Page 156 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Sit. Up.” Steve held out a bite. Ody stared at it, then finally took it. “Chew.”

He did, and then it hit him. The memory. Feeding Mano a crepe. Laughing. Almost telling him he loved him for the first time.

His chest caved in. He stopped mid-chew, his eyes filling.

Then he broke.

He grabbed a napkin, spat the food out, turned away, and collapsed back onto the couch, shaking with sobs.

Steve just sat there, his hand hovering, then dropping back to his lap.

Mano sat on the couch, staring at nothing.

“Do you want me to make you something to eat?” Ranya asked.

“I’m not hungry.”

“I’m not making it for now.” She moved toward the kitchen. “Just… for later.”

He didn’t answer. She found a pot, set the water to boil, and moved around the space in silence.

When the food was ready, she paused by the table, glancing at him. “I’ll give you some space,” she said. “I’m here if you need anything.”

No response.

She walked to the door, her hand resting on the handle. For a moment, she stayed there. Then she stepped out, closing the door behind her.

Later, Mano stood in the kitchen, staring at the pasta Ranya had left. A note sat beside it. Eat something. Don’t stay on an empty stomach. Text me if you need anything. You’re not alone.

He forced himself to take a plate, sat down, and took a bite.

The memories came back with it. Ody cooking for him. The way he cared. The way he gave without asking for anything back.

His throat closed up. He tried to swallow, but couldn’t. Tears blurred his vision as the fork slipped from his hand.

He’d been hurt before. Beaten. Abandoned. Left to drag himself through things no kid should’ve had to survive.

But this was different.

Ody had shown him what it felt like to be wanted. Chosen. Held onto.

For the first time in his life, Mano hadn’t felt alone.

Now… he had nothing.

And it hurt in a way nothing else ever had.

Chapter 32

Even though it was already dark, Ody still hadn’t eaten. He lay on the couch, wrapped in a sheet, the TV flickering in front of him.

Steve sat nearby. His phone buzzed.

Chris: Where the hell are you man? Are we going out or what? Did you talk to Ody?

Steve sighed before he typed. He’s got a fever. I came to check on him. Go out with the others

Chris: Fever? Want me to come by?