Thomas kept staring at Eric.
Quiet. Focused. Thinking too deeply for a 10-year-old.
Emily noticed immediately.
Emily (whispering to Lussy):
"Girl… I think you have another rival. 😏"
Lussy followed her gaze—
Straight toward Thomas staring at Eric.
Lussy:
"Shut UP. 😤"
She said it too loudly.
Joseph looked up.
Joseph:
"What happened, Lussy? 🤨"
Lussy:
"Nothing, uncle. 😊"
---
🌫 Eric Senses a Stare
Eric felt it.
That heavy, sharp stare.
His shoulders stiffened.
Breath shortened.
Eric (thinking):
Who… is staring at me?
Why does it feel so scary?
😨
Justin noticed instantly.
Without a word…
he slid his hand under the table
and softly placed it on Eric's trembling hand.
Warm.
Steady.
Safe.
Eric's eyes widened.
He looked at Justin.
Justin smiled.
Justin:
🥰
Thomas snapped out of his thoughts.
Thomas (embarrassed):
(Bro… we're just 10… why am I thinking so much.) 😅
He shook his head and resumed eating.
---
🍽 After Dinner – In the Hall
Eric tugged at Joseph's sleeve.
Eric:
"Uncle Joseph… 🙁"
Joseph immediately melted.
Joseph:
"Oh my my— yes, dear? 🥰"
Eric:
"I… I want to go to the washroom. 🙁"
Joseph:
"Okay, let's—"
But before he even finished—
Justin grabbed Eric's wrist.
Justin:
"I'll take him." 😤
And marched off, dragging Eric along.
Everyone froze.
Everyone:
😶
(What just happened…?)
---
🚪 In the Washroom
Justin pushed Eric gently against the door, blocking him with his arms.
Eric's breath hitched.
Eric:
😶
Why… is Justin like this now?
Justin cupped his face firmly.
His voice low, urgent.
Justin:
"Are you okay?
Why did you look so scared?
Did something happen?
Did someone do something?
Tell me— come on— Eric— talk to me—" 😨
He kept firing questions, panic rising.
Eric didn't answer.
Instead…
He hugged Justin.
Tight.
Warm.
Safe.
Justin:
😶
…What?
Eric buried his face in Justin's shoulder.
Eric (softly):
"…Thanks." 🥰
Justin blinked.
Justin:
"Huh?
Why… thanks? 🥰"
Eric didn't explain.
He just stayed in Justin's arms.
…for three whole minutes.
Just breathing.
Just existing.
Just healing.
Then suddenly—
Eric:
"Oh— oh my god I REALLY need to use the washroom!!!" 😱
He jumped away and ran inside.
Justin burst out laughing.
Justin:
"HAHAHAHA—!! 😂😂😂
This boy—"
---
Eric came back out, face red from embarrassment.
Everyone was already headed to the bedroom to sleep.
And just like that—
the night was about to get
a whole lot more intense.
…continue