The morning sunbathed the school grounds in a warm glow as Axka hurried through the gates. He had just dropped Mika off at school, his pace quicker than before—a sure sign of his recovery that filled him with a sense of gratitude and relief. With Mika safely at school, he made his way to the morning assembly, blending into the sea of students already gathered.

He slipped in just in time to catch the final part of Principal Arif’s speech:

“… after so many years… the first ever... camp specifically aimed at correcting problematic behavior... anyone can join...”

Midway through the principal’s speech, Axka heard the tail end of his announcement about a camp for problematic students, a new initiative after many years. It was open to all, offering a chance for extra experience.

But before he could ponder it further, the principal dropped a hint: a well-known teacher was coming back. Just as the students were settling back into the usual noise, a familiar figure shuffled onto the stage, catching everyone off guard.

The monotony of the assembly was abruptly shattered, It was Caden. He stumbled onto the stage, still in pajamas, his hair a wild mess. He gave a lazy wave, squinting under the bright lights, and the students burst into laughter, nudging and whispering to one another.

“Morning!” Caden mumbled, adding fuel to the excitement. The hall buzzed with energy, students barely containing themselves as Caden lazily waved them off.

“No, don’t get excited yet. I’m not back for teaching,” Caden said sleepily, cutting off the cheers. He chuckled, and disappointment swept over the students as they realized he wasn’t returning to teaching. Axka, who had already heard this, felt the disappointment first.

“Alright, I’m going back to sleep. See you at the camp!” Caden announced before shuffling away. The students cheered again, excited by the prospect of his return to the camp. His presence promised that the camp would be anything but dull. Students of whom hadn’t even been considered ‘problematic,’ were eager to attend.

Meanwhile, the teachers whispered amongst themselves, some skeptical about Caden’s casual return. His approach was legendary, but also unpredictable.

As the students cheered for Caden’s return, Axka felt a quiet sense of pride. He had helped make this happen, though the reasons behind it were still a bitter reminder.

While others saw the camp as just another school event, Axka revealed in the fact that he had somehow played a part in bringing back a legend.

Above all, he realized Caden’s cryptic message from yesterday’s conversation was about this very moment—his return to the camp.

Caden’s return made Axka hopeful. Maybe this camp could be the fresh start they all needed. Caden had always found a way to teach in a fun manner and somehow, people seemed to grow under his watch.

As they left the hall, Takoda’s excitement was palpable. “This camp is going to be epic with Mr. Caden!” His excitement was infectious, and for a moment.

For a moment, Axka wanted to share in his friend’s enthusiasm. but as the laughter faded, Mika’s face came to the forefront of Axka’s thoughts. While others looked forward to the camp, his mind was elsewhere—always on Mika. That responsibility clung to him, never letting go, even in moments like this. The worry of not being able to be there if something happened hung heavily on his mind caused his excitement for the camp to fade.

As the students returned to their classes with excitement, the teachers exchanged quiet glances as they walked to their offices, some shaking their heads. The contrast was stark—while the students saw adventure, the teachers saw chaos.

“I couldn’t believe Mr. Stoddard had shown up in his pajamas,” Ms. Lorraine whispered, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. “This was a formal assembly, not a slumber party.”

Mr. Jenkins, always ready to stir up a debate, leaned in closer. “True, but you know how he is—always looking to make a point in the most unconventional way. Though I did wonder what message he was trying to send this time.”

Mrs. Keegan, who had been quietly observing the students' reactions, added, “It wasn’t just about making a point, was it? He was beloved by the students because he dared to be different. But yes, there’s a time and place for everything.”

The group fell into a thoughtful silence, pondering Mr. Keegan’s words. Ms. Lyra finally broke the silence, her voice softer but no less firm. “Perhaps unconventional is exactly what these kids need. After all, nothing else has worked. Maybe his methods were uncommon, but they had their worth if this camp succeeded in correcting problematic behavior.”

Silenced by her words, their conversation faded as they moved toward their respective duties. The assembly's echoes barely faded as the students made their way back to class, the upcoming camp casting a long shadow over their routine.

As the students rushed back to their classes, buzzing with excitement. Axka was the last one to come into the class, finally settled on his seat.

Takoda glanced at him, breaking the silence, “How are you going to handle the camp with everything else you have to do?” he asked, concerned lacing his words.

