Ford's face was like that of someone who had just heard the worst news in their life. Like the death of a family member, or getting diagnosed with cancer. In this case, however, Ford had just heard the words "I love you".

"No... They don't.."

He muttered to himself. According to Ford, no one loved him. Was that really true though? If someone would just disprove that, then it could be confirmed to be false. People had to have loved Ford, if no one had, then how could he have gone on living for as long as he had?

That is precisely the question he should be asking himself, but he didn't. He just lay on his bed with that same gloomy look on his face that he always had.

"How.. could they?"

All Ford needed was a little boost of inspiration. That inspiration that would cause him to stand up and say "I don't care".

Be like your father, Ford! He can, he just has to believe he can, but he won't. He hates himself. Does he hate himself, though? Or does he just want to believe that he does?

Suddenly-

"Hey son, can I come in?"

Who was that? It was the voice of a male. It was his father, he finally came to confront his son. Ford's eyes widened a bit, as he let his father into his room.

The man closed his eyes, and sighed before saying-

"Hey... Son..."

Ford wouldn't respond, he believed this would just be his father telling Ford how much he truly loved him. He didn't want to hear it. Then--

"What's your problem?!"

Ford looked up in shock, but didn't say anything--

"You try to act like you're the only one with a bad life, but you're not! You know, Ford Reski, why did you start ditching school? Yeah, you think we wouldn't know about that? They called us, dumbass! Get up! You're not the only one with problems!"

Ford immediately perked up as soon as he heard that, still silent from shock.

"But, in spite of all that, we love you! Because you are our son, and we only want what's best for you! We want to help you, don't you see that?!"

Ford could only muster out one thing--

"I..."

"Look, you are not unloved. You have people who care about you, but you may not have met them yet"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Suddenly, Ford heard another voice behind him, it was the voice of a woman, but not his mother-- who was it?

The woman spoke in a cheery tone--

"I love you too, Ford!"

Ford immediately had a sense of familiarity when he heard that voice. It was the voice of a familiar girl-- rose red eyes, and beautiful long blonde hair.

Arias.

Then, Ford heard the voice of male, but not his father--

"I am glad to have you as a friend, Ford!"

Again, that same sense of familiarity. It was the voice of a familiar friend-- white hair, white eyes.

Rallden.

Then, he heard the voice of a group of people, they all cared for Ford--

"We're glad to have met you!"

Finally, Ford had turned around. He was face to face with a bunch of people who he didn't know, until the memories came flooding back.

Then, Ford turned to face his father, closed his eyes, and said with a light smile--

"Thank you, dad..."

A hug, not just from his father, but he felt the warmth from his friend, and his lost lover, as well.

"You're right... I am loved, and now I know for sure that I am. By you, and by them.."

His father smiled when he heard that, and said--

"You see, son? I was right."

Ford chuckled--

"You were!"

***************

"Hey son, I made dinner!"

"Thanks mom!"

Then, his mother had also said the words--

"I love you"

What did Ford do? Did he hide away and cower in his room? No. He looked at both of his parents, and said with a smile on his face--

"I love you too."

*****************

Ford slowly opened his eyes, with the familiar sight of a tower around him.

He was surrounded by all his friends, trying to make sure he was okay. When Ford saw that, he smiled, made a slight chuckle--

"I'm more than okay..."

Then, he stood up, turned to face the group, and said--

"I'm sorry, I know you were all scared of me... But, there's nothing to be afraid of.. I'm okay now..."

The words his friends have been waiting to hear, have finally been heard.

_____________________________