A Glimmer of Hope

I shouted happily, "Lucas! What are you doing here?"

I extended my hand to Lucas, helping him up. Lucas winced slightly but grinned. "You haven't changed a bit. Still on the defensive. What were you thinking, not even noticing I was coming up behind you?"

I shrugged, a bit sheepish. "I guess I was lost in my thoughts. What are you doing here? Don't tell me you've shifted here. I've been wondering where you've been all this time."

Lucas chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Surprised to see me? I knew you'd be here, so I decided to join in on the fun."

As we were walking, a wave of relief washed over me. "Stop teasing me. I'm not a kid anymore. You've always had that habit since we were little."

Aiden realized the source of his earlier unease: the arrival of his childhood friend, Lucas. His familiar presence brought a sense of comfort and joy that he hadn't felt in a long time.

As we talked about the old times, like how Lucas and I used to hang out after school and play a lot in the arcade, I asked, "Now tell me, how are you doing? Is your mom okay? What about your studies? Why did you suddenly leave Boston and come here?"

"Aiden, relax. You asked me so many questions, even my mom isn't that hyper. I'll answer them one at a time. I moved here because my mom found a new job, and my studies will start soon. Things in Boston weren't the same after you left, so I came here. It's a coincidence that I found you; I was just going for a jog."

"But let me tell you one thing—you haven't changed a bit. Why are you so short? When I saw you from afar, I instantly recognized you."

With an amazed look, I said, "And look at you, Lucas! You became so tall. Tell me, what have you been eating all these years? You look pretty fit for a 23-year-old."

He replied with a smirk, "And you look too young for a 22 Year-old."

"I know, I know," I said with a proud look. "It's for my own good that I look younger than my age. Ok, enough with the chit-chat. Are you hungry? Because I'm starving. Let's go to the cafe and get something delicious."

He agreed with a delighted look. "Sure, why not?"

As we walked towards the road, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me from behind. I turned around but saw nothing unusual. Lucas nudged me and said reassuringly, "You're just imagining things."

I agreed and tried to shrug it off.

As we arrived at the cafe, Lucas went to place the order because he knows how afraid I am of talking to people.

"So, how's college going? All good? Made any friends yet started dating?"

I let out an annoyed sigh. "Lucas, you already know the answer, so don't ask meaningless questions."

I told him about my first day at college and how things went with Cassie. He couldn't control his laughter.

"Seriously, you did that? It's not so nice of you, Aiden. What would your mom think if she heard all this from you?"

"Stop laughing already," I said, slapping his hand to keep him quiet. "I'm not telling my mom that, or else I'll get another lecture from her."

Before Lucas could say something boring, I tried to change the subject. "Oh look, the burgers are here. Let's eat."

"Oh, you sure are quick at changing the subject. Don't worry, I won't give you any advice regarding love and friendship. I know you have zero tolerance when it comes to that, so chill out."

We finished all the food at the table. "That was quite fun. We haven't done this in a long time. What about you, Lucas?"

He beamed at me. "Yeah, I enjoyed it too."

"Let's plan an outing like we used to do in our childhood," I said, giving him a high-five. "Are you free tomorrow evening? Meet me near the oak tree and come with a plan."