"So… this is your secret hideout?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Well… humble, to say the least."
"It's not about luxury. It's about practicality." I shrugged, trying to sound casual.
He laughed, shaking his head.
"Sure. Practicality. Because everyone needs an abandoned building to 'practice'."
"I never said it was for practicing anything!" I answered way too quickly, which only made his grin widen.
"Relax, man. I'm not gonna interrogate you… for now."
His laid-back tone was a welcome relief. I hadn't even realized I was smiling.
"So, is this place for something else? Like… planning your wedding with Amélia?"
I nearly choked on air.
"What?!" I looked at him, incredulous, while he burst into laughter.
"You and Amélia. What's going on, huh? Don't play dumb, Zeph. You two are super close now. When did that start?"
"What?! There's nothing going on!" I protested, waving my hands as if that would make my denial more convincing.
Evander crossed his arms, pretending to think.
"Hmm, sure… You guys have been awfully close lately."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop a smile from forming.
"Didn't you say you were gonna stay quiet and not ask questions?"
Evander placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be offended.
"That wasn't a question! It was an observation. Totally different."
I scoffed but couldn't help but smile.
"Yeah, yeah…" I retorted, shaking my head with a grin. "Or is this just jealousy talking?"
He made an exaggerated grimace but soon started laughing.
"Jealousy? Me? Never! Please! I'm just making sure you don't forget who your real best friend is."
"Oh, right. Because you're so irreplaceable."
"Exactly!" He laughed, pointing to himself with ridiculous confidence.
"Oh, so that's it? You're afraid of being replaced?"
"Afraid? Me? Never!" Evander stood up, feigning a dramatic expression. "But, just so you know, if I were you, I'd bring a bouquet next time you go talk to her."
"You're impossible."
We laughed together for a few minutes, the sound echoing through the empty building. It felt like going back in time, like everything was normal again. And for a moment, I allowed myself to forget the weight I was carrying.
After the playful conversation died down, Evander sat on the floor beside me. The sky was beginning to darken, and the wind blew through the broken windows, bringing in a fresh breeze.
"You know that, despite everything, your grandparents just want what's best for you, right?" He said, breaking the silence.
I nodded slowly, staring at my hands.
"I know. But… it's not that simple."
"Nothing ever is. But shutting them out will only make things harder, Zeph."
I knew he was right. But how could I face my grandparents and pretend everything was fine?
"I don't know where to start." I admitted.
"You don't have to start with anything big. Just… let them know you're still there, you know? Sometimes, that's enough."
I looked at him, letting his words sink in.
"Since when did you become so wise?"
"I've always been. You just never noticed." He winked, and I laughed, feeling the weight on my chest lighten even more.
After a while, Evander glanced at his watch and stood up, brushing the dust off his clothes.
"I gotta go. If I take any longer, my mom's gonna think I got kidnapped."
"Oh, sure, because it's so dangerous here…" I joked, but I knew he was being serious.
He stopped at the door, turning to look at me one last time.
"Zeph, just… try not to push people away so much, okay? Your grandparents are worried. And so am I."
I nodded, feeling the weight of his words.
"I'll try."
He smiled, satisfied with my answer, and walked out, leaving me alone again in the silence of the building.
I looked around, feeling the emptiness of the place, but this time, it didn't feel so suffocating. For the first time in days, I felt like there was a light, however small, at the end of the tunnel.
"I'm not alone." I murmured, letting the words echo through the space.
Then, I decided to get up and go after Evander. I found him still near the exit of the building.
When we finally stepped outside, the sky was full of stars, and the city felt quieter than usual. We walked together for a few blocks, the silence between us comfortable, no words needed.
As Evander said his goodbyes and headed home, I stood there for a moment, looking up at the sky. For the first time in days, I felt like I could face whatever was coming.
With that thought in mind, I started planning my next steps. I needed control. I needed strength. But, above all, I needed to keep the people I loved safe.