But I needed to restrain myself, correct my course, remember what was real.
Chris was my friend, after all that.
And I couldn't let myself dream of anything more. Because dreaming, in the end, always left me shattered, so much so that I was already too broken to allow myself to give in once more.
***
As soon as we got home, I expected nothing but the welcoming silence of my home. But as we crossed the threshold, we were greeted by a burst of voices, colors, and emotions.
"Surprise!"
I was breathless.
The room was transformed. Light blue and white balloons floated up to the ceiling, held by shimmering golden ribbons. A huge banner hung on the wall, written in golden letters: Welcome, Theodore!
But none of that was what truly made me shiver. What left me speechless were the people.
