POV: Jayjay
The house stayed chaotic even after everything that had happened.
Lunch came and went in noise—plates clinking, people arguing over food, someone laughing too loud for no reason. After that, everyone crowded the living room. The TV was on, games were played, someone lost and complained, someone else cheated, and nobody really cared. It felt… normal. Too normal, considering the weight sitting in my chest.
Before I knew it, the sky started changing colors.
Evening.
That's when Mila said she had to go.
Since her house was about a twenty-minute walk, we decided to escort her. Mila stood outside with her pink scooter, adjusting her bag. I took a bike from the side of the house, and we set off together, leaving the noise behind.
The road was quieter.
For a while, neither of us spoke.
Then I broke the silence.
"So… how is Hex at school?"
Mila glanced at me. "He's okay. Quiet. Funny sometimes."
Quiet.
That word stayed with me.
"Does he have friends?" I asked. "Like… real friends?"
She thought for a moment.
"He talks to me and James mostly. A few others greet him, but he doesn't really open up."
My chest tightened.
So it's still like that.
"How many friends would you say he has?" I asked softly.
"Two close ones," she answered honestly.
"Maybe three, if you count people who just sit near him."
I nodded, pretending it didn't hurt.
He deserves more than that.
Mila then looked at me.
"Can I ask you something now?"
"Sure."
"What's your life like with Hex?"
"With him?" I repeated.
"We're family."
She smiled. "I thought so."
She asked, "Do you always protect him like that?"
Always.
"Yes," I said. "Even when he doesn't ask me to."
Then I asked, "Does he eat well at school?"
She shook her head. "Not really. Mostly drinks and biscuits."
My hands tightened on the bike handle.
Every morning… I give him money.
Mila slowed her scooter.
"Why does he avoid talking about his family?"
I looked away.
"Because some stories hurt too much to tell."
She nodded, understanding.
When we reached her house, she waved and went inside.
As I rode back home alone, my thoughts raced.
Two friends… rumors… barely eating…
Hex, what are you really going through when I'm not there?
The night felt heavier than before.