Nathaniel — 🖌️

All good things must come to an end. School years too. The ninth-graders of François Dupont School have graduated and gone their own ways, but they will certainly be remembered.

Nathaniel knew what he wanted to be. He was an artist, so the arts were definitely for him. But when he learned that his best friend, Mark—more than just a friend and a writer—was moving to another city, his heart broke. It was his friend Alex who brought him out of his apathy; it was with her that he shared a dorm when he started college.

And quite a bit of time had passed since college graduation. Nathaniel was almost twenty-five and had completely forgotten about Mark. He continued drawing and hanging out with Alex. It was she who told him about the class reunion. At first, Nathaniel didn't want to go, but Alex forced him. And it was impossible to refuse her.

He came to some closed party with expensive booze, snacks, music and... him?

Somewhere in the distance, next to Zoe, stood a familiar figure. Mark? Is that him? Is it really him?!

Nathaniel's heart began to dance, making it hard to even think. Alex chuckled, muttering something about "friends," and quickly ducked out, claiming she needed to go to the bathroom.

Zoe spotted Nathaniel a couple of minutes later, informing Mark. He turned and their eyes met.

He hadn't seen Nathaniel in ten years... ten fucking years. Seeing him again felt like finding something truly important.