“I’m thinking of running back and forth. I still have my night shift…” Axka trailed off, he could already feel his manager’s mood on the news.

Takoda grinned, “Don’t worry, I’ll just tell them you forgot to feed your cat.”

Axka shot back, “I don’t even have a cat.”

“Exactly.” Takoda’s playful smirk. Axka chuckled, but the laugh felt hollow. He could pretend for a moment, but the weight of everything waiting for him would always return.

Suddenly, Mrs. Lorenzo opened the classroom door, her presence prompting the students to return to their seats. She greeted everyone with a cheerful, “Good morning, class.” Their conversation was soon overtaken by the day’s lessons.

***

The break bell had barely rung when a classmate burst through the door, breathless and grinning. “The camp starts the day after tomorrow!” someone shouted, barely able to contain their excitement. The room buzzed with whispers and cheers, but for Axka, the words hit like a weight on his chest. While others eagerly talked about adventure, he could only think of resolve of his matters.

The room buzzed with the news. A list of “mandatory attendees” was posted on the news board, officially labeling them as ‘Mavericks,’ a term for problematic students. The list drew a collective gasp and sparked rumors.

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Takoda and Axka didn’t rush to the board; they already knew they were on it.

“I saw the list and the application forms. They’re really turning this into a big party, aren’t they?” Aime joked, raising an eyebrow in mock surprise. His reaction seemed to reflect a mix of amusement and irritation, especially when compared to Smitty's more laid-back demeanor.

“Why us?” Aime’s voice carried a mix of disbelief and annoyance.

“Well, you know us,” Takoda chuckled, settling the matter.

Their hesitation to attend, mixed with the irony of the situation, led to a quick debate. “They also gave applications for those without any disciplinary issues, called ‘Achievers,’” Takoda said. “So, I guess we’re all ‘Rogue’ by default, huh?” His joke made them chuckle, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation.

He then added, with a confident voice to lighten the mood, “Well, at least the name ‘Mavericks’ sounds badass, right?” But despite his attempt to make light of it, both Aime and Smitty still seemed displeased about the camp. They were eager to skip the program for personal reasons.

Aime tried to brush it off, but there was a flicker of real frustration on his face —someone he likes since they were kids. “I have plans with a childhood friend on the second day of camp and I barely meet her. Now this camp’s screwing it up.”

Smitty, on the other hand, wore a practiced calm expression, but his girlfriend’s stern texts were making him worried. If he skipped their planned date, he knew there’d be more than just hurt feelings waiting for him. “I’m in trouble if I skip my date,” Smitty added.

Axka watched them, their lighthearted concerns a stark contrast to the weight on his own shoulders. “Well, we can’t do much about it,” he muttered, his tone detached from their excuses. The others nodded, but the tension between obligation and desire still lingered in the air. The conversation settled into an uneasy acceptance of the situation.

***

The final bell rang, Axka's mind raced. He would need to cover his shifts, perhaps rope in a friend or craft an excuse. Most importantly, he had to keep Mika from suspecting anything.

He exchanged a few last words with the group before his friends went their separate ways—Takoda headed off to see his girlfriend, Aime and Smitty left early, and Axka went to his brother's school, carefully crafting a story to keep him from finding out about the camp. His thoughts already shifted to Mika and what story he'd have to weave to keep the camp a secret.

Mika waited by the gates, his small frame slouched beneath the weight of his backpack, one arm gripping his walking stick. Despite his frailty, the spark of joy on his face remained a constant source of strength for Axka. Despite the frailty in his posture, Mika’s determination remained unbroken—a constant source of warmth in Axka’s world.

“Axka!” he greeted, his voice carrying a mix of relief and excitement. “Thought you’d be late today.”

Axka forced a smile, ruffling his brother’s hair as they started the walk home. Despite the storm of thoughts swirling inside him, Mika's innocent smile always managed to cut through the noise, offering Axka a fleeting sense of peace—a reminder of why he kept pushing forward. “No, I couldn’t let you wait too long. How was school?” Axka took his bag and carried it on his other shoulder.

Mika’s face brightened, and he launched into an enthusiastic recount of his day. “In my classroom earlier, you wouldn’t believe what happened! Mrs. Suiyen dropped the chalk, and then—” he continued, jumping from topic to topic, from the usual routines to the little dramas of the classroom. Axka nodded along, his heart warmed by Mika’s innocent joy, but his mind was already drifting back to the thoughts looming over him.

