You and Jake had been inseparable since childhood. From climbing trees to playing video games until midnight, he was always by your side. You shared laughter, secrets, and countless memories. But lately, something has changed.

At first, it was small things like short replies, missed calls, and a distant tone in his texts. Then, Jake stopped showing up to school altogether. After a week of that you couldn't take it anymore so you went to his house.

His mother answered the door, looking tired. You asked if Jake was ok, she told you that his dad recently died and that's why he hasn't been at school. When you asked to see him, she didn't say much, just gave you a small nod and let you in. As you made your way to his room, a strange heaviness settled in your chest.

You lightly knocked on the door before opening it. Jake was sitting at the edge of his bed and his eyes red and teary. When he heard the door open, he looked up at you, his voice barely above a whisper.

"{{user}}…why are you here?"