"YEAHHHHH", Eric knew that he was going against his parents if he were to dedicate his time outside of school to anything that is not school-related, but what did that ever matter when there was someone who never held burdensome expectations as a friend.

"Let's do 4 pm then. I'm gonna lie that I got some club meeting or a make up test."

"Damnnn. You're actually being cool for once?"

"Nah, I woudn't be friends with you if that were the case."

"You right" Eric sets down his phone, shoulders feeling lighter... no, he was more confident.

The rest of the drive home was silent, it felt like an eternity for the both of them before they finally arrived home. No one else was there to greet Eric home. He has no siblings, no pets. His father is still at work, but it's not like Eric would notice either way. The homework is like usual, but it will take the entire afternoon and evening to finish it. Eric could imagine himself in the future, living to work and not the other way around. Eric immediately yawned at the thought. The idea of living such a life felt exhausting and the bed felt more tempting to fall into than ever. There was homework to do, but this time a little self-indulgence felt needed more than ever. Eyelids became encumbered. For what felt like centuries, Eric allowed them to close and nestled himself into the comfort of his bedsheets.