Little did I know Billy is actually a very delicate person. Behind that "school jock" or "bully" persona hides somebody that just needs a little bit of love and kindness. The past few days have been solid proof of that. I came to the conclusion that behind that strong athlete is just a very hurt teenager that didn't know any better. Looking at him now, I don't think I've ever seen him smile like that.

As of this moment he's going through my sketchbook. I don't think I've ever mentioned that I draw. It's not something I'm very good at, but it's fun, so why not.

"This place looks familiar.", Billy said. I went over to see what he was referring to and there was a drawing of a few trees. I looked closer and I realized I drew this when I went to the forest. I have no idea how long ago that was though. Maybe two years?

"It's a landscape. I drew it in the forest behind our house."

"Oh... that's why it looks so familiar. I used to go with my dad there when I was little. We'd hunt. Or at least pretend to. We'd rarely ever catch something. But I still enjoyed our long walks though."

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I pondered for a second. "Do you wanna go there some day?"

"Sure thing. I haven't been there in years. I mean, ever since my dad died, I've had no reason to, but now that I have you," he turned to look at me. "I do."

I smiled back at him. Maybe I can't recreate the same enjoyment his father brought him before everything went up in flames, but I can still try and bring him to the same place I drew that sketch.

"My drawing skills have improved a lot since then. Do you wanna go to the same place I drew that at? I wanna try a redo."

"Sure thing. I'll go anywhere with you."

There was this softness in his voice that I couldn't quite explain. He didn't sound sad or desperate to go there, but it was different. It wasn't something I'd heard from him before. There was this side of Billy I think I was the only person to ever see. The true Billy. Not the one at school. The kind and funny and sweet and cute Billy. The fact that he's been hurt so much to the point where he'd never even smile in front of other people, and yet I'm here bringing a grin to his face, shows how much I've changed him, and how much he's changed me. I'm glad I had that positive influence in his life. I hope I can heal him completely one day.

Ever since that night, both our lives have gotten better. It's sad that probably the only reason why we're friends is because we got close through his pain and suffering. Or maybe even if he wasn't hurting, we'd still have met. The universe works in mysterious ways.