If We Are Forever ✓ [NOW RADISH EXCLUSIVE]

3. job interview-ish

THREE
job interview-ish

When Santiago stepped outside the next morning, he swore his balls could've shriveled up from how fucking cold it was.

            The step he took out immediately turned into one back in. He didn't expect it to be that cold, considering every day before this it'd been chilly, but also shorts weather. He sadly pulled on a pair of sweatpants and wrapped a blanket around his shoulders. I just want to get the mail, he thought in anguish. Not freeze to death within ten seconds.

He forced himself back out, practically waddling to the mailbox, hands so cold he couldn't tell if his grip on the key was firm or not. When he retrieved everything, he made his way back, going through the different ads, magazines, and — letters. Santiago's face twisted.

He shut the front door behind him, the warmth a nice welcome, and sat down at the kitchen counter. He separated everything into piles, staring at the one letter made for him. Santiago wanted to trash it, but there was also an overwhelming curiosity about what his Mom had to say. He knew it was from her, because she had her signature stamp in the corner, one she'd been using since Santiago was a child. A cross.

             "G'morning." Santiago looked up, watching Luca as he shuffled into the room, hair a wild mess and eyes half closed. He dropped himself in a chair and leaned his cheek against the surface of the counter, starting at the mail scattered about. "Hm. Anything for me?"

            Santiago cleared his throat. "No. Don't think so. You wanna check again?" He prepared to slide everything over to him, but Luca just shook his head, eyes closing completely. "You sure?"

             "Mhm."

             "Alright." Santiago's eyes lingered on him for a second, then averted back to the envelope. He brought his thumb to his mouth, gnawing at his nail that was already blunt due to all the times he'd done it before. I haven't gotten a letter in almost two years. Has she changed her mind? "Hey, Luca."

              "Hm?"

              "My mom... She sent me something. Should I open it?"

              Luca sat up, surprised. He'd been there when Santiago was kicked out at seventeen, left to live with Luca and his family. And ever since they'd started living together, he'd never seen Santiago get a letter from his mother. "I — yes? No? If you want to. Open it if you want, but..." He bit at his bottom lip. "I say... Don't get your hopes up."

           Santiago exhaled quietly, then tore it open. He pulled out almost a full page, frowning. His eyes skimmed over everything, silent as he read.

Dear Santiago,

It's Mom! I haven't been able to contact you over phone like I'd prefer because you've blocked my number. I still think that's very childish of you. I'm just trying to help you, sweetheart. You know that. This path you've gone down... It's a dark one. Let Him guide you.

I've been talking to the pastors, and one of them has agreed to help you. You remember him as Mr. Joseph, from when you were little. He said he is willing to help you see the light of God, and is willing to bring you back to a sinless life. This whole homosexuality phase has been going on for far too long. I wish you'd come back home and let Mr. Joseph help you.

We love you and want what's best for you. You'll live better back home, where you can find a sweet girl to settle down with. You're a handsome young man, you'll be able to find a wife here. Have a few kids. Come back to your roots.