Always Be Kind

Previously

…Alex’s heart soared. “I’d love to.” As Sam opened the sketchbook, Alex leaned in, a genuine smile finally gracing their lips. The lines of the fantastical creature seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, and for the first time in a long time, Alex felt like they were truly seeing it, and truly seeing Sam. The hum of the fluorescent lights still droned, but now, it seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the quiet, hopeful murmur of a friendship beginning to mend, one honest word, one sincere apology, and one shared moment at a time. The crumpled note in Alex's pocket suddenly felt insignificant, a relic of a distraction Alex was finally ready to move past.