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It was a bright afternoon at Athena and Bobby's place. Their little family, which they had patiently built in Los Angeles, had just finished eating one of their Sunday barbecues, a tradition dear to their hearts.
After enjoying juicy meat, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads, they settled comfortably in the garden. With full bellies and light hearts, each found their place among the chairs and loungers scattered across the lawn. The generous California sun gently caressed their faces, bringing a comforting warmth. The children, full and happy, lazily played in a corner, while the adults, drinks in hand, exchanged laughter and anecdotes.
It was relaxed and light-hearted. Among these adults was Eddie Diaz, who listened attentively to his best friend chatting with their friends and colleagues. Hen, Chimney, and Buck were talking about the cartoons from their childhood, and Hen was answering Chimney's question.
Hen: Mmmh, the one that made me cry the most? I think it was Candy Candy. She was too bullied.
They all laughed heartily, and Eddie made a small pout, not knowing this cartoon. Even Buck, who was not from the same generation as Hen, seemed to know it.
Chimney: Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, nothing was better.
Ravi: Oh, I love that one!
Even Ravi?! He was even younger than him and Buck. Eddie didn't understand why none of this was familiar. Then he looked up at Buck as he mentioned his favorite cartoon, really hoping to know it.
Buck: I loved Sonic. I'd love to rewatch all the episodes.
Frustrated, Eddie frowned; that didn't ring a bell either.
Then they continued chatting. Eddie listened to the others mention names of shows and cartoons he had never seen. The way they talked about them made them all seem like classics, which made him feel even more out of place. Yakari, Esteban and The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Balto, Princess Sarah, Nicky Larson, The Pink Panther, Scooby-Doo. Why didn't he know any of these? Had he forgotten his childhood? No, he remembered his childhood too well.
Suddenly, he was pulled from his thoughts by Buck, who had turned to him with a smile.
Buck: And you, Eddie? What did you watch?
The former soldier opened his mouth, but no sound came out. His eyes widened. He didn't know what to say.
Eddie: Uh... I... I liked Sonic too.
Buck smiled at him and turned back to the others.
Buck: And then, when I was older, it was One Piece, and it still is since it's not finished yet.
Eddie held back a sigh as their conversation shifted to old board games and a whole bunch of things he didn't know existed. Feeling more and more out of place, he quietly got up and went to lie down next to the kids on the trampoline.
He watched them play and laugh, finding some peace in observing their innocence and simple joy.
That night, in his bed, Eddie was deep in thought. He felt like he had missed something and was falling behind. Why didn't he know any of these classics? He couldn't understand. Did he really have so little culture? His colleagues' memories echoed in his mind, reinforcing his sense of isolation. He wondered how he could have missed so many things that seemed to have shaped others' childhoods. His mind was swirling with unanswered questions.
But finally, a light bulb slowly lit up in his mind and electrified him. He suddenly understood why.
He wasn't allowed.
When he was a little boy, Eddie wasn't allowed to enjoy those kinds of entertainment. But it wasn't fair. Sophia and Adrianna, they had the privilege of watching whatever they wanted. Eddie, on the other hand, only remembered educational books that filled his lonely days. Don't get me wrong, Eddie loves to read, but back then he couldn't read anything interesting. He didn't remember any board games or video games, neither at home nor with friends, because friends, well, he never had any, and he realized that just now.
Little Eddie never had friends. At school, just like today, he couldn't fit into the other kids' conversations, which were mostly about games and what they watched on TV, so he often kept to himself, buried in his boring books. Sometimes, he would take a blank sheet and his few markers and draw what he could. It was his only way to imagine fantastic, magical, and extraordinary worlds.
In the playground, while the other kids played and laughed together, the little brown-haired boy watched from his quiet corner. He sometimes felt a little lonely, but when he drew, he lost himself in his creations, giving free rein to his imagination. Each pencil stroke was an open door to a universe where he could be whoever he wanted, where exciting adventures unfolded before his eyes.
Snuggled under his blanket, Eddie felt immense sorrow for his child self, for the lonely little boy he had been. His heart trembled as he remembered those moments when he stood apart, alone with his books and drawings. His eyelids might have been damp as he let those feelings resurface. With a resigned sigh, he surrendered to sleep.
The next morning, after getting ready, Eddie glanced into Christopher's room and found him asleep. He approached quietly and tenderly kissed his temple; he loved him so much and sincerely hoped Christopher was happy and fulfilled.
Of course, Eddie had shared cartoons, video games, and board games with his son, but it wasn't the same as those from his time. When they shared these moments, it was for Christopher's enjoyment, not his. Each time, Eddie's mind was preoccupied with daily responsibilities: dinner to prepare, laundry to wash and iron, paperwork to fill out and send, and sometimes even the weight of the past. Even if he participated actively, his mind was not fully present; it was often consumed by the worries of his adult life or simply by the joy of seeing his son smile and laugh.
