Cuori in evoluzione

In my reflection

Chapter 3: Acceptance

That evening, after receiving Theo's message, Liam retreated to his corner. His room, once always warm and safe, now felt almost claustrophobic. Every corner seemed to close in on him, and the thought of how he would face the next day frightened him. He had agreed to meet Theo, but that simple step was forcing him to confront his fears, everything he had kept hidden for so long.

Theo's message had been brief and simple: "Hey, want to chat tomorrow after school?" Liam had replied quickly, without thinking too much, but as he prepared for the next day, he couldn't stop reflecting on how significant that small gesture had been. In a way, Theo was "pulling him out" of his refuge, but Liam wasn't even sure if he was ready for that. Yet, the thought of being able to talk honestly with someone for the first time made him feel a little less alone.

The next morning, as he got ready for school, Liam felt the same anxiety he faced every day, but today, there was something different. Today, there was a small spark of hope. Maybe today will be different, he thought, trying to convince himself. But even the mere thought of stepping outside his comfort zone, of taking that step forward, made him feel exposed. That fear of being seen for who he was, that fear of being judged or, worse, rejected, paralyzed him.

At school, the day seemed to pass slowly. His classmates, as usual, didn't seem to notice him. But that feeling of invisibility, which had once protected him, now felt more like a burden than a shield. Every time he crossed paths with Theo, his heart raced faster, but he didn't have the courage to approach him. He didn't know how. He knew Theo was waiting for him, but the thought of breaking down that wall he had built around himself left him feeling confused.

At the end of the school day, Theo approached, just as he had promised. His expression was calm, as if there was nothing strange about meeting with Liam, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. There were no comforting words or promises, just a smile that seemed to say everything.

"Hey, ready?" Theo said with a mischievous smile, as if nothing else mattered. Liam didn't respond right away, but he felt a strange sense of relief at seeing Theo so... confident. It was as if Theo were someone who wasn't afraid to show who he truly was, to live without masks.

"Ready for a chat?" Theo insisted, still smiling. Liam suddenly felt exposed in front of him, but he couldn't say no. "Yeah," he answered, his voice betraying his uncertainty. "Let's go."

Theo led him to a bench in the park near the school, where they sat in silence for a few moments. Liam stared at his hands, trying to find the right words, but the weight of the moment made it difficult to speak.

"You know," Theo finally broke the silence with his calm voice, "I told you I wanted to talk, but don't worry, I'm not rushing you. If you don't feel up to it, we can talk whenever you're ready."

Liam nodded, though inside, he felt like he wasn't ready at all. But something in the way Theo looked at him gave him a strange sense of security.

"Actually," Liam said, trying not to sound too nervous, "I think maybe this is the right time." His heart began to beat faster, but he couldn't stop it. His voice trembled slightly, but Theo didn't seem to mind his discomfort.

"Tell me a bit about yourself, Liam," Theo said, as if it weren't a request, but a simple continuation of an ongoing conversation. "You don't have to tell me everything, just something... I know there's something that's bothering you, and I want you to know you're not alone."

Liam looked at Theo, unsure of what to say. How could he explain everything he felt, everything that tormented him? He couldn't imagine opening up, revealing his doubts, his fears, his uncertainties. But Theo seemed so calm, as if he were the reflection of the person Liam wanted to become.