Page 26 of Don’t Call Me Son

“Hey, man… you okay? You look a bit pale.”

I let out a weak, embarrassed laugh and sit up straighter, wiping my face with the back of my hand. “Yeah… thanks for asking. Just drama.”

The guy grins sympathetically and nods. “I get that.” He holds his hand out. “I’m James.”

I shake it, kindly. “Archie.”

“So, Archie,” he says, leaning back on the bench, “is this girl drama… or boy… whatever, no judgment.”

I manage a small grin. “Something like that, yeah.”

James nods thoughtfully. “Look, I don’t know the details, but if you’re the one sitting here looking like your world just ended… maybe it’s time to put yourself first for once. If this person is hurting you, they might not be worth the pain. I was with my ex for only five months, and I kept convincing myself it was fine, that I could handle the ups and downs. The day we finally broke up, it hurt like hell… but a month later? I felt lighter than I had in ages. Sometimes walking away is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.”

I sit here quietly for a second, letting his words sink in. “Thanks,” I say eventually, voice a little rough. “I appreciate that. Really. A stranger giving decent advice is… surprisingly helpful.”

James chuckles. “Anytime. Hope it gets better, man.”

He stands up, gives me a friendly nod, and walks off toward the lake. I stay on the bench, staring at the grass.

It doesn’t magically fix the hurt, not even close. But if a random guy I’ve never met, thinks I should put myself first for once… maybe I really should.

…

I sit on the bench for another half an hour, just people-watching. My phone vibrates in my pocket again and again. I eventually pull it out, turn it to silent without even looking at the screen, and shove it back in. I don’t care who it is. They probably finished having sex and then remembered I existed. I run my hands over my face, exhausted; I’m gonna have to go back.

Another ten minutes pass before I pull my phone out again, swiping away all the unwanted notifications without reading them, and open my contacts; I scroll down to Jay’s name. He’s got an off-campus studio apartment, I’ve crashed there a few times before; I’m really hoping he’ll let me stay tonight.

I press call; Jay picks up almost immediately, like he was already looking at his phone. “You miss me already, Arch?” he says, cheeky as ever.

I let out a tired little laugh. “You busy?”

“Nah, just walking home. What’s up?”

I hesitate, then push through it. “Would you mind if… uh…”

Jay doesn’t even let me finish; he’s known me too long. “You wanna crash at mine?”

“Yeah,” I say quietly. “Would that be okay?”

“Of course, man. You’re always welcome, you know that.”

I close my eyes for a second, relieved. “Thanks, Jay. You’re a lifesaver. I owe you.”

“Nah, you’re good,” he says fondly. “Just bring socks; your feet stink.”

I bark out a genuine laugh. “Fuck off.”

Jay laughs with me, then asks, “What time you coming? Guess I should make it look like less of a dump for my best friend.”

“As soon as I can, if that’s alright,” I say. “Just need to grab some stuff from home first.”

“Alright, no problem. See you in a bit, man.”

“Bye.”

I hang up, stare at the phone for a second, then pick up my bag, and start the walk back toward the house.

…