Chapter 13: Chapter 12
Building Dreams
Everything was falling into place for Caleb. After months of meticulous work, he launched his first game online, and the reception exceeded his wildest expectations. The game, designed to appeal to both young and old, captured the hearts of players everywhere. It quickly became a sensation, climbing the charts and gaining rave reviews. Caleb could hardly believe it.
"I never thought people would love it this much," he confided to Jason one evening as they shared a celebratory drink.
Jason, ever the supportive friend, grinned. "I told you, man! You're a genius. People recognize greatness when they see it."
Jason had become more than just a roommate. He was Caleb's biggest cheerleader, a true brother in every sense of the word. From the very beginning, Jason had been there, celebrating every milestone and lending a hand whenever needed. When Caleb had struggled to pay for his online course, Jason had even chipped in, offering financial support without hesitation.
"I couldn't have done this without you," Caleb admitted one night, his voice thick with gratitude.
Jason shrugged it off with a smile. "We're a team, man. And I believe in you. Always have."
With their successes mounting, Caleb began to dream bigger. One evening, as they sat brainstorming ideas for his next project, Caleb turned to Jason with an idea that had been on his mind for weeks.
"Jason," he began cautiously, "what do you think about starting our own company? We've been working for this company for a while, and we've gained so much experience. What if we did something for ourselves?"
Jason's eyes lit up with excitement. "Are you serious? Caleb, that's an amazing idea! Of course, I'm in."
The decision was made. They both handed in their resignations and embarked on the daunting journey of starting their own gaming company. With limited resources, they set up shop in their apartment, transforming their living room into a makeshift office.
The early days were tough. Caleb poured every ounce of energy into designing his second game, while Jason tackled the marketing and business development aspects. They worked long hours, often skipping meals and barely getting any sleep. But despite the challenges, the passion and determination they shared kept them going.
"No one ever told me starting a company would be this hard," Caleb muttered one night, his eyes bloodshot from hours at the computer.
Jason laughed, handing him a cup of coffee. "It's worth it, though. Look at how far we've come already."
Their hard work paid off. Caleb's first game continued to gain traction, providing a steady stream of revenue, while the buzz around their second project began to build. Before long, their company was recognized as one of the most promising up-and-coming gaming companies in the city.
The day their name appeared on an industry list of rising stars, Caleb and Jason couldn't contain their joy.
"You see this?" Jason exclaimed, pointing at the article on his phone. "We're doing it, Caleb! We're really doing it!"
Caleb laughed, the weight of their struggles momentarily lifting. "This feels like a dream."
With their company growing, it was time to expand. They scoured the city for an affordable office space, determined to take the next step in their journey. They also began planning to hire a small team to help them manage the increasing workload.
Through it all, Caleb remained focused. Yet, as busy as he was, there were still moments when his thoughts drifted to Preston. Lying in bed at night, after long hours of work, he would picture the boy's face—the spark in his eyes, the sound of his laughter.
"Be strong for me, Preston," he would whisper to the darkness. "I'm building something for us, for you. I hope you're doing well."
But most nights, there wasn't even time for such reflections. The demands of building a company consumed him entirely, leaving him too exhausted to dwell on anything .