As I left Mrs. Ashley's shop, I felt a sense of determination wash over me, I think cause it did worry me that he has not shown up since he was technically my first real friend in a while. I had to find Ethan, for both his sake and mine. I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address that Mrs. Ashley had written down for me.
The drive was long, and the neighborhood looked rough. I began to wonder if I was making a mistake. But I pushed my doubts aside and told myself that I needed to do this.
When the cab finally pulled up to the address, I felt a sense of unease. The house was rundown, with broken windows and peeling paint. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the cab, paying the driver and thanking him.
As I walked up to the door, I could feel my heart racing. I knocked, and a few moments later, an older man opened the door.
"Can I help you?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously.
"Uh, yes, I'm looking for Ethan. Is he here?" I asked, my voice shaking a bit.
The man's expression softened. "You're the second person to come looking for him. But no, he's not here."
"Do you know where he is?" I asked, feeling a glimmer of hope.
The man shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. He left a few weeks ago and I haven't heard from him since."
My heart sank. "Do you have any idea where he might have gone?"
The man shrugged. "Sorry, I don't. He never really talked about where he was from or where he was going."
I thanked the man for his time and made my way back to the cab. As we drove away, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I had come all this way and still didn't have any leads on Ethan's whereabouts. But I knew that I couldn't give up just yet. I would keep searching until I found him.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, I felt a sudden tug on my arm, and before I could react, I found myself being pulled into the bushes. Fear gripped me as my mind raced through the possibilities of what awaited me. But when I looked up, my eyes met Ethan's disheveled appearance.
"Ethan?" I gasped, my heart pounding in my chest. "Is it really you?"
He glanced at me with a mix of surprise and irritation. "Kai? What are you doing here? Why are you looking for me? I'm fine on my own."
I felt a pang of hurt at his dismissive words. "Ethan, I couldn't just leave you. We're friends, remember? I care about you."
He let out a frustrated sigh. "Look, Kai, I appreciate your concern, but I've managed to take care of myself all this time. I don't need you acting like I'm some lost puppy. I'm fine."
I could see that he had pain and walls built around him, and it hurt to witness it. But I couldn't let him push me away so easily. "Ethan, I know you're strong, but that doesn't mean you have to face everything alone. Friends support each other. Let me be there for you."
He looked away, his voice softer this time. "Kai, I appreciate your friendship, but it's complicated. I need time to figure things out on my own. Please, respect my decision."
I nodded, a mix of understanding and disappointment filling my heart. "Alright, Ethan. I'll respect your decision. But know that I'm here for you whenever you're ready to accept my help. You're not alone in this."
He gave me a half-hearted smile before turning away. "Thanks, Kai. I'll keep that in mind. Take care of yourself."
As I watched him disappear into the distance, my heart ached with a mixture of concern and longing. I couldn't help but wonder what he had been through and why he was so resistant to accepting help. But I knew that pushing him would only push him further away. But I won't give up on him and the space he wanted, even if it hurt him but why was he being so distant with him, he wasn't like this before.
With a heavy sigh, I made my way back home. The journey had not turned out as I had hoped, but guys did I really ignore ethan for him to talk and treat him like that, well I don't think so I have my dignity but I couldn't give up on him. I would respect his wishes for now just for now still gonna continue to be there for him in whatever way I could, even from a distance which means I'm gonna continue stalking him till I find him.
As I entered my grandmother's house, I couldn't shake off the mix of emotions that flooded over me. Disappointment, concern, and a sense of longing lingered in my heart. I knew I had to respect Ethan's decision to face his challenges on his own, but it didn't make it any easier, this sounds cheesy in my mind now, but I still meant it even though it sounded corny.
Grandma noticed the somber expression on my face and immediately knew something was amiss. She motioned for me to sit beside her on the worn-out couch, her wise eyes full of concern.
"Kai, my dear, what happened? You look troubled," she asked gently, her voice filled with love and understanding as always.
I leaned back against the cushions, letting out a sigh. "Grandma, I found Ethan. But he didn't want my help. He pushed me away, insisting that he could handle things on his own."
Grandma placed a comforting hand on my knee. "Oh, my sweet child, it's painful when someone we care about pushes us away. But sometimes, they need to find their own way, even if it means taking a longer and more difficult path."
I nodded, absorbing her wisdom. "I know, Grandma. I thought we were close enough for him to trust me, I just wish I could do more for him, be there for him like he was there for me when I needed it."
She smiled, her eyes filled with warmth and compassion. "And you will, my dear. Sometimes, being there for someone means respecting their boundaries and giving them the space they need. Trust that Ethan knows what is best for himself, and when the time is right, he will reach out for your support."
Her words resonated deep within me, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. Grandma always had a way of soothing my troubled heart and bringing clarity to my thoughts. Yeah she was right but I'm still gonna find out what's going on, I mean it's my friend here, and I ain't leaving him.
"Thank you, Grandma," I whispered, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "I'll be patient and trust that Ethan will find his way. In the meantime, I'll focus on taking care of myself and continuing to be there for him when he's ready." I'm sorry Grandma for not listening but ethan needs me, oh I wish you guys could have seen him looking so roughed up reminded me of my past self.
Grandma squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with pride. "That's my resilient and compassionate grandchild. Remember, love knows no bounds, and true friendship withstands the test of time." Guys, isn't my grandma just the sweetest?