Chapter 9: Finding His Voice

Lucas walked through the school hallways, his backpack slung over one shoulder. The usual murmur of voices and laughter filled the air, but today, it felt different. Less overwhelming. He no longer felt like a shadow slipping between the crowds. He wasn't sure when it had changed, but he was starting to feel... present.

During class, the teacher paired everyone up for a group project. Lucas expected to be placed with Theo—his usual partner—but this time, he was paired with Emily. She smiled at him, her brown eyes warm. "Looks like it's you and me, Lucas."

Lucas hesitated, his fingers gripping his notebook. He wasn't used to working with someone outside of Theo's circle.

Emily must have sensed his hesitation because she leaned in slightly. "Don't worry, I don't bite," she teased lightly.

Lucas blinked, then, to his own surprise, let out a small chuckle.

They spent the next hour discussing their project, and for the first time in a long time, Lucas found himself speaking up without feeling like he was forcing the words. Emily listened without rushing him, nodding along as he explained his thoughts. It was... nice.

After school, Lucas and Theo walked home together. Theo glanced at him with a smirk. "So, I saw you actually talking to Emily today. That's progress."

Lucas rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "It was just a project."

"Sure," Theo said with an exaggerated wink. "Just a project."

Lucas shook his head, but he couldn't deny it—he felt different. Lighter. The weight on his chest wasn't gone, but it wasn't as suffocating as before.

That night, as he lay in bed, he whispered a quiet prayer.

"God... I don't know what's next, but thank You. For Theo, for Emily, for everything."

He still had a long way to go, but for the first time, he felt like he was on the right path.