for America to get better, but if all 13 of us helped each other and the rest of the 50 states helped too, we could get him back on his feet again.

A/N: I have decided to submit this story in @TheBestFictionAward and @LouisholicAF 's Fanfiction competition! Each month has a new competition and the theme of May is Fanfiction. You guys sshould check it out!