vow between us".

Aurelius stood in the middle of the room, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes fixed on his father. The man stood by the window, his back turned to his son, as if his decision was beyond debate.

Aurelius (his voice shaking but angry): Why did you drive him away?! He didn't deserve that!

Father (coldly, without turning around): I didn't drive him away—I put him in his rightful place. That boy doesn't belong in our world, and you know it.

Aurelius (stepping forward, determined): But he's my friend! Isn't that enough? It doesn't matter where he comes from, it doesn't matter if he's poor or different. He… he was the only one by my side when no one else was there!

Father (finally turning around, looking at him sternly): You're too young to understand these things, Aurelius. One day, when you grow up, you'll thank me. Friendships don't last—especially ones built on pity.

Aurelius felt something break inside him at those words. He clenched his fists tightly, as if trying to hold onto something slipping away. But he didn't give in. He stared at his father, his eyes burning with anger.

Aurelius (low but sharp): So… you do know, Father. You know that Vitus wasn't the one who hit me, don't you? But you don't want me to befriend a poor boy. Could it be that you're my father? The man I always thought valued things for their worth, not their appearance?

His father raised his eyebrows slightly, then exhaled in frustration.

Father: Of course, if I were certain he wasn't the culprit, I wouldn't forgive whoever was. Rest assured, I will make them regret hurting you…

Aurelius (interrupting, his tone desperate): Father! We're not talking about those boys! We don't fight anymore—that's over! I'm talking about Vitus! Vitus didn't hit me, so why don't you want me to be his friend? It's like you were waiting for a chance to take him away from me!

A look of exasperation crossed his father's face, as if he had lost all patience.

Father: Because you must be different, Aurelius! Your mother and I are doing everything we can to secure your future, to make you successful. You don't understand how important that is yet. I wish I could find that cursed stone sooner, so we could leave this place and put you where you truly belong… not wasting your time with a failure like Vitus!

Aurelius's eyes widened. He hadn't expected to hear such cruel words. It was as if Vitus wasn't just another boy to his father but something to be discarded. A heavy weight settled on his chest, but he didn't want to stay there any longer.

He turned abruptly and rushed toward the door, stepping outside in a hurry. There was only one thing he needed to do now—one thing that truly mattered.

He ran down the street, searching for his friend. He didn't know if he was still there, but he wasn't ready to lose him this easily. He ran until his breath grew short, until he saw a shadow standing at the end of the road.

Aurelius (waving his hands, breathless): Vitus!

Vitus turned slowly, his expression calm, but his eyes carried something heavy—something Aurelius didn't like at all.

Aurelius (walking closer, looking directly at him): I didn't like the question you asked earlier. You're my best friend—since the first day I saw you, since you saved my life from that snake, and since we met again on the very same day. I knew it was a sign… a sign that we were meant to be best friends.

He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing in a softer voice.

Aurelius: You don't know how lonely I was before you. Even if I had many friends, the first friend is always different… that's how I feel. And I hope you still see me as your best friend.

Vitus remained silent for a moment. His voice wavered slightly, barely audible.

Vitus (whispering, almost too quiet to hear): You're my only friend…

But Aurelius didn't hear him. His heart was filled with determination, his eyes holding unwavering faith in their friendship. He extended his hand, waiting for his friend's response.

Aurelius (with a sincere smile): Promise me… promise me we'll always be best friends, no matter what happens.

Vitus looked at the outstretched hand before him. For a moment, he felt as if he were seeing a different future—one he wasn't sure he deserved. But slowly, he lifted his hand and reached toward Aurelius. Their hands met in an unspoken vow, a silent promise between two boys—a promise they didn't yet know would be so fragile against the cruelty of fate.