So no, it wasn't quite the same.
He left the room and greeted Carla, who had just rung the doorbell. She was supposed to take Christopher to Karen's once he woke up. So Eddie greeted her and headed to the firehouse.
Climbing the stairs to the loft, Eddie smiled hearing the laughter of Hen and Buck, who seemed to be teasing Chimney gently. But once upstairs, his smile faded upon seeing them in front of the couch TV, controllers in hand, playing a video game console that looked quite retro and surely from his childhood era.
Buck, having noticed him, turned toward him, eyes still wet from laughter.
Buck: Hey Eddie, look what Chim brought, come play, there's an extra controller!
Eddie didn't know how to play. He couldn't even name the console model or the game on the screen. The character looked like an elf with a green tunic, a shield, and a sword, wandering a world full of creatures; it didn't ring a bell. So he smiled at his friend.
Eddie: Sorry buddy, I have a bit of a headache, so I'll avoid video games today.
Buck gave him a sympathetic smile and turned back to his game.
Eddie made himself a coffee, greeting Bobby, who was watching the other three with a gentle and fond smile, then went to sit at the dining table.
But after a few minutes, he wished for only one thing: for the alarm to sound. Meanwhile, he listened to what seemed to be the three best friends in the world singing the theme songs of the cartoons they had talked about the day before.
However, it was a very calm day, with only one call between noon and two. The former soldier, although not superstitious, had been tempted to say the forbidden word, but he didn't want to incur the wrath of his colleagues.
His friends had been immersed all day in their antics and memories, memories that Eddie couldn't understand. Even Bobby chimed in from time to time. So, without a word, the brunet gathered his things at the end of the day and left the firehouse, while the others, even though their shift was over, continued laughing and having fun talking about their childhood games.
Eddie didn't understand why it affected him so much. Anyway, he didn't want to try to understand; he just wanted to hold his son in his arms.
So, once he picked up his son from Karen's, they had dinner together, showered, and got into pajamas before snuggling on the couch. But as if fate didn't want to leave him alone, it continued.
Christopher: Dad?
Eddie encouraged him to continue with a nod.
Christopher: Today, with Denny, we watched The Fox and the Hound. Karen said it was from your time. Did you like it? Was it beautiful? Don't you think it's too sad when Tod has to leave?
Eddie closed his eyes, biting his cheeks. This was a joke, right? He didn't want to lie, so deftly, he changed the subject and they went to bed.
The next day, it was the same at the firehouse. The three friends seemed obsessed with the past, and none of them seemed to wonder why Eddie didn't participate. This saddened the brunette even more, reinforcing his sense of being out of place.
But that evening, Christopher was at his grandmother's for the next few days. Eddie, exhausted, headed to his room without having eaten, intending to sleep during his next three days off. Barely ready for bed, someone knocked on his door. He opened it and found Buck, holding bags of takeout and beers.
Eddie: Buck? What are you doing here?
Buck made an uncertain pout.
Buck: It's our chill night, Eddie. Did you forget?
No, he hadn't forgotten.
Eddie: What? Uh... No, I just thought you'd be spending the evening with Hen and Chimney.
Buck smiled, shrugged, and made his way inside.
Eddie closed the door and joined Buck, who had settled in the living room and placed their meals on the coffee table, holding the TV remote.
Buck: What should we watch...?
Eddie, who had sat down beside him, sighed.
Eddie: I guess we're going to watch one of those old shows.
He bit his lip, realizing it had come out much harsher than he intended.
Buck turned to him, confused.
Buck: You okay?
Eddie nodded, his lips pressed together, unsure of what to say next.
Buck: What's going on, Eddie?
Eddie: Nothing, everything's fine.
The curly-haired man sighed.
Buck: Eddie... tell me what's going on. You might think I haven't noticed, but you've been acting differently lately. I know you're not much of a talker, but we barely hear from you at all these days.
Eddie: Everything's fine, Buck. It's just that you've been hanging out with Hen and Chim a lot lately, so you think I've been less around, but I was there, don't worry.
And it sounded more like a complaint than anything else. Damn.
Buck took on a slightly firmer tone, making it clear to his friend that avoiding the conversation was pointless.
Buck: Eddie. Tell me what's...
But the brown-haired cut him off.
Eddie: It's just that...
He hesitated, then took a deep breath.
Eddie: It's just that I feel a bit left out when you guys talk about all those childhood things. The cartoons, the video games... I don't know them. I didn't have that. I don't have those kinds of memories, and it makes me feel... different.
Buck remained silent for a moment, taking the time to understand what his friend had just said.
Buck: What do you mean, you didn't have that?
