Parents.. with different treatment

Happy?

As the days turned into weeks, Xander became increasingly adept at shutting off his emotions. It was easier that way—safer. But there was one person who consistently pierced through his carefully constructed walls: Sam, his uncle.

Sam Golbach was a constant presence in Xander's life, always bubbling with energy and laughter. He had a way of lighting up any room he entered, and his easygoing nature made it easy for Xander to forget, even for a moment, the heaviness that often weighed on his heart. When Sam was around, Xander felt seen, cherished, and most importantly, loved.

One Saturday afternoon, Sam showed up unexpectedly at the Brock house, his hair slightly tousled from the wind and a bright smile plastered across his face. "Hey, champ! I brought something for us to do!" he announced, pulling out a small, worn-out baseball from his backpack. "How about some catch?"

Xander's heart leapt at the invitation. Though he had been feeling distant and withdrawn, the prospect of spending time with Sam brought a flicker of warmth to his otherwise numb spirit. "Okay!" he exclaimed, a grin breaking through his stoic facade.

As they moved to the backyard, Xander felt the familiar giddiness bubbling up inside him. Sam showed him how to hold the glove properly and demonstrated a few throwing techniques, his laughter infectious as he encouraged Xander to give it his best shot. "You've got this! Just let it fly!" Sam cheered, his voice enthusiastic and full of encouragement.

For the first time in what felt like ages, Xander allowed himself to feel joy. As he threw the ball back and forth with Sam, he could almost forget the darkness that loomed in his home life. The laughter, the cheers, and the casual banter made Xander feel as if he were part of something special.

"Nice throw!" Sam shouted, catching the ball effortlessly. "You're a natural, buddy!"

Xander's cheeks flushed with pride, the kind he rarely experienced at home. "Really?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, yet a spark of hope ignited within him.

"Absolutely! You should join a team. I'd come to all your games," Sam replied, his eyes gleaming with sincerity. "You know, if you wanted to. You're going to be a star."

As they continued playing, Xander felt a warmth envelop him, a feeling he had almost forgotten. In these moments, he felt a bond with Sam that transcended the typical uncle-nephew relationship. Sam was more than just a relative; he felt like the father Xander had always longed for. The kind of father who encouraged him, who showed him the joy of simply being alive, of playing, of dreaming.

After a while, they collapsed on the grass, breathless and laughing. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow around them. Xander lay back, staring at the clouds drifting lazily above. Sam propped himself up on one elbow, looking at Xander with a knowing smile.

"You know, it's okay to feel things, Xander. You don't always have to hide," Sam said gently, his tone shifting from playful to sincere.

Xander turned his head, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice cautious.

"I see you, you know? I see when you're sad or when you're trying to put on a brave face. You're a tough kid, but it's okay to let someone in," Sam explained, his expression warm and understanding. "You don't have to be strong all the time."

Xander felt a lump form in his throat. He had grown so accustomed to burying his emotions that the idea of expressing them felt daunting. "But what if it hurts?" he asked, vulnerability creeping into his voice.

"Then you let me help you. You don't have to face it alone," Sam replied softly. "And I'll always be here for you, no matter what. You're family, Xander."

The sincerity in Sam's voice struck a chord deep within Xander. In that moment, he realized just how much he yearned for this connection, this unconditional love that had been missing from his relationship with Colby. For the first time, he allowed himself to entertain the idea that he didn't have to shut himself off completely. Maybe, just maybe, he could open up to Sam.

As the evening wore on, they continued talking about everything and nothing—school, dreams, and even silly jokes. Sam's presence was like a balm to Xander's wounded heart. When they finally headed inside, Xander felt lighter, as if the burdens he had carried were beginning to ease.

That night, as Xander lay in bed, he couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and safety that Sam had instilled in him. He closed his eyes, thinking about the way Sam had looked at him with pride, the way he had laughed, and the