LOVE STARTS AT YOU

istry, but Mrs. Jennings was known for her strictness, and the thought of making a mistake in her class was enough to make anyone nervous. He too

fident as ever. He scanned the room, spotted Ethan,

opping his backpack on the fl

smile back. “Hey, Ryan.

I’ll ever be. I’m more of

yone, settle down. Today, we’ll be working on a lab experiment that involves combining different chemica

with an authoritative air. “Ryan, you can work with Ethan,” she

and Ethan chuckled softly. “Looks like

lab materials at the back of the room. Gogg

Mrs. Jennings nodded with satis

ls for their experiment. As they donned their goggles and gloves, Ethan couldn’t help b

plan?” Ryan asked, looking

two solutions together and observe the reactio

idence unwavering. “G

ise and deliberate. Ethan found that working with Ryan was surp

fter high school?” Ryan asked as the

m not really sure yet. I like drawing, but I don’t k

history or maybe becoming a teacher. I’ve al

ou’d make a grea

you’d be a great artist. Maybe you just n

h his chest at Ryan’s words. “May

he chemicals began to react. They watched in fascination as the

, his eyes wide with amaz

ience can be prett

s. Jennings’ instructions. As they worked, Ethan felt a sense of camaraderie

Mrs. Jennings made her way around the room, inspecting each group’s work with a critical eye. When

rare smile gracing her features. “Yo

pride at her words. “T

ayfully. “See? We

, Ryan turned to Ethan. “Hey, do you want to grab a c

moment, then nodded. “

Ryan told Ethan about his family and the move to their new town, wh

y ordered their drinks and found a table by the window, the aftern

s lived here?” Ryan asked,

here for as long as I can remember. It

lot because of my dad’s job. It’s hard to p

lness in Ryan’s voice. “Mus

oments. But meeting people l

. “I’m glad you’re here, Ryan. You’ve

t’s only just beginning. I’ve got a feelin

the time they left the café, Ethan felt lighter than he had in a long time. As they walked

as they reached the street where thei

. “Me too, Ethan.

way. He stood there for a moment, feeling a sense of a

rent. And with Ryan by his side, Ethan felt