Through the Noise

Past Shadows and Family Ties

The following week, Beam could barely concentrate. It felt like he was navigating an emotional rollercoaster. The rumors on campus hadn’t died down, and every day, there was a new whispered comment or lingering stare. Forth tried to reassure him, but Beam could see that even he was feeling the pressure.

Just when Beam thought he had a moment of peace, his phone buzzed with a text from his mother.

**Mom:** *Can you come home this weekend? We need to talk.*

Beam stared at the message, feeling a tight knot form in his stomach. His mother rarely asked him to come home; she respected his independence and knew he was busy with school. But something in her tone felt serious, and that unsettled him.

He hadn’t mentioned anything to his mother about Forth or the changes in his life. She knew he had friends and was doing well academically, but he’d kept his personal life private, mostly out of habit. It had always been easier that way. Yet now, with Forth in his life, Beam couldn’t shake the feeling that this weekend might bring about a change he wasn’t ready for.

He sent a quick reply, confirming he’d be there, and slipped his phone back into his pocket, the weight of uncertainty settling over him.

---

**The Journey Home**

Friday evening came, and Beam packed a small bag, mentally preparing himself for whatever awaited him. Forth had offered to drop him off at the station, and though Beam had hesitated, he eventually agreed.

As they drove, Forth was uncharacteristically quiet, his focus on the road. After a while, he glanced over at Beam, his brow furrowed. “You okay?”

Beam forced a smile, though he could tell it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah. Just… nervous, I guess.”

Forth reached over, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “I get it. Family stuff can be intense. But if you need anything, I’m here.”

Beam nodded, grateful for Forth’s support. Despite his own doubts and fears, he was starting to realize just how much he appreciated having Forth by his side. It was something he hadn’t expected—this quiet comfort, this sense of belonging.

They reached the station, and Beam climbed out, giving Forth a quick, almost hesitant smile. “Thanks for the ride,” he said, his voice soft.

Forth returned the smile, his gaze warm. “Anytime. Let me know when you’re back, okay?”

Beam nodded, watching as Forth’s car disappeared into the distance before he turned to catch his train. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this weekend was going to be significant—not just for him, but for his relationship with Forth as well.

---

**Reconnecting with the Past**

When Beam arrived home, his mother greeted him with a tight hug, her usual composed demeanor softened by what seemed like worry. She led him to the kitchen, where she’d prepared his favorite meal, and they sat down, making small talk as they ate.

After a while, she set her fork down, her expression turning serious. “Beam, I wanted to talk to you about… us.”

Beam looked up, a bit startled. “Us?”

She nodded, taking a deep breath. “It’s been just the two of us for a long time, and I know I haven’t always been… present. I was focused on work, and I know that left you to handle a lot on your own. I just want you to know that I’m here for you, whatever you need.”

Beam felt a pang of emotion rise in his chest. His mother had always been a strong, independent woman, someone he admired but sometimes felt distant from. Hearing her acknowledge his struggles made him realize just how much he’d kept bottled up.