Eddie looked down, searching for the right words.
Eddie: When I was little, I wasn't allowed to watch cartoons or play video games. My parents didn't want me to. I was supposed to focus on more serious things, like school. So all those things you talk about, I don't know them. I don't have those memories.
Buck looked at him, eyes filled with understanding and sadness.
Buck: Eddie, I'm sorry.
Eddie shrugged, trying to downplay his pain, and quickly wiped away a solitary tear that had run down his cheek.
Eddie: It is what it is. But it makes me feel out of place when you all talk about it. I feel like I don't belong, and I'm sorry it's selfish, so please don't stop having fun because of me.
Buck moved closer and placed a comforting hand on the eldest shoulder.
Buck: You do belong, Eddie. We're a family, and that's not based on childhood memories.
His head still lowered, the former soldier nodded.
Buck: Lousy parents, if I understand correctly.
Eddie let out a small, sad laugh.
Eddie: You can say that.
Buck: But I had Maddie; she's the one who showed me all that.
Buck immediately regretted his words when he saw Eddie shoulders slump again, and he seemed so small as if each word revived an old wound.
Eddie: Adrianna and Sophia weren't very close to me. They were usually together.
Eddie's childhood memories seemed to fill the room with their silent weight. Buck didn't know what to say. He had always admired Eddie's quiet strength, but he now realized how much his friend still carried the scars of his past, even the most childish ones were steeped in pain.
Buck: How about we get some sleep?
Eddie nodded with a slight sigh, accepting the suggestion as a welcome reprieve.
Eddie: Mmhh, good idea.
So, the next morning, arriving in the kitchen still sleepy, Eddie expected to find his friend preparing breakfast, but Buck was nowhere in the house. He spotted a small note on the kitchen island:
Meet at the apartment tonight at 6:00 PM. You're sleeping over at my place.
Buck.
Skeptical, Eddie wondered what his friend was planning. He hesitated to call Buck to find out more but ultimately got caught up in his chores all day.
The hours flew by with household tasks, errands, and appointments. Eddie couldn't stop wondering what Buck had in store. This curiosity stayed with him throughout the day, adding a touch of anticipation to his daily activities.
Finally, as six o'clock approached, he prepared to head to Buck's apartment, a slight nervousness in his stomach as he wondered what Buck had up his sleeve.
Right on time, Eddie knocked on Buck's door, and a few seconds later, Buck opened it.
Buck: Hey Eddie, come in.
Eddie stepped inside, looking around to see if he could find a clue, but everything seemed the same.
Eddie: What do you have planned, Buck?
The curly-haired man ignored his question and opened his fridge.
Buck: Want something to drink? I have iced tea, soda, and fruit juice.
Eddie frowned. Usually, Buck would have offered him a beer or something alcoholic. Maybe Buck didn't have anything else. Either way, it didn't matter.
Eddie: Uh... I'll take iced tea.
Casually, they drank their drinks while chatting. Until Buck set Eddie at the dining table and brought out a dish of chicken cordon bleu and small square fries.
Once again, the eldest man was puzzled. He wasn't picky, but Buck was the kind of guy who'd cook more sophisticated dishes. He said nothing, still waiting to find out why his friend had invited him over that night.
After dinner, they continued talking until Buck yawned, a sign that fatigue was starting to set in.
Buck: Mind if I take a shower first?
Eddie, still uncertain, nodded. Buck went upstairs, and after a few minutes, he came back down wearing a bathrobe. Eddie then headed to the bathroom. Once under the shower, the hot water provided some relief. But upon getting out and drying off, he realized he had forgotten to bring his bag with his night things, which was left downstairs. He called out to Buck.
Eddie: Buck?
Buck: Yeah?
Eddie: Can you bring me my bag downstairs? My sweatpants are in it.
A few moments later, Buck knocked on the door. Eddie, wrapped in a towel, opened it. But what Buck handed him wasn't his bag. Instead, he gave him a pair of loose, soft pajama pants with purple and black checks, accompanied by a roomy purple t-shirt featuring a smiling, almost cartoonish moon.
Eddie: These aren't mine, Buck.
Buck: Trust me, Eddie.
The younger man closed the door, leaving Eddie alone with the clothes. Intrigued and a bit amused, Eddie complied and put on the pajamas. He found himself appreciating the softness and comfort of the garments. A few minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom and returned to the living room.
The younger man closed the door, leaving Eddie alone with the clothes. Intrigued and slightly amused, Eddie put on the pajamas. He was surprised to find how soft and comfortable they were. A few minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom and returned to the living room.
There, he saw Buck dressed in matching pajamas, but in orange and black, with a t-shirt featuring a smiling sun. Eddie was about to make a joking remark, but his attention was drawn to Buck's bed. Where he hadn't noticed anything special earlier, there were now pillows with childish patterns, stuffed animals representing characters Eddie didn't recognize, and several brightly colored cartoon-style blankets, along with snacks, cakes, candies, and sugary drinks.
