By the time he got back to the dorm, the sun was gone. Katie was curled up on the couch, a slice of cake in one hand and the TV remote in the other.
Brian crept up behind her and grabbed her shoulders. "Boo!"
Katie nearly jumped out of her seat. "Fuck off, Brian! You scared me!" She laughed, swatting at him.
"How was work?" Kate asked.
He flopped onto the couch beside her. "Smooth. The kid there was sweet. First time I've ever been tipped with a smile."
"That's adorable," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"What're we watching?"
"Full Metal Jacket, 1987. Classic one."
Brian's eyes widened. "Oh hell yeah! i love that movie."
They watched together, the room glowing blue from the TV light. By nine, Katie had drifted off, her head resting in his lap.
She murmured, "You still having those weird dreams, babe?"
He stared ahead, thinking. "Yeah. Kinda. I keep seeing this girl... twin ponytails, standing in a big field. Looks just like you, honestly. Maybe it's my brain playing tricks."
She chuckled softly. "Sounds like our honeymoon preview to me."
He smiled, brushing her hair aside and gently closing her eyelids. "Get some sleep."
Pulling his phone from his pocket, he sent a message to his mom. A few minutes later, a sticker popped up—a cartoon dog giving a thumbs-up.
Brian laughed quietly. He looked down at Katie, asleep and peaceful, then back at the glowing screen.
"I know I don't say it enough, but I'm proud of you. Not just for working hard or chasing your dreams—but for being kind. For showing up. For caring about people even when it's hard."
He blinked, reading his mother's words slowly.
"You've grown into the kind of man I always hoped you'd be. And I know life's gonna be hard, but i know you can handle anything comin' your way. Just remember—no matter how far you go, or how hard things get, You'll always have me."
Brian swallowed, the words settling deep in his chest.
"So go out there, enjoy your life, find true love, and don't forget to laugh. And if you ever feel lost, I'll be right behind you, probably dancing in my pajamas again. haha," He smiled, eyes misting just a bit.
"Love you sweetie, From Mom, Helena Dixon."
Brian leaned back, exhaled softly, and whispered to himself, "Love you too, Mom."