The hospital discharged Desiderio the next afternoon, deeming him stable enough to go home. Sam stayed by his side the entire time, helping him navigate the paperwork and keeping a watchful eye on him. Despite the doctors' reassurances, the strange incident left both boys unsettled.
"Come on, let's get you home," Sam said, guiding Desiderio out of the hospital.
Desiderio nodded, still feeling weak and disoriented. They took the bus to the modest neighborhood where Desiderio lived, the familiar sight of run-down houses and cracked sidewalks a stark reminder of their harsh reality.
As they reached Desiderio's house, Sam spoke up. "Why don't I stay over tonight? Just to make sure you're okay."
Desiderio offered a grateful smile. "Yeah, I'd like that."
They walked up the narrow path to the front door. Desiderio fumbled with his keys, but before he could unlock it, he noticed an envelope sticking out of the mail slot. His name was scrawled on the front in his mother's handwriting.
"What's this?" Desiderio muttered, pulling the envelope free and tearing it open. Inside was a letter and a credit card. His hands trembled slightly as he unfolded the letter and began to read:
*Desiderio,*
*I'm sorry I couldn't say this in person, but I have to leave. I need to find answers to things I can't explain, things that are happening to our family. I don't know how long I'll be gone—maybe a week, maybe a year, or maybe I won't come back at all. I want you to be careful of what you wish for because the greater the wish, the greater the price. I've left you this credit card with a little money on it to help you get by. Take care of yourself, my son. I love you.*
*Mom*
Desiderio's hands shook, and the letter slipped from his grasp as he collapsed to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "She's gone... she left me..."
Sam knelt beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "I'm so sorry, Desi. We're gonna get through this. You're not alone."
Desiderio sobbed uncontrollably, clutching at Sam's shirt. "Why did she have to go? Why now?"
Sam held him tightly, whispering soothing words. "I don't know, but whatever it is, we'll face it together. We'll figure it out."
They stayed like that for a while, Desiderio's sobs gradually subsiding into quiet sniffles. Finally, Sam helped him to his feet and led him inside. Desiderio's house was small and sparsely furnished, but it was home. Sam guided him to the worn-out couch and sat beside him.
"Let's just take it one step at a time," Sam said softly. "We'll figure out what that letter means, and we'll get through this together."
Desiderio nodded, wiping his eyes. "Thanks, Sam. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," Sam replied firmly. "Now, how about we try to get some rest? I'll sleep here on the couch with you."
Desiderio managed a small smile. "Yeah, okay. I could use the company."
Sam helped Desiderio settle onto the couch, and they lay down side by side. Despite the uncertainty and fear that loomed over them, the presence of his best friend provided Desiderio with a small measure of comfort. As they drifted off to sleep, the letter's ominous warning lingered in their minds, a reminder that their journey was only just beginning.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The next morning, the sun peeked through the threadbare curtains, casting a soft glow over the small living room where Desiderio and Sam had spent the night. The events of the previous day lingered in the air, but for a brief moment, the two boys enjoyed the simple comfort of each other's company as they prepared breakfast.
Desiderio poured some cereal into two bowls while Sam fetched the milk from the fridge. They sat at the small kitchen table, eating in relative silence, the weight of Desiderio's mother's letter still heavy on their minds.
As Desiderio lifted his spoon to his mouth, he suddenly froze. His vision clouded, and a computer screen-like object appeared in front of his eyes, glowing faintly. He dropped the spoon, clutching his head as a sharp pain surged through his skull.
"Desi? What's wrong?" Sam asked, alarmed.
Desiderio squinted, trying to make sense of the images in front of him. The screen displayed various tabs and icons, resembling a game interface. Just as he was about to speak, an automated voice echoed in his mind:
"Wish Equivalent Exchange System is now online."
"Sam, I... I see something," Desiderio stammered, his voice trembling. "There's a screen, like a game, and... and it says 'Wish Equivalent Exchange System is now online.'"
Sam's eyes widened. "What do you mean? What kind of screen?"
Desiderio described what he was seeing: tabs labeled "Wishes," "Quest," "Net Worth," and "Abilities." Each tab seemed to promise answers, but also posed more questions. The headache pounded harder, making it difficult to focus.
"Sam, am I crazy?" Desiderio's voice broke, a mix of fear and desperation. "Is this real, or am I losing my mind?"
Sam reached out, placing a steadying hand on Desiderio's shoulder. "You're not crazy, Desi. Something weird is definitely happening, but we're going to figure it out. You're not alone in this."
Desiderio nodded, his breathing slowly evening out as he clung to Sam's reassurance. Despite the strange, surreal events unfolding around him, the unwavering support of his best friend was a lifeline he desperately needed.