𝑆 𝑇 𝑈 𝐶 𝐾

𝑡 𝑎 𝑙 𝑘

TODAY, THE high school held a college fair, one that Silas and Robby both decided to skip out on.

All his life, college had always been an option for Silas. He was able to go wherever he wanted—Harvard, Stanford, MIT, you name it.

His parents would always provide for him, ensuring he had the perfect grades and everything he needed. But that quickly took a turn when he started drowning and suffocating in a mix of losing his parents due to abandonment and losing himself in the process.

It only got worse when he put everything into fighting because he wanted to prove to everyone that he was worth something.

With that, came the grade slip-ups, and then came his addiction and overdose...almost losing his life.

I mean, who wants a kid with past drug abuse in their school anyway?

He no longer had what it took.

Now, Silas laid in bed, his arms securely wrapped around Robby, who lay against his chest, head nestled in his neck, one of his hands drawing small star patterns on Silas's chest.

"So, college isn't something you want to do anymore?" Robby's voice broke the silence.

"I don't know what I want to do anymore," Silas admits. "I feel so lost, you know?"

Robby hums out as he shifts slightly, his hand pausing on Silas's chest, the boys continuing. "Theres so much in the world to do. Every time I think about college, it becomes less appealing. I-I don't know if that's what I want to do in my life. But I also just don't know. Right now, I just want to focus on getting Anthony into college. I'm not worried about myself, but about providing for him and helping my parents with that rather than thinking about my own future."

Robby nods, understanding the weight of Silas's words. "I know my dad doesn't have the money to send me to college, especially with Miguel needing so much. And with my juvenile record, no college would take me anyway. I feel like I'm just watching from the sidelines."

Silas leans his forehead against Robby's, their breaths mingling in the quiet room. "You have such a bright future, baby. You know that, right?"

"So do you." Robby whispers, his voice filled with conviction. "We're in this together, remember? We'll figure it out, one step at a time."

Silas tightens his hold on Robby, feeling a small spark of hope amidst the uncertainty. "Yeah, together."

The Kreese boy leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to Robby's lips, feeling the warmth and softness that brought him a sense of comfort and belonging. The two finding solace in their shared strength and determination.

They stay in each other's embrace, the weight of their worries temporarily lifted.

As they pull back slightly, their foreheads still touching, they couldn't help but smile at the thought of a future together.

What would life have to offer them?

What did the future hold for two boys who had faced so many challenges but found strength in each other?

They envision a life where they could support one another's dreams, where the past didn't define them, but rather fueled their determination to create a better future.

They saw themselves traveling, discovering new places and experiences, building a home filled with love and laughter.

They imagined the simple joys of everyday life—cooking meals together, late-night conversations about their hopes and fears, and the unwavering support that would carry them through any storm.