I begin filling the second cardboard box with clothes, mainly winter attire since it is currently summer. I sigh at the thought of leaving college and how it will be a mixture of exciting and depressing. I doze into space until I hear the familiar buzz on my opened laptop.

The video chat app on the screen is full screen, showing a ringing phone from Garroth. I quickly answer it, revealing his face in the pitch black, showing some coverage from the screen's brightness.

"Hey, Aph?" Garroth questions before I say hello. "Huh? Garroth? I wouldn't expect you up this late... What's up?" I respond.

"I need your input on something... it's serious."

"W-What did you have in mind?" I stutter, imaging anything and everything he would want to discuss.

"My life is screwed up, and-well-I...," He stops abruptly, looking around the room for the right words.

"...Yes Garroth?" I whisper after a moment. He sighs and continues.

"You're the best person for advice, so tell me; how would you react if I said I was running away from my home?" He says, nonchalantly. I gasp loudly, fear creeping into my mind as Garroth doesn't seem like that kind of person. I cough to cover it all up as he obviously notices my gesture. I decide to respond asking if he was lying.

"Garroth... Is this a joke? Do you know what you're thinking of doing?"

He nervously scratches his arm, moving his way down to his wrists from the triceps. "If you knew exactly the suffering I have to deal with in my personal life, I have a feeling you would change your mind."

"What about gaming? And your family? I mean if you think that is right I can't hold you you back but--," I begin, only to get cut off by his masculine voice.

"Aph, my father is both an alcoholic and abusive," He begins to whisper. "I want to take my brother and leave this place. What's your opinion?"

"When you put it that way...," I breathe, continuing. "It doesn't sound half crazy. I would have years ago if my mother was like that," I sigh. "It's your choice... I'm just... Worried."

"I want an influence from you," he began. "I trust you, Aph. I've known you for many months now and know you'll do whatever to help others. But please, help me with this."

I begin to think of the pros and cons, deciding on a conclusion. "Fine... I should learn to respect your feelings. Just promise you won't do anything horrible."

His sly expression slowly turns to a crooked smile. "I won't. But the thing I need your help with is where my brother and I should go. I'm not saying where you live but you're a smart person. What and where do you think we should go and do?"

"If I were you, I would definitely not go to the city," I suggest. "Everything is expensive and you couldn't find a living. I would find some hotel or something to stay in temporarily in either Brightport or Phoenix Drop. Near where I go to school..." I look at my face in the corner and the small blush creeping onto my nose, cheeks, and ears.

"So I'm guessing you are in Phoenix Drop? What a coincidence..." He mutters. "I live in O'khasis, so it shouldn't be far for us."

"I-I'M NOT SAYING YOU HAVE TO BUT IF YOU WANT A-AND YOU'RE FINE WITH IT--" I begin blurting out. He holds a finger to his lips, indicating for me to speak lower. It does no justice to my blush, but shushes me down. "My father's asleep. But... Phoenix Drop wouldn't be the kind of place my father would expect me to go... I-I guess I WILL go there."

"Heh... Sorry," I imply, biting my nails in embarrassment. "Well let me know if you decide to crash around here! We can meet up and I can show you some AMAZING restaurants! Hehe!! It will be SO much fun!!!"

Garroth grin widens. "I'll take your word for it. If I'm lucky I'll be able to scavenge for money tomorrow while my father is at work and sneak out tomorrow... Thank you, Aph, for your help. Keep in touch with the chat, I'll definitely send you a message." This makes me smile as I hear the subtle tapping of footsteps. I assume it is Lily or Michi getting a shower or something for the time being.

"No problem!!" I exclaim as the footsteps come nearer to where I am sitting. Out of nowhere, Lily prys open the door and begins to yell in front of Garroth.

"APHMAU!! YOUR SCREAMING!! SHUT IT!!" Lily growls, looking like a rabid beast with her messy brown locks and piercing eyes.

"AHHHHH!!" I scream out of frightenedness. "Gotta go Garroth. Talk to you later?"

"Yeah, see you soon." He manages, staring into Lily's eyes. She looks back but I, in return, sign off quickly. She rolls her eyes as a smirk plays across her face.

"Who was that little cutie?" She giggles, twirling her hair. I suddenly become fired up.

"IT ONE OF MY ONLINE FRIENDS! WHY ARE YOU ACTING LIKE A SLUTTY BITCH?" I scream, jumping out of my chair. Her slimy snake-like expression doesn't change.

"Why are you so worried, Hm?" She slurs. "If he's online, he isn't a true friend. Where does he live? At least I can go and meet him."

I throw a punch directly at her face as she slickly dodges, silently leaving the room. She begins to close the door at it remains cracked open. I approach as her voice echoes into my room.

"You're even bitchier than me. Listen to what you're saying."

And with that, she slammed the door and left without a trace.