(Luca)
Elias and I knew why Jackson wanted to leave. It was Tian's birthday and he always celebrated it. So, while I was finishing up with some things I decided to call him. He was crying, telling stories about the times he and Tian had spent together, the little things that made him laugh, the way Tian always knew how to push him to do better.
I stayed on the line, listening, letting him speak. I did not say much. Some moments did not need words. His voice cracked as he recalled Tian’s smile, his teasing, the silly arguments they used to have. I could hear how much he missed him, how heavy the absence still felt.
When he paused, I finally spoke. “Jackson… it’s okay to feel this. You don’t have to carry it alone.”
He sniffled, wiping his eyes. “I just… I don’t know. It still hurts. Eve
