The Hidden Cabin: A Friendship Adventure

Chapter 6: Alex Opens Up

A few weeks later, as the leaves began to change color and fall settled over the town, the trio had turned the cabin into a place that truly felt like their own. The walls were patched up, old blankets and pillows made the floor comfortable, and Eli had even brought in a few lanterns for light when the days grew shorter.

They had spent most of their weekends at the hideout, laughing, exploring, and sharing stories. But one Saturday afternoon, as they sat in a circle on the floor, things took a more serious turn.

"Hey, you've been quiet today," Tara said, nudging Alex with her foot. "Something on your mind?"

Alex shrugged, not sure if he was ready to talk about it. But the weight of the secret he'd been carrying was getting heavier by the day. He had been avoiding thinking about his parents' separation, about how things still didn't feel right at home. And now, sitting with his two closest friends, he wasn't sure if he could keep it to himself any longer.

Eli gave him a curious look. "You know, we're here if you want to talk. No pressure or anything."

Alex hesitated for a moment, staring at the floor. Then, in a quiet voice, he finally said, "It's just...my parents. They're still fighting. I thought moving here would make things better, but...it hasn't."

Tara and Eli exchanged a glance, and Tara scooted closer. "That's rough. I can't imagine what that's like."

Eli nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm sorry."

Alex felt a lump in his throat, but he kept talking, the words spilling out faster than he'd expected. "I just...I don't know what to do. It's like everything's changing, and I can't stop it. My dad's still in the old town, and my mom's always working, and I feel like...like I'm just stuck in the middle."

For a moment, no one spoke. Then Tara reached out and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "We're your friends, Alex. You don't have to go through this alone. We're here for you."

Eli, in his usual laid-back way, added, "Yeah, and hey, if things get too tough at home, you've always got this place. It's like our own little escape."

Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him. Talking about it, even just a little, made the burden seem lighter. And knowing that his friends understood-that they had his back-made all the difference.

"Thanks, guys," he said, managing a small smile. "It means a lot."

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the cabin, talking and laughing like they always did. But this time, Alex felt something shift inside him. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he wasn't alone.