Darker Days

Chapter 1: The Silenced Nights

Tommy stood at the doorway of his room, gazing at the packed boxes scattered around. It was a surreal moment; he was about to leave for college, a place that represented the beginning of his journey into aerospace engineering. For years, he had dreamed of designing rockets and aircraft, imagining himself as a pioneer in the field, and now that dream was just a step away.

His parents had always encouraged his fascination with the stars. They'd taken him to airshows, bought him books about the history of flight, and patiently listened as he explained the mechanics of different aircraft models. Now, as they helped him load the car with his belongings, they were sending him off to chase that dream.

Tommy couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. College was a new world, one where he'd meet others who shared his passion, where he'd learn from experts and get his hands on real equipment. It was a chance to dive deep into the mechanics, physics, and design principles that had always captivated him.

He picked up his favorite book on aerodynamics, its pages well-worn from countless readings, and tucked it into his backpack. This was the beginning of a new chapter, a journey toward becoming an aerospace engineer. Tommy was ready to embrace it, to open the book of his new life, and fill it with equations, designs, and dreams of flight.

Tommy often thought about how different his life might have been if he'd chosen a different path. But he was content with where he was headed, even if his personal life wasn't as full as others might expect. He didn't have a girlfriend, and while sometimes that fact made him feel a little lonely, he found solace in other aspects of his life.

He loved hiking and exercising, finding peace and clarity on the trails. There was something about being out in nature that made him feel connected to the world in a way that nothing else could. The rhythmic crunch of gravel under his boots, the steady climb up a steep path, and the breathtaking views at the summit—these were the moments that grounded him. On those hikes, he felt as though he could reach out and touch the sky, drawing him even closer to his dream of flight.

Physical fitness was important to Tommy, not just for the health benefits, but because it cleared his mind. After a long week of classes or working on complex engineering problems, he loved going for a run or hitting the gym. It was his way of decompressing, of letting his mind wander to the designs and concepts he was so passionate about. The exertion of exercise was almost meditative, giving him the space to think and reflect.

While he didn't have a girlfriend, Tommy knew that he had time. He was focused on his goals, and for now, that was enough. The right person would come along when the time was right, he told himself. Until then, he was content to immerse himself in his studies, his hikes, and the quiet moments when he felt most at peace.

Tommy had always been close with his parents. His mom, Jane, was his biggest supporter, always encouraging his love for aerospace engineering. Recently, though, things had been tough. She'd been in a car accident that left her with a broken leg. It had shaken the family, but Jane was strong, and she was determined not to let it slow her down any more than necessary. Even with her leg in a cast, she insisted on helping Tommy pack for college, hobbling around on crutches and giving him advice on what to take.

His dad was a rock for the family, both before and after the accident. He was a cop in their small town, and everyone knew him as the guy who would always go the extra mile to help someone out. Growing up, Tommy learned a lot from his dad about dedication and responsibility. Being a police officer wasn't just a job for him—it was a way to make a difference in the community. He was the one who had pulled over to help change flat tires or to chat with the kids in the neighborhood, making sure everyone felt safe and cared for.