Scene: Hazel's Living Room – Quiet and Dim
Ethan sat on the edge of the couch, head slightly down, his hands loosely clasped together. Hazel sat beside him, eyes locked on his face, waiting—hoping—for him to speak.
The silence hung for a while, thick and heavy.
Finally, Hazel broke it.
Hazel (softly):
Hey... where have you been these days? You didn't answer any of my calls or texts.
Ethan let out a small breath, a faint, tired smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. But he said nothing right away.
Hazel waited, her brows slightly furrowed.
Then—
Ethan (quietly):
Hazel... I had to stop.
Hazel (confused):
Stop? What do you mean?
Ethan (still looking down):
School. Everything.
Hazel's eyes widened.
Hazel:
What the he— Why?
Ethan didn't meet her gaze. He simply looked at the floor and gave a soft, hollow smile.
Ethan:
You remember I told you about my little brother?
He's been really sick. The treatment... it's expensive. Way more than we can handle. I had to step in. Take care of him.
So... I've started working. No time for classes. No choice.
Hazel's expression dropped, her voice shaking a little.
Hazel:
How much do you need? I'll help you—please, Ethan.
Ethan finally looked at her, gently but firmly shaking his head.
Ethan:
No, Hazel. It's not about money. I'm not here for that.
I just... I just wanted to see you. Say goodbye.
Hazel's heart skipped.
Hazel:
What do you mean goodbye?
Ethan (softly):
We're leaving. We can't stay here anymore.
Hazel (desperate):
But why? Where are you going? I can help.
Ethan:
I can't tell you.
Hazel (teary-eyed):
Ethan... please don't go.
Ethan (quietly):
Hazel. You're stronger than you think.
He stood up and walked toward the door. Before opening it, he paused, glanced back at her one last time.
Ethan (softly):
Goodbye, Hazel.
And with that, he stepped out, leaving Hazel frozen on the couch—silent, stunned, and hurting.
Scene: A Few Hours Earlier
A quiet knock echoed on Hazel's front door.
Lucas:
Hazel? You there?
No answer.
Lucas waited a moment, then slowly turned the knob. The door creaked open. Inside, the apartment was dim—the hallway light was off, the kitchen in darkness. A strange silence hung in the air.
He stepped inside, cautiously.
Lucas (softly):
Hazel...?
He made his way to her bedroom, stopping in front of the door. He knocked again, gently.
Still nothing.
He slowly pushed it open. The room was dark, heavy with stillness. Lucas reached over and switched on the light.
And there she was—Hazel. Sitting silently in the corner of the room, knees drawn up, eyes blank, her face unreadable. Not crying. Not moving. Just... still.
Lucas's heart tightened. He stepped closer.
Lucas (concerned):
Hazel... what are you doing? What happened?
She didn't respond.
He moved a little closer, lowering his voice.
Lucas:
Hey... come on, talk to me. Say something.
Hazel slowly stood up, her movements quiet, tired. She looked at him, her voice barely a whisper.
Hazel:
You know... I'm alone.
I have no one by my side.
My mom... my dad... and now Ethan.
I thought he was my best friend... but he left too.
Lucas's expression softened. He stepped forward and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
Lucas (gently):
Hazel... you're not alone.
We're all here. Me, Drake, Levi, Zayn, Ben, Caleb—every one of us.
We're your friends, and we're by your side.
You don't have to go through anything alone, okay?
Hazel looked at him, her eyes finally beginning to glisten. The weight in her chest loosened just a little.
Lucas gave her a small, reassuring smile.
Lucas:
You've got us. Always.
He pulled her into a comforting hug—soft, warm, steady.
For the first time that day, Hazel let herself breathe.
Lucas (softly):
You know, Hazel… I have a sister.
Hazel slowly pulled back from the hug, surprised.
Hazel:
You never told me that.
Lucas gave a faint smile, eyes distant with memory.
Lucas:
Yeah… she's younger than me. Just by two years.
She used to cry when she lost her teddy bear, and I'd have to flip the entire house to find it.
She always clung to me when she was scared.
She looked up to me for everything.
He paused, his smile fading just slightly.
Lucas:
But now she lives far away… we barely talk anymore.
Life happened, you know?
Hazel listened quietly, her expression softening.
Lucas (gently):
But when I met you… the way you smile, the way you act stubborn, or sit quietly with all that stuff going on inside you…
It reminds me of her.
Hazel looked at him, a small, tearful smile forming.
Lucas:
So maybe that's why I care. Maybe that's why I always look out for you.
Because when I see you hurting, it's like I'm watching her hurt… and I can't just stand by.
Lucas (smiling):
I'm not saying this to make you cry, okay?
Just… don't ever think you're alone.
You've got a whole gang of idiots ready to jump in for you at any time—including me.
Hazel let out a quiet laugh, wiping at the corners of her eyes.
Hazel:
I really needed that.
Lucas patted her head gently.
Lucas:
Anytime.
They both stood there, the silence no longer heavy, but warm. Steady. Comforting.