Hollow Grace

ᴛʜɪʀᴛʏ-ᴏɴᴇ - ᴡɪɴɢs ᴏꜰ ꜰʀᴇᴇᴅᴏᴍ

November 30th

Portland captivated Evan at first glance. By day it could seem like a perfectly nondescript city, one that lacked the proliferation of skyscrapers, the hustle and bustle, and the brilliant glare of vibrant billboards common in metropolises. For Evan who had never ventured beyond his home state the City of Roses felt boundless. He'd never before seen such an abundance of bridges and buildings more than three stories high, yet he didn't feel overwhelmed at all as he explored Portland with Charlie, which was gigantic by Ember Hill's standards.

The place felt like the rustling of leaves in a warm breeze, a sanctuary for those weary of endless flight and yearning for simple, tranquil repose. The sheer volume of trees kept the air fresh and crisp at all hours. Divorced from the daily grind, the local scenery lent itself to cozy strolls and leisurely coffee breaks at an outdoor café. The scent of coffee beans and freshly baked goods was intoxicating. Window displays of antique, book, and souvenir shops were alluring, and by ensnaring the buyer's attention with a myriad of engaging trinkets, they spirited one away to another world. Portland wasn't alien. Walking its broad streets was as comforting as slipping on a worn, perfectly fitted pair of boots.

No one here was in a rush. People's gazes were fixed on the new menu at their favorite eateries, the morning newspaper, or the notes in their planners. Non-intrusive, eclectic music played intermittently. Nobody was preoccupied with anyone else's happiness or sorrows; everyone was absorbed in their own routine. Taking Charlie's hand in public for the first time, Evan, with a surge of anxiety, realized that no one was staring at them. Sometimes, a smile would bloom on the faces of passersby who noticed the love between the two young men. Adjusting to this was tough, but it was the most gratifying thing of all.

As Joel had predicted, the move to a new locale proved beneficial for the guys' well-being. The quiet and calm significantly mitigated their stress levels. The rest was gradually being addressed through therapy. The initial steps were arduous for both of them. Entrusting one's pain to a stranger when you hadn't even confided it to yourself before was akin to torment. Dr. Harris patiently constructed a foundation for Evan and Charlie, allowing them to tentatively find their footing within the very first week. Problems no longer seemed like impregnable stone monoliths. Their strength was returning.

The daily sessions concluded at three in the afternoon. If Nathaniel's visit or group therapy was on the schedule, the boys left the clinic at five in the evening. Sylvia would happily whisk them up at the exit and immediately usher them into the car. And then, for a few hours, a captivating journey through the dream city awaited. Each time, they stopped at a new place, taking turns to select the points of interest.

Over the course of the week they had visited the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the art museum, the zoo and the Japanese Garden, explored every lane in the Pearl District, and ridden the aerial tram. Every unusual street food was worth sampling, just as every spot was worthy of their admiration. Evan photographed everything, carrying a piece of the atmosphere away with him. Sylvia indulged the small gaggle of kids completely and thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent in the City of Roses herself.

On another day immediately following their mandatory sessions and group therapy, Sylvia collected everyone and drove them to Downtown. After an hour and a half of browsing clothing stores, everyone had a new outfit. Shopping with Sylvia and Casey, seasoned fashion hounds, could have gone on indefinitely. This was in stark contrast to Charlie and Evan, who let out louder and louder drawn-out groans whenever they spotted the glass door of yet another boutique.

"I just can't help myself, boys!" Sylvia exclaimed, her gaze rapturously caressing a collection of rhinestone-encrusted heels. "I haven't seen this many beautiful things at once in ages!"