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Brady lay in bed one morning, staring at the ceiling. The initial sting of David's news had dulled, replaced by a quiet understanding. He was still heartbroken, of course, but he couldn't stay angry. A full scholarship to MIT was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity--David deserved it. And when he thought about it, Brady realized he wasn't in such a bad position himself. The University of Chicago was an incredible school, and he would be close enough to visit his family whenever he wanted. He'd also get to see his sister Megan more, which is something he'd missed since she started at Northwestern. Slowly, he was finding a way to look on the bright side.
Later that morning, he wandered downstairs to find his mom reading on the couch. She glanced up when he entered, smiling softly.
"Morning, sweetheart," Ellen said.
"Morning," Brady replied, sitting down across from her.
Ellen put her book aside, giving him her full attention. "How are you feeling today?"
Brady hesitated but then sighed. "Better. I've been thinking a lot about it, and... I get it now. David's doing what's best for his future. I'd be selfish to expect him to stay here just for me."
Ellen nodded, her expression warm and understanding. "That's very mature of you, Brady. And it's true--MIT is an incredible opportunity for him. But it doesn't make it any easier, does it?"
"No, it doesn't," Brady admitted. "But I'm trying to focus on the good stuff. I'm going to Chicago, which is amazing. And I'll still be close to you and Dad, and Megan too. I guess... I guess I'm just lucky to have so many good things in my life."
Ellen reached over and squeezed his hand. "That's the right attitude, Brady. And remember, love isn't defined by distance. If you and David are meant to be, you'll find a way to make it work."
Brady smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mom."
The evening before David was set to leave, they met at Peoria Riverfront Park. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, the warm summer air carrying the faint sound of music from a distant festival.
Brady leaned against the railing overlooking the Illinois River, watching as the water reflected the colors of the sunset. David stood beside him, their shoulders brushing.
"This is a nice spot," David said softly.
"Yeah," Brady murmured, his voice tinged with sadness.
They stood in silence for a while, neither wanting to break the moment. Eventually, Brady turned to David, his green eyes filled with unspoken fears.
"I'm scared," he admitted.
David looked at him, his expression tender. "I know. I am too."
"What if... what if things change?" Brady's voice cracked. "What if we lose what we have?"
David took Brady's hand, intertwining their fingers. "They won't. I promise you, Brady, what we have is real. It's not just going to disappear just because I'm in a different part of the country. I love you. Nothing is going to change that."
Brady nodded, though tears welled in his eyes. "I love you too. So much."
David pulled him into an embrace, and they held each other tightly, as if trying to imprint the moment in their memories.
When they finally pulled apart, David cupped Brady's face in his hands. "We'll make it work. We'll call, we'll text, we'll visit. And before you know it, we'll both be done with college, and we'll figure out the rest together. You're my everything, Brady. You always will be."
Brady smiled through his tears. "You're mine too."
They kissed, slow and tender, savoring every second. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the first stars appeared in the sky, they sat down on the grass, leaning against each other.
For a little while longer, they were just two boys in love, sharing a perfect evening under the endless sky.