3 Years of heaven or Hell

Memories

Oliver is the quintessential otaku. He doesn't have many friends. The fact that he only has one friend. As ridiculous as it sounds, Oliver could trust him with his life. Well... A little too much, but it has quite a lot of confidence. They met on a school trip that was organized to get to know the wildlife. Oliver was given the task of collecting sticks for the fire. Along the way, he had already collected a large amount of them, but when the sun went down, Oliver became disoriented, which led to his loss. Due to his lack of experience with directions, he simply sat leaning under a tree and waited for someone to come and find him. Oliver always thought about the worst that could happen. He thought his class wouldn't look for him or even notice he was gone. At that moment Oliver heard a rustling in the bushes near him. He stood motionless because he was afraid to move. A boy with blond-brown hair and blue eyes, about 157 centimeters tall, came out of the bushes. He was dressed normally, which was a sign that he wasn't part of the school trip. Everyone had to wear something akin to a uniform for reasons that were unclear to Oliver. The boy noticed Oliver and approached him. Oliver was confused and didn't know how to react. Then the boy asked.- Did you get lost too?Oliver was intrigued because he wasn't the only one. Oliver nodded. The boy sat across from him and began to tell how his parents came to the camp to get rid of the stress accumulated from the week's work. He also told that he got lost because his people sent him to collect sticks and he was not able to return. Oliver's eyes shone like stars.- Really?! I got lost the same way! Oliver said excitedly. - Oh, I didn't really introduce myself. I'm Oliver! Nice to meet you!- I'm Eric. Nice to meet you. - Eric said smiling - Are your parents camping too? Eric asked interestedly.- No... The thing is, I'm on a camping trip with my class. But I don't know if anyone will come looking for me... - Oliver looked down with a worried and scared look on his face.For some reason, Eric didn't want to see Oliver sad.- Do not worry! You look like a kid my age. I'm sure they won't just let you disappear! I'm sure everyone in your class is looking for you right now! - Eric said with an encouraging smile. Oliver looked at Eric for what seemed like a moment and smiled. - Yea, you are right! - said Oliver, now calmed down. - Speaking of years, how old are you? Oliver asked wanting to know if they were really close in age.- Almost 8! And you? - Eric asked. Oliver was happy again because not only did he have the opportunity to make a new friend, but they were the same age! - I'm 7 too! I'm turning 8 in 3 months! - Some time passed during which the boys were talking and it was already dark. There was no light around them except that of the moonbeams passing through the openings between the leaves of the trees and the starry sky that could be looked at for hours.- Eric... I don't know how to say it, but I think something's coming... - Oliver said scared, hearing something rustle in the bushes next to them. A human figure appeared out of nowhere and approached them. They were ready to run until the figure spoke.- Eric? - It turned out to be Eric's father looking for him. Joyful, the father ran and hugged his son tightly.- Where were you!? Do you have any idea how worried we were?! Your mother was going to have a heart attack! Glad to have found his son, the father ignored Oliver. Finally the father noticed him.- Did you get lost too, boy? - Worried and nervous, Oliver nodded while still sitting on the ground.- I'm waiting for the class to find me so we can get out of here. - Oliver said in a trembling voice. Oliver knew that Eric would leave with his father and be alone again in the dark of the forest, with fear and panic beginning to overwhelm him. After hearing this, Eric's father was outraged and shocked. He couldn't believe that an entire class and probably over four guards still hadn't found him. The father decided to convince Oliver to help him find his class, but they discovered something that left all three speechless. There was no one in front of them, only an extinguished campfire. Oliver realized that his fears had become reality and his class had left him alone. Eric's father took Oliver to their campfire and Eric tried to comfort him as Oliver cried uncontrollably. He was trembling and could not say a word.- Please do not cry! I'm here! i won't leave you right??? - Even that didn't work. When they arrived at the campfire, Eric's mother saw Oliver crying. After a few words and explanations she felt sorry for the poor boy. Finally, Oliver had no choice but to weary himself from crying and fell asleep on the sheet they had spread. The family felt bad and worried about Oliver. As it was late in the evening, Eric fell asleep tiredly next to Oliver. The next day Oliver didn't want to talk, but no one blamed him for that. He was not forced to speak. On the way out, Eric's parents asked what city he was from so they could give him a ride. Oliver was silent for a while, but then answered.- Houston... - Just like yesterday, Eric tried to start a conversation with Oliver, but it didn't go very well. - What a coincidence! And we are from there too! - Eric tried to excite Oliver. All the way home it was quiet and no one dared to break the silence. Everyone in the car felt uncomfortable. Sooner or later, Eric's parents dropped Oliver off at his house. It turned out they lived two blocks away. Eric and Oliver have been best friends ever since.