Marc snaps out of his trance, blinking.
Marc: Uh… Nath. It’s nothing. I just… forgot how to spell this word.
Nathaniel: You forgot how to spell “and”? Marc, everything alright?
Marc: It’s… wonderful. I’m fine, Nathaniel. I’m always fine.
Nathaniel closes his laptop and sits on the edge of the bed, leaning slightly toward him.
Nathaniel: Marc, you can lie to your friends, but I’m not your friend. I’m someone who cares too much to let it slide. Please… talk to me.
Marc: I, uh—
Nathaniel: I’m not asking for your life story. Just… let me know a little. I love you enough to see…
Marc: I’m tired of so many things I want to talk about… but I can’t. There are just so much responsibilities that I fear I might break. It's honestly turning into a burden.
Nathaniel nods softly, not trying to fix or explain, just listening.
Marc: It’s like… every day, it’s the same dream. But every night… it turns into the same nightmare.
Nathaniel’s face tightens, and he pulls Marc into a warm, protective embrace.
Nathaniel: That sounds way too heavy for me to answer correctly. I can’t tell you what to do—but I promise I’ll be here for you.
Marc: Thanks…
Nathaniel: Maybe you need a break. A change of scenery.
Marc exhales and allows himself a soft, small smile.
Marc: That might be good… plus Luka already invited me to a sleepover.
Nathaniel: Perfect. I’ll make sure he doesn’t let you overthink or overwork yourself.
Marc: You don’t have to.
~~~~~~~~
Gold Digger sneak peak. I'm sure you guys have already got a glimpse of what is going to happen.
