16

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Alex returned home after a long day of work. He felt drained and yearned for a hot shower and a cold beer. But as soon as he stepped into his apartment, he heard a low weeping sound coming from the bedroom. His heart skipped a beat, and he tiptoed into the room, fearing the worst.

What he saw took him aback. It was David, his best friend, sitting on the bed, his head buried in his hands, sobbing.

"David, what happened? Are you okay?" Alex asked, his voice laden with concern.

David raised his head, and his teary eyes met Alex's.

"It's Claire," David said, his voice quivering. "She has a new boyfriend. She met him on Tinder, and he's everything I'm not. Rich, handsome, successful. I always knew this would happen, but it still stings."

Alex put his arm around David's shoulders and hugged him. "I'm so sorry, man. But don't worry. You'll find someone better. Someone who loves you for who you are, not what you have or don't have."

David looked at Alex and smiled faintly. "Thanks, Alex. You always know what to say."

Just then, Alex's phone beeped. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from his dad, asking him to visit him urgently. Alex cursed under his breath. He didn't want to deal with his dad's drama today, or any day for that matter.

But duty called, and Alex knew he had to go. He bid David goodbye and headed out of the apartment.

As he drove to his dad's mansion, Alex's mind was racing. He knew his dad only wanted him to take over his company, but Alex had other plans. He wanted to be a writer, to create something meaningful with his life, not just make money.

When he reached his dad's mansion, he found him in the living room, sipping whiskey and smoking a cigar.

"Alex, my boy. I'm glad you're here," his dad said, motioning him to sit.

"What's up, Dad?" Alex asked, trying to hide his annoyance.

"I need to talk to you about something important," his dad said, taking a puff of his cigar. "It's about my coma wife. I know you haven't checked up on her in a while, but-"

"What do you mean, coma wife?" Alex interrupted, his temper rising. "She's not just some random person. She's my mom, dammit. And I've been visiting her every week, despite my busy schedule."

His dad raised his eyebrows, taken aback by Alex's outburst. "I didn't mean to-"

"And don't you dare talk about Elizabeth like that," Alex continued, standing up. "You have no right to judge her or our relationship. She's the strongest person I know, battling kidney failure every day, and yet she manages to give me strength and hope. So, next time you want to talk to me, be respectful."

Alex stormed out of the mansion, his heart pounding with fury and disappointment. He knew he couldn't change his dad's ways, but he could change his own. He would make sure to keep visiting Elizabeth and cherishing their love, no matter what anyone said.

As he drove back home, Alex felt a sense of clarity and purpose. He was not just a son or a friend. He was a human being, with dreams, passions, and feelings. And he would not let anyone decide his fate or his worth.

When he reached his apartment, he took a long, hot shower, cracked the cold beer he had yearned for, and sat down to write. He had a story to tell, a story of love and courage, a story that would make a difference. And he knew just how to start it.