Way To Forever

In the bustling cotton factory, a young boy with pitch-black hair and striking red eyes, standing tall at 180cm, was meticulously picking up boxes from the floor. On his forehead, a mysterious mark added an air of intrigue to his appearance. Just as he lifted the last box, the door to the room swung open, revealing a blonde man with captivating green eyes clad in a snug shirt. This man was none other than Henry Williams, his co-worker, friend, and roommate.

Henry had arrived in Mist Haven after a devastating natural disaster struck his hometown, Silver Brook. At the tender age of sixteen, he had tragically lost his entire family, prompting him to seek a new life in this unfamiliar town. Asher Blackwood, the young boy with the unique mark, extended his hand in friendship and offered Henry a place to stay.

As they toiled together in the cotton factory, their bond grew stronger, and they became inseparable friends. Today was no different as Henry entered the room, after entering he asked him curiously

"Asher, have you heard the rumours of Neverland that are on everyone's lips these days?" Henry asked, walking closer to him.

"No, I haven't. I'm hearing it for the first time from you," Asher said, his level of curiosity rising.

"Hey man, something strange is happening these days. Have you noticed anything lately? They say it's the doing of people from Neverland..." Two men who sat across their table said in a whisper, but it wasn't as though both friends couldn't hear them.

"How can people believe in this type of nonsense? These things only happen in fairy tales," Asher replied, feeling irritated by the nonsense he just heard.

"Asher, I think they might be telling the truth. I also saw some strange footprints the other day at the back of our house."

"Let's leave this topic and focus on work. The boss is about to come," Asher said, ignoring what Henry said.

Asher took a look at the time, and there were just a few minutes more before twilight. He decided to return home a bit early since Henry wasn't feeling well and had to leave his work incomplete.

As he lazily strolled to the small riverbank where he always rested and fed the fish, he spotted an old lady carrying heavy suitcases and helped her since it seemed proper.

After which, he returned to the riverbank. He stared at the sky, and tried to remember his past, revealing the sorrow he always kept hidden with a smile.

It suddenly hit him that the next day was Henry's birthday, and not sparing a single minute, he ran to the shop to get a lovely painting as a gift for him, knowing very well his love for art. After which, he returned home and made sure he hid it properly, awaiting the next day.

Dawn arrived sooner than expected, and Asher jerked out of his bed, making his way to Henry's room, hoping to wish him a happy birthday. But he was nowhere to be found.

Asher gets outside and finds Henry in the courtyard

"Hey, Asher, you're awake," Henry said, startling him a bit, but he kept his composure.

"Yes, where were you?" He asked quietly, taking a seat.

"I went to the market to buy some eggs for breakfast. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, forget it. Anyway, happy birthday to you! Congratulations on turning 21. I'm so lucky to have a beautiful and caring soul like you," Asher said with a bright smile.

"Thank you, thank you so much! I'm glad you remembered my birthday."

"Of course, how could I forget my brother's birthday?"

"Okay, since it's my birthday, we have to make breakfast together."

"Okay, let's do it, but before that, I have a surprise for you," Asher said, restricting his steps.

"Okay," He replied with a small smile, but his eyes suddenly grew bigger seeing what Asher held.

"Oh my goodness, thank you, bro, you're the best," Henry said, holding the painting, and Asher couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.

"Alright, it's time for breakfast," Asher said, walking into the kitchen.

They both had their breakfast while grinning from ear to ear when a heavy crash from the sky disrupted their peace.

"What is that?" Henry asked, shock visible on his face.

"Don't know, let me check," Asher replied with a calm expression.

He went out just to find a big rock from the sky. While he was still checking around, he was taken aback by surprise seeing what the stone was.

He quickly restricted his steps to go back into his house when a humongous rock fell on his house too. Remembering that Henry was inside made him quicken his steps.

When he saw the rock fall on the same place where Henry was standing, he fell to the ground, tears streaming down his face. It felt like the end of the world for him

He shouted Henry's name and quickly entered the house through the window of his room. He felt his heart break as he slowly approached the fallen rock.