---
Vitus stood trembling, his breath shallow, bracing himself for punishment, eyes locked on the door with fear.
In his heart, a question echoed:
> "Where will he hit me this time? What new fault did I miss? Will he compare me to Aurelius again? Remind me he's smarter, more handsome, richer?"
But something different happened this time.
His father entered — and the usual madness of anger was absent from his eyes.
He walked slowly toward him, and when he reached him, he opened his arms and quietly embraced him…
No yelling. No tears. Just silence embracing silence.
Then, in a low voice thick with truth, he whispered into his ear:
> "My son… In this life, we convince ourselves we can become whatever we want.
But the truth? We'll only ever be what we truly are.
You're the son of a poor woodcutter, Vitus.
You'll study — not to become one of them — but to have a life less harsh than your father's.
The rich? They never stop chasing more money.
And if I've ever gotten angry… it's only because I want you to see what's right, not to hate it."
Vitus said nothing.
His father left the room, leaving behind a strange feeling…
Something like peace.
That night, Vitus turned in bed, unable to sleep.
> "Did he really hug me?
Can my father actually love me?
Should I give up Aurelius for him?
Aurelius… will he leave me?
Am I just temporary for him?"
And deep inside him, a question he feared the most:
> "Do I even deserve a friend?"
---
Morning came.
A soft sunlight slipped through the crack in the window.
His eyes were swollen, the weight in his chest still there…
Until he heard a faint tapping on the glass.
He got up, opened the window — and a small stone bounced off the frame.
He looked down.
Aurelius was standing below, waving with a wide grin.
Vitus's heart raced.
> "Is he crazy?
Is that really him?
Did he walk all the way here?
Wasn't he sick?"
He rushed downstairs, his heart outrunning his feet.
There stood Aurelius, beaming:
> "See? We don't need phones.
I'll cross any distance to talk to you — any time I want."
Vitus, still breathless, said:
> "But you were really sick yesterday… if it weren't for your uncle and his treatment…"
Aurelius interrupted with a childlike smile:
> "How are you? I saw your father being harsh last night."
Vitus recalled the slap Aurelius had witnessed…
But then also remembered the quiet hug — the whispered truth…
And softly replied:
> "My father… isn't truly harsh."
Aurelius nodded with understanding.
> "I get it.
But — I want you to go to school.
I know you don't want to.
But it's just a matter of time, and I'll be back with you.
I think I can do it now."
Then he laughed suddenly:
> "Though my parents won't believe what I just did!"
Vitus didn't say anything — his heart was full just seeing him.
Aurelius smiled again:
> "Promise me you'll always smile."
Vitus replied:
> "You too."
As Aurelius turned to leave, Vitus called out:
> "Get on my back."
Aurelius chuckled:
> "No! I'm fine."
Vitus teased:
> "Sick. Walked all night. Reached here with the sunrise…
You look exhausted.
I can cross this path in fifteen minutes!"
They both laughed, and Aurelius finally climbed on his back, saying:
> "Nice! Looks like you remembered the fractions lesson!"
Vitus grinned:
> "I never forget anything you tell me."
And he ran.
And as he ran, he thought to himself:
> "No, Father… he's my friend. And he will remain my friend.
Even if this happiness is temporary —
I want to live it… all of it."