Eddie: What's all this, Buck?
Buck smiled, a little embarrassed but determined.
Buck: I thought you could explore everything we talked about last night.
Eddie felt a wave of emotion come over him. It was such a simple gesture but filled with so much meaning. Buck wanted to offer him a piece of the childhood he never had.
Buck: Come on, make yourself comfortable.
Shyly, Eddie settled on the bed, and Buck joined him, both surrounded by stuffed animals and blankets.
Buck grabbed two of the blankets and showed them to Eddie. On one, there was Tails, the little two-tailed fox, with his golden fur and mischievous smile. On the other, Knuckles, the red echidna, with powerful fists and a determined expression.
Buck: Which one do you want?
Eddie thought for a moment before timidly pointing to the one with the fox.
Buck had bought all this just for him. Touched, Eddie sniffed the blanket and noticed that Buck had even run it through the washing machine so it smelled like fresh laundry.
They settled in comfortably, snuggled together like two kids. Buck put on Sonic. They watched the screen with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Buck explained a few fun facts about the series to Eddie, like the origin of the characters and the different video games that came from it.
Buck: Did you know that Tails can use his tails to fly like a helicopter? I think we'll see it soon. He's a great mechanic too.
Eddie listened intently, getting caught up in Buck's enthusiasm. They talked about the characters, their powers, and their adventures.
Buck: Knuckles, for example, is the guardian of the Master Emerald. He's super strong but sometimes a bit naive.
Eddie: A bit like you.
They laughed heartily, and Buck pretended to sulk, pulling away from the brunet.
Eddie, smiling, gently caught him, pulling him back.
Eddie: And Sonic? He always seems so cool and laid-back.
Buck: Yeah, Sonic is the fastest. He hates injustice and loves adventure. He always rushes in to help his friends.
Buck muttered.
Buck: Yeah, I know, a bit like me...
As the episode progressed, Eddie felt more and more comfortable, immersed in this colorful and fascinating universe. They laughed at the funny situations, marveled at the action scenes, and shared a moment of connection Eddie had never experienced as a kid. Buck made sure every moment was enjoyable, patiently explaining and answering all Eddie's questions, creating a warm, comforting cocoon around them. And perhaps for the first time, Eddie felt like a child.
They spent most of the night watching several cartoons. They moved on to some classics like Scooby-Doo and Mickey Mouse, sharing memories and anecdotes.
At one point, Eddie timidly asked:
Eddie: Could we watch The Fox and the Hound?
Buck nodded with an understanding smile. They settled comfortably under their blankets, each with a stuffed animal under their arm, and started the movie. The atmosphere became softer and more emotional as the story unfolded.
When the saddest moment came, when Tod had to leave, Eddie felt his throat tighten. He glanced at Buck and saw that his friend was just as moved, his eyes shining with tears.
They cried like babies, not bothering to hide their emotions. Buck handed Eddie a box of tissues, which he accepted with a damp laugh.
Eddie: It's so sad... but so beautiful.
Buck: Yeah... it reminds me why I love these old movies so much. They touch something deep inside us.
They remained silent for a while, each absorbed in their thoughts. Then they continued watching the movie, cuddled up next to each other, finding comfort in their closeness.
At the end of the night, after finishing The Fox and the Hound, they decided to end on a happier note with an episode of Tom and Jerry. They laughed together at the characters' antics, letting the evening's emotions gently settle.
When they finally turned off the TV, in the dark, Eddie turned to Buck.
Eddie: Thank you, Buck, for doing all this for me.
Buck, lying next to him, gently stroked his back to comfort him.
Buck: It was my pleasure, Eds.
Moved, Eddie settled in comfortably, ready to fall asleep, but Buck spoke again.
Buck: You know what? If you want, from now on, every other movie night can be dedicated to these old classics. Next time, we'll watch One Piece; it's really great.
Too moved to respond, the former soldier nodded. Maybe he hadn't had friends during his childhood, but now, he had found the best of friends, and that was enough for him.
Eddie snuggled a little more under his blanket, a soft smile on his lips. The warmth and support from Buck gave him a comfort he had never known. In the darkness of the room, the feeling of loneliness and alienation that had enveloped him these past days began to dissipate, replaced by the gentle certainty that he was no longer alone. With Buck by his side, he could discover those little childhood pleasures he had missed and create new memories filled with laughter and companionship.
Eddie's thoughts slowly drifted to happy dreams, where he and Buck shared even more moments like these. As he let himself fall asleep, he finally felt at peace, his heart light and filled with gratitude for the precious friendship he had found.
The end☀️🌕