As they approached home, the conversation shifted. “Axka,” his brother began, his tone growing more serious, “you seem worried. Is everything okay?” Mika asked, his sharp eyes narrowing with concern.

Axka hesitated, searching for words to mask the truth. “I, uh… I might get a bit busier these next few days. Got something to do at school,” he explained, carefully avoiding any mention of the camp.

His brother looked concerned, his brow furrowing. “Will you still be home in the evenings?”

Axka nodded to reassure him. “Of course. I’ll always be back before 7. I might just have a bit more to do, that’s all.”

His brother nodded, but the lingering worry in his eyes didn't escape Axka’s notice. “If you need help, I can still walk and do more around the house. I don’t mind.”

His brother’s offer, so earnest and willing, tightened Axka’s chest. “No, Mika,” Axka said firmly, his voice softening despite the tension coiled inside him. “You need to focus on healing, and that’s the most important thing. Let me handle the rest.”

Mika nodded in understanding. As they entered their home, the warmth of the place enveloped them. Their home was small, but it was a refuge they had built together, a place where they could forget the outside world.

***

Later that night, after dinner, Axka checked on his brother before heading out for his night shift. He watched his brother sleep, his features relaxed in the quiet.

The night shift awaited, and Axka hurried to his part-time job. Arriving at Hazelnut Elementary, he braced for a confrontation with his manager, a man known for his strict adherence to the rules. When Axka explained his absences due to the camp, the manager’s unpleasant reaction was evident.

“Four days off on short notice? Are you out of your mind, Axka?” The manager’s voice was sharp, his frustration boiling over. “You’ve been late more times than I care to count, and now this? The school was a mess, and you didn’t even bother to show up!”

Axka stiffened. “I texted you,” he snapped, his voice more defensive than he’d intended. “I thought it would be enough.” he retorted, trying to keep the frustration from his voice, though he could feel it slipping through.

“Not when you make a habit of it,” the manager retorted, his tone hardening. “I’m this close to firing you for your repeated disregard for responsibilities.”

The manager’s threat served as a stark reminder to Axka that this job was more than a paycheck. “Then cut my pay, but please, I need this job.” he replied, his voice hoarse with desperation.

The manager paused, the silence between them heavy. The manager's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp like a whip with the familiar threat.

“Fine, take your four days.” he spat, his voice sharp and unforgiving. “But don’t think for a second that you're irreplaceable. One more time, Axka, just one, and you’re out. Or I could find someone while you’re away. I’ve got plenty of others who’d take your place in a heartbeat.”

Axka clenched his fists, swallowing the sharp retort that burned at the back of his throat. Each word from the manager struck like a lash, but Axka bit his tongue. No protests, no retorts—he couldn’t risk it. This job was their lifeline and losing it would mean unraveling the fragile stability he’d worked so hard to protect, just like the previous jobs he got.

As the manager walked away, Axka felt the weight of his words. He remembered how hard it was to get this job—how few people would accept him, especially given the legal barriers he faced.

As Axka worked, the manager's words echoed in his mind—a stark reminder that he needed to maintain his performance in this job, or else he would have a hard time struggling to search for another one.

Though an allowance and housing are provided to each child of war rescued by The Federal—a government initiative aimed at rehabilitating war orphans—the support barely covered their basic needs. Mika received his share, but Axka did not, due to his being missing for several years.

Axka focused on his work, using it as a mere distraction from his relentless thoughts.

Exhaustion clung to Axka like a lead blanket, heavy and suffocating, as he trudged through the stillness of the night. The empty streets stretched ahead of him, a stark contrast to the chaos inside his mind.

He kept walking, his thoughts circling back to Mika—sleeping peacefully and safe, unaware of the troubled situation he had to endure. Axka quickened his pace, eager to get home and see his brother, to remind himself that he was still there, still depending on him.

As their home came into view, a steely resolve settled over Axka. No matter what it took, he would find a way to keep everything stable—the camp, the job, the endless juggling of responsibilities. Its weight was crushing, but giving up wasn’t an option.

Because when he opened the door and saw his brother’s face, he knew that every sacrifice would always be worth it—a promise he’d keep, no matter the cost.