The Promises in Silence( BL)

The Promise

Caleb's 18th birthday marked a bittersweet milestone, both a celebration and the beginning of an inevitable goodbye. The orphanage buzzed with excitement as Mother Charity and the other children put together a small party for him. Streamers hung from the walls, and a modest cake sat on the dining table, its frosting slightly uneven but made with love. Caleb couldn't help but smile as everyone sang for him, their voices filling the room with warmth.

Preston was by his side the entire day, his small hand clutching Caleb's sleeve, as if afraid to let go. His wide blue eyes rarely left Caleb, watching his every move with a quiet intensity that spoke louder than words.

When it came time for gifts, Preston shyly approached Caleb, holding a small box wrapped in newspaper. "Happy birthday, Cay," he said softly, his cheeks flushed.

Caleb took the gift, his curiosity piqued. Gently unwrapping the box, he found a handmade picture frame, slightly lopsided but endearing in its imperfection. Inside was a photo of the two of them, smiling under the shade of a tree in the orphanage yard. Caleb felt a lump rise in his throat as he traced the edges of the frame.

"So you won't forget me," Preston whispered, barely meeting Caleb's gaze.

Caleb knelt down, pulling Preston into a tight hug. "I could never forget you, Pee," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you. This… this means everything to me."

The weekend of Caleb's departure came too quickly. He had spent the last few days packing his belongings, a modest collection of clothes, books, and a few personal items. He had secured an apartment near his workplace, sharing it with a colleague from the gaming company. It was a necessary step forward, a chance to build a life beyond the orphanage walls.

But for Preston, it felt like the end of the world.

From the moment they woke up, Preston was glued to Caleb's side. He followed him everywhere, silent but ever-present. When Caleb folded his clothes, Preston helped, his small hands smoothing the fabric. When Caleb packed his bag, Preston held it open for him, his lips pressed into a tight line to keep from crying.

By the time the taxi arrived to take Caleb to his new home, the tension between them was unbearable. As Caleb carried his bag toward the door, Preston finally broke the silence.

"Please, Caleb," Preston whispered, his voice trembling. "Don't go."

Caleb stopped in his tracks, turning to face him. Preston stood by the doorway, his hands clenched into fists, tears streaming down his cheeks. The sight shattered Caleb's resolve.

"Pee," Caleb said softly, setting his bag down. He crouched to Preston's level, brushing a stray tear from his cheek. "I have to go. You know I don't want to, but I need to do this. For me. For us."

Preston shook his head, his shoulders quaking with suppressed sobs. "What if you forget me?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

Caleb's chest tightened, and he gripped Preston's shoulders gently. "I could never forget you," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him. "You're my family. You're important to me. You'll always be in my heart, no matter where I go."

Preston's lip quivered. "But what if you don't come back?"

Caleb swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay composed. "I'll come back for you, Pee. I promise. No matter how long it takes, no matter what happens, I'll find a way. You're not alone. Not now, not ever."

The flickering light above them buzzed faintly, the only sound in the otherwise silent orphanage. Caleb tried to memorize every detail of the moment: the way Preston's tiny hands clutched at his shirt, the way his tear-filled eyes searched Caleb's for reassurance, the way the air between them felt heavy with unspoken fears.

Standing, Caleb pulled Preston into a tight embrace. "Be strong for me, okay? You've got this. And remember, no matter what, you're always in my heart."

Preston clung to him desperately, as though letting go would shatter their bond. But Caleb knew he couldn't stay. With a gentle but firm hand, he pried Preston's fingers away and took a step back.

"Goodbye, Pee," Caleb whispered, his voice breaking.

Preston's soft cries echoed down the dimly lit hallway as Caleb turned and walked toward the waiting taxi. He didn't look back—he couldn't. Because if he did, he might not have the strength to leave.

The door closed with a soft click.