The Lover of the Silver Star

1

I have met Silvs personally a multitude of times. He was easygoing, confident and a sucker for romance. The teen craved it, really. Not often had he been sent into the outside world to socialize, but that was the way it was. He couldn't go anywhere without being assaulted by a gang of flashing cameras; the press loved him. That was the way Silvs had grown up, especially since his father ran the popular publishing company, Primedia. He and his family were treated as royalty.

I know what you're thinking: "What a wonderful life it must be, right?" This leads me to think you're mad. Would you love a life of zero privacy? That's what I thought.

So Silvs ran. He packed his bags and left the family mansion to find peace, quiet, and love. As much as I'm sure you'd wish this story was about me, it sadly isn't. My story is for another time. For now, let's follow our friend, the runaway.

***

Silvs slid his window open, letting the cool, night air breeze past him. Taking a deep breath, he leaped from the second-floor window and hit the ground running. It was the middle of the night and practically pitch black. He could just see the outline of his hand in the darkness.

He pushed himself harder, sprinting to anywhere besides the place he grew up. Silvs had a plan but he needed a community where they didn't know his name. He would have to run considerably far.

After what seemed like hours, he slowed to a walk, panting. Silvs knew he wasn't out of the woods yet; he understood he was just getting started. But he couldn't muster up enough energy to keep moving. Closing his eyes, he sighed deeply. In a few hours, his parents would notice that their only son was missing and that the whole city would be searching for him.

So he kept going, pushing himself to the limits until he truly couldn't go anymore. Silvs collapsed on the tall grass and shifted his bag so it was positioned behind his head. The grass, at least, would give him some cover. He attempted to fall asleep and, to his surprise, did.

***

Hey. It's me again. So I would give you all the details of the running and sleeping and occasional eating but even I was beginning to fall asleep. Let's get to the good stuff, shall we?

***

The city of Benevento was not busy by any means. Often, its streets were deserted and the people of the town were seemingly poor. For it being near the large cities in Italy, it was perplexing why the town appeared haunted instead of happy.

Some may say that the town was deserted because everyone spent their time at Moonwater. Moonwater was a bar that was doing a horrendous job of hiding its age. Paint peels off the walls, the raised doorframe has cracks and the door creaks. At least the owners didn't have to pay for a bell.

This was where Silvs decided to test his luck. If he was recognized, he would run fast and far. Hesitating, he pushed open the old door a crack before shoving it open fully.

He took note of the minimal amount of clothes people were wearing, the amount of people making out in the dark corners of this place. Most everyone was drunk, getting themselves in situations they would either regret or forget. Everybody appeared cheerful.

Except for one, a teenage boy tracing the edge of his drink with his finger. He caught Silvs' eye. Silvs only nodded back. He found his way to the bar and ordered a drink, non-spirited as he was still considered a minor. Grabbing his glass, he searched for the boy. He needed a friend.