Ocean Eyes

Chapter One

I'm scared
I've never fallen from quite this high
Fallin' into your ocean eyes

- Ocean Eyes (Billie Eilish)

****

Theodore Andrews sat on a weathered wooden bench at the edge of the park, his eyes fixed on the horizon where the sun was slowly sinking into the earth. The sky was painted in shades of orange, pink, and violet, the colors blending together in a way that made the world seem softer, more forgiving. The air was warm, carrying with it the faint scent of salt from the nearby ocean, mingling with the earthy fragrance of the grass and trees surrounding him. He leaned back, resting his elbows on the top of the bench, and let out a quiet sigh.

This was his favorite time of day—the golden hour, as some called it. But to Theo, it was more than just a time. It was a moment of stillness, a brief pause where the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the inevitable descent into night. Here, in this quiet corner of the park, he felt a sense of peace that eluded him in the busy hours of the hustle and bustle. The soft rustle of leaves in the gentle evening breeze was the only sound, punctuated occasionally by the distant laughter of children or the bark of a dog. Theo closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the rhythmic whisper of the wind.

It was as if the world had slowed down just for him, offering a space to breathe, to think, to simply exist without the spin cycle taking him with it. When he opened his eyes again, the sun had dipped lower, the sky now a deep, dusky purple with streaks of lingering light. He could see the silhouettes of the trees against the darkening sky, their branches swaying gently. The scene was like a painting—beautiful, serene, but with an underlying sense of melancholy that Theo couldn't quite shake.

It pulled his mind in different directions, a brief glimpse into halcyon, and a deeper longing for what had once been. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, silver ring, twisting it absentmindedly between his fingers. It was an old habit, something he did when he was lost in thought. The ring had been a gift from his mother years ago, a simple token of love and connection that he carried with him wherever he went. It grounded him, reminded him of home, of the things that truly mattered before the world collected what it was due.

As the last sliver of sunlight disappeared, leaving the sky awash in twilight, Theo felt a familiar pang in his chest. There was always something about this time of day as the final rays of sun began to fade; this quiet transition from light to dark, that always made him reflective. It was a time for memories, for old regrets and unspoken wishes. He wondered, as he often did, if there were things he could have done differently, paths not taken, words left unsaid. If he had done things differently, would he be where he is today?

But then he shook his head, pushing those intrusive thoughts away. The past was the past, and there was no changing it. All he could do was move forward, one step at a time, and try to find his place in this vast, unpredictable world. Theo slipped the ring back onto his finger and stood up, taking one last look at the now darkened sky. The first stars were beginning to appear, tiny pinpricks of light in the growing darkness. He smiled faintly, a small, private smile, and turned to walk back down the path that would lead him home.

As he walked, the sound of his footsteps mingled with the soft hum of the night as cars drove by, and for a moment, Theo felt content, knowing that, even in the quietest moments, there was always something worth holding onto. He had been just about to push through the doors of his apartment when he had received a text. His heart caught in his throat to see that it had been from his friend.

The one friend who happened to stick by him after—what, 3 years? Four, maybe. He had been the one person who had helped him through his darkest hour after his mother had passed. Someone who understood how much family meant. Ricky Salazar. Another small and secretive smile formed on Theo's lips. Of course Ric wanted to hang out. Theo was torn between the solitude that his apartment often brings and deciding if it was worth it to circle back around and mingle, even if it might be alone.

Just two best buds, and a couple of drinks now that Ricky was about to get off work. Theo rolled his eyes toward the street with a sigh. Then, with minor reluctance, Theo texted back:

Theo: 'I just got home.'

Theo's thumb hovered over the -send- button, his nose wrinkled. "I hate rejecting you, bud." Theo whispered before his thumb involuntarily tapped. Well, there it went. His response.

Ric was just getting off his shift at the coffee shop when he saw Theo's message. His heart sank a little, but he knew Theo needed his space sometimes. They had been through a lot together, and Ric had learned to read the subtle cues that spoke volumes about Theo's mood. The vibrant and often chaotic energy of the city washed over him as he stepped out onto the sidewalk, the smell of car exhaust and freshly brewed coffee mixing in the air. He took a deep breath, the weight of his own troubles weighing on him as his beautifully dark eyes landed on a nearby palm tree.

It had been a long week, and he was looking forward to unwinding with his best friend. But if Theo needed some time alone, he would respect that.

He replied quickly, his thumbs flying over the screen of his phone.

Ric: 'No worries, man. Just thought I'd check. Have a good night. We can catch up soon. Promise.'

He knew Theo well enough to know that sometimes, all he needed was to be heard and not pushed. With a sigh, Ric slid his phone back into his pocket and began the short walk to his own apartment. The neon lights of the nearby bars and shops cast a garish glow on the pavement, the sound of music and laughter spilling out into the night. He felt a pang of loneliness, but he pushed it aside. He had his own life to live, his own battles to fight. And Theo would always be there when he needed him, just as he had been for Theo.

As he walked, Ric's thoughts turned to their friendship. He remembered the first time they had met, a chance encounter at a bookstore. Theo had been lost in a novel, his eyes lighting up when Ric had approached to ask for a recommendation. They had bonded over their shared love of books and their desire for a quiet escape from the world. Over the years, their friendship had grown into something stronger, something that Ric cherished. He had watched Theo go through heartache and loss, had seen the shadows that lurked in his eyes.

But he had also seen the moments of pure joy, the brief flashes of happiness that made it all worthwhile.

Theo was a complex character, one with a few secrets of his own, but also one that Ric had grown to understand and appreciate. They had promised each other that, come what may, they would always have each other's backs. Theo sat on the edge of his bed and kicked off his shoes, phone in hand, reading Ric's message with a slight smile tugging at his lips. The room was dimly lit, exactly the kind of atmosphere to rest comfortably in. He appreciated how well Ric understood him—knew when to give him space without making him feel guilty about it.

It was one of the things that made their friendship so special. He leaned back against the pillows, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. It had been a tough day, the kind that left him drained and needing space to himself. But knowing that Ric was there, just a message away, made it easier on his conscience. After a moment of contemplation, Theo typed out a reply, his fingers moving slowly across the screen.

Theo: 'Thanks, Ric. We'll catch up soon—take care tonight.'

He hit send, feeling a bit lighter now that he'd reached back out. Theo knew Ric was probably disappointed—they hadn't spent much time together recently, and he missed their easy conversations, the way they could just be themselves without any pressure. But he also knew that Ric understood, that he wouldn't push or pry. As he set his phone aside, Theo glanced out the window as he curled up in bed, watching the last traces of daylight fade into night. He thought about the first time he'd met Ric, how easily they'd clicked, like two pieces of a puzzle coming together.

Over the years, Ric had become more than just a friend; he was a lifeline, someone Theo could count on no matter what. And that meant everything to him. Theo knew he would need to talk to Ric soon, to open up about the things that had been weighing on his mind—but it was easier said than done. Tonight wasn't the night for heavy conversations, neither was tomorrow night, or the night after. The night was for quiet reflection, for finding some semblance of peace in the turmoil of his thoughts. He closed his eyes, allowing the sound of the city outside to lull him into a sense of calm.

Tomorrow was another day, another chance to be the friend that Ric deserved. For now, though, Theo let himself drift, knowing that when the time was right, Ric would be there—just as he always was.