An Unexpected Connection

Bonus 15 - Family

Raihan nervously fiddled with his keys as he stood outside his childhood home. It had been a while since he had visited, and he was anxious about seeing his parents again. He took a deep breath and pushed the doorbell, bracing himself for what was to come.

His mother answered the door and immediately started to criticize him. "Raihan, you look so thin! You're not eating enough," she scolded him as she ushered him inside.
Raihan's father joined in, "And what's this we hear about you quitting your job? You need to find something stable and secure, not just chase your dreams!"

Raihan felt like he was being attacked from all sides. His parents never seemed to understand him or his choices. He tried to defend himself, but his words only seemed to make things worse.

As the evening went on, Raihan's stress levels skyrocketed. He found himself unconsciously sucking on his thumb, a habit he had developed as a child when he felt overwhelmed. His parents immediately pounced on him, ridiculing him for acting like a baby.

His sister, Hannah, tried to intervene and defend him, but even she seemed to be getting worn down by their parents' constant criticism. Raihan felt like he was suffocating, and he knew he had to get out of there.

He called Alejandro, desperate for some relief. Alejandro picked up immediately, and Raihan could hear the concern in his voice as he explained the situation. "I need to get out of here, Alejandro. Can I come over?" he asked.

"Of course, babe.," Alejandro replied, his voice soothing and reassuring.

When Hannah heard what was happening, she immediately offered to drive Raihan to Alejandro's place. She hugged him tightly before he left, whispering, "I'm always here for you, little brother."

Raihan was grateful for his sister's support, but he couldn't wait to get to Alejandro's apartment. As soon as they arrived, Alejandro pulled him into a warm embrace, holding him tightly as he cried.

"I'm sorry, Raihan. I wish you didn't have to go through that," Alejandro said softly, stroking Raihan's hair.
"It's okay. Being here with you makes it all better," Raihan replied, snuggling closer to Alejandro and continuing to suck his thumb.

Alejandro wrapped his arms around Raihan, offering him comfort and security. They stayed like that for hours, talking and holding each other close, until Raihan finally fell asleep in Alejandro's arms.

In the morning, Hannah came to pick up her car and make sure Raihan was okay. She hugged both of them tightly, tears in her eyes. "You guys are so good for each other. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise," she said before leaving.

As Raihan and Alejandro watched her drive away, they knew that they had each other, and that was all that mattered. They were determined to face whatever challenges came their way, as long as they were together.