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Troy laid in his bed as the Childish Tycoon took on the onslaughts of a thunderstorm. The rain pitter-pattered against the windows while the thunder sent loud cracks into the darkness of the night.
He was huddled in the corner of his sleeping quarters with a lamp, a large blanket, a small teddy bear, a gift from his beloved study group. It was the only thing that was keeping him grounded in the darkness of his cabin right now. Like a large warm blanket wrapping around him, keeping him safe from the outside world.
It's been a month into his journey and seeing all these new places was exciting. He knew that not many people had the chance to travel so he was grateful for having the opportunity. However, sometimes it wasn’t as fun as he’d thought it’d be. Right now, it was one of those times. Nothing was worse than being scared and alone with his thoughts.
Unable to sleep, Troy rubbed his face before getting out of his bed. Stretching first, he began making his way towards the control center of the ship where LaVar was navigating the cold violent ocean. Silently, Troy walked towards the seat next to LaVar with a blanket wrapped around him. As he fell heavily into the seat, a large crack of thunder sounded, making him hug his blanket tighter.
“Couldn’t sleep?” LeVar asks, looking ahead.
Troy stifles a yawn. “Not really,” he answers. Troy takes a deep breath. After a moment, he decides to bring up what’s been on his mind lately. “I just miss them a lot, LeVar.”
He missed them so much. He misses all their little side adventures and their small quirks. He misses it all. He supposes this was what growing up was all about; letting go and taking on new experiences life gave him. He just never knew how hard it would be. He never knew how much he’d miss his family.
It took LeVar a while to get what he was getting at, but after a while, LeVar gives him a sad look of understanding. “I’m sorry, Troy. I can’t imagine how difficult it is being away from your friends.”
“I mean I’m crazy, right? It’s only been a month and I already miss them.” Troy shakes his head with a sad look.
“Absolutely not. It’s completely normal to miss the people you love and I understand it can be difficult being so far away.”
“Troy, believe it or not, I’ve been in the same boat. Do you know what I always do when I’m away from family?”
Troy looks up. “Really? What do you do?”
“I hold them close in here.” Levar points at his temple and then points at his heart. “And in here.”
“Troy, I want you to know that there’s nothing wrong with missing your friends and I’m sure they're missing you too.” Troy nods along, comforted by the thought. LeVar turns around and digs through a small duffle bag.
“Here, I want you to take this.” Reaching into the bag, Levar pulls out a small leather notebook. “Now, you can always write back to your friends. Maybe it can help you feel more at home.”
“Your serious?” Troy asks. He grabs the leather notebook and gives LeVar a hug which he responds happily.
“It’s a journal so you can write down your thoughts or even letters. Go ahead, write something and we can send it off tomorrow morning.”
“Thanks, LeVar.” Troy gives LeVar a small hug again before standing up. He holds the notebook close to his chest before giving LeVar a grateful smile. “I think I’m ready to head back to bed now. Thank you for everything.” With that, he stands up and heads back to his room. Before reaching the door, LeVar calls out.
“And Troy?”
“Yeah?”
“If you need anything else, please ask.” Troy nods with a smile and closes his door lightly.
Despite voyaging in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the dark sea. Troy, for the first time in a long time, falls asleep to the comforting sounds of the rain. For the first time in a long time, he finally feels like everything was going to be okay.