After school, Rhys and I parted ways at my house. His silhouette faded down the street, leaving me to step into the quiet stillness of home. My aunt had returned to her place across the country, and with my brother and cousin absent, the house felt unusually empty.
Before I reached my room, my phone buzzed. A message from Drew lit up the screen: “How was your first day?” His sincerity warmed me. I hesitated, not wanting to burden him with the encounter with Alex. “It was okay. Missed having you there. How are you feeling?” I replied.
Looking out the window toward Drew’s house, I imagined him alone, facing his battles. I grabbed a few things and headed over. The afternoon air was cool, the sun casting long shadows. Drew opened the door with a tired but genuine smile. “Hey,” he greeted.
“
