Chapter 11: The Weight of Choices
The ringing of Kai's phone cut through the stillness of the afternoon, jolting him from his thoughts. The caller ID displayed his father's name, and an unsettling feeling washed over him. Kai answered, his heart racing. "Dad? What's wrong?"
His father's voice was urgent. "Kai, I need you to come to the office. It's important."
Worry tightened in Kai's chest as he hurried to the designated meeting spot, a mixture of anxiety and guilt swirling within him. Guilt for the time he would be leaving Noah, who had been a beacon of joy in his life just days before. What could possibly require his father's immediate attention?
As he approached, Kai noticed the concerned expression etched on his father's face, which only deepened his unease. "Dad, what's going on?" he asked, anxiety creeping into his voice. "You called so urgently. Is everything alright?"
His father hesitated, the weight of his words palpable. "Kai, actually… we will have to move to America tomorrow."
The shock of the news hit Kai like a cold wave. "America? Why?" His voice barely rose above a whisper, disbelief clouding his mind.
His father explained, "I received an incredible offer from my company. We need to relocate immediately. Your mother agreed, and we believe this is a great opportunity."
"Wait," Kai interrupted, his emotions surging. "I don't understand! Where's Mom? I need to talk to her." Panic began to rise in him, threatening to boil over.
His father called his mother, who answered with a smile that felt more like a mask. "Yes, sweetheart, it's true. Your father got a job offer, and we both think it's for the best. We have to leave soon."
Kai's anger exploded. "How can you make decisions like this without telling me?" His body trembled with fury. "I'm not going anywhere! I want to stay here!"
His mother approached him gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Kai, we didn't have much time to discuss it. I'm sorry we didn't include you, but this is a big opportunity for our family."
His father chimed in, trying to soothe him. "There's no need to worry, son. The company has already found a school for you. You'll make new friends, and soon you won't feel lonely."
Kai turned away from them, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions. He stepped outside and headed toward the lake, seeking solace in the quietness of nature. As he sat by the water's edge, his mind swirled with thoughts of Noah. Despite only being together for a brief time, he had grown to care deeply for him. The moments they had shared replayed in his mind like a cherished film: their laughter, teasing, and stolen kisses.
He rested his head in his hands, blocking out the world, and switched off his phone to think clearly. His heart was torn between two worlds—Noah and his parents. He envisioned a future filled with laughter and adventures with Noah, yet the love and protection from his parents weighed heavily on him. He was their only child, and they had always been there for him, guiding him through life's challenges.
Hours slipped away, and he lost track of time, eventually drifting into a troubled sleep.
When Kai awoke, darkness had settled over the lake. His dreams had been vivid, filled with memories of him and Noah—moments of intimacy and passion. He could still feel the warmth of Noah's lips against his own, a reminder of the bond they were building. As he touched his lips with his fingers, memories flooded back: their shared laughter, the way Noah looked at him with those bright eyes, and the fluttering of his heart every time they were close.
Finally, he stood up and made his way home, wrestling with the decision of how to confront his parents. Before entering the house, he took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the storm inside him.
Inside, he found his parents busy packing their belongings. They hadn't brought much; the company would provide everything they needed. Kai's expression was cold as he approached them, uncertainty flooding his mind.
After a moment of silence, he finally found the courage to voice his feelings. "I need to talk to you both." Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed to his room, closing the door behind him.
Once inside, he collapsed onto his bed, the weight of his emotions crashing down like waves. He could no longer hold back the tears. His parents had understood his need for solitude, leaving him alone to process everything. He cried until he felt a dull ache in his chest, trying to make sense of the turmoil within.
Then he remembered Noah—how he hadn't spoken to him since the news broke. Anxiety gnawed at him, and he reached for his phone, only to find ten missed calls from Noah. Guilt washed over him as he dialed Noah's number, but his courage faltered. Instead, he let the call ring, afraid of facing the hurt he had caused.
Lying back on his bed, Kai closed his eyes and swallowed hard. The name on his lips escaped as a soft sigh. "Noah…" A single tear slid down his cheek, marking the beginning of a painful realization that tomorrow would change everything.
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