As the school year went on, Tim and Lucy grew closer, their connection deepening with each passing day. Lucy's kindness and understanding were like a balm to Tim's wounded soul, and he found himself confiding in her in ways he hadn't with anyone else, not even Angela. Lucy never pushed him to talk, but she was always there, ready to listen when he needed to.
One afternoon, after a particularly grueling football practice, Tim and Lucy decided to grab some food at a local diner. They sat in a booth near the window, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow across their table.
"So, how was practice?" Lucy asked, stirring her milkshake with a straw.
Tim shrugged, taking a sip of his water. "Same as always. Coach is tough, but it's good to stay busy."
Lucy nodded, her eyes full of curiosity. "You're really good at football, you know. Have you thought about playing in college?"
Tim hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The idea of a future beyond high school was something he hadn't allowed himself to think about much. With everything going on at home, it was hard to imagine life being any different. "I don't know," he finally said. "Maybe. I haven't really thought about it."
Lucy leaned forward, her expression earnest. "You should. You have a lot of potential, Tim. You're strong, and you're smart. You could do anything you want."
Tim looked down at his hands, unsure of how to handle the praise. He wasn't used to people believing in him, especially not the way Lucy did. "Thanks," he said quietly. "That means a lot."
Lucy reached across the table and gently touched his hand, her warmth seeping into his skin. "You don't have to thank me. I just want you to know that you have options, that you're not stuck in one place."
Tim met her gaze, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. In Lucy's eyes, he saw something he hadn't seen in a long time—hope. And for the first time, he allowed himself to consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, there was a future worth fighting for.
