Six months later, in a small town known as Artimia.

Theodore Gray, a vigorous teenager, eagerly scoured through his cluttered and cramped bedroom. Despite being the smallest room in his house, with walls as thin as paper, it was Theo's sanctuary. He took comfort in the gentle sounds of nature and life that seeped through the cracks and crevices of his walls.

His bedroom, decorated with childlike drawings from his past, was a testament to Theo's creative spirit. It was messy and disorganized, with clothes strewn across the floor like a mountainous heap. Walking through the room was like moving through quicksand, but Theo didn't seem to mind.

As he gazed out of the window, the warmth from the sun illuminated his face, and for a moment, time stopped for Theo. However, the antique clock above his desk quickly brought his attention back to reality.

He was running late, as usual.

Theo's morning routine consisted of rushing through his preparations and always arriving just in time to beat his mother, who also acted as his alarm clock. Theo examined himself in the mirror, tousled his signature low afro taper fade hairstyle, and adjusted his dress shirt and tie.

In many ways, Theo was a typical teenage boy, average-looking and lacking absurdly endearing features. However, he made up for it with his vibrant personality and infectious energy. As Theo prepared to leave, he gave himself a nod of approval in the mirror, only to break out into laughter, humbling his ego. Though small and cramped, Theo's bedroom was where he could be himself.

"Theo, you're going to be late!" called out a voice that sounded soft and compassionate from a distance beyond the closed bedroom door.

"I'll be down in just a second!" Theo yelled back as he hurriedly grabbed the last of his belongings from the dresser and dashed out of the room.

As Theo rushed towards the staircase, he crossed paths with the family cat, Mimi. "Woah!" Theo exclaimed, deftly avoiding stepping on her tail with a quick spin.

"Mimi, you have to stop scaring me like that," Theo gently chided her while patting her head. Mimi responded with a loving lick on his hand, and Theo picked her up as he continued down the hallway.

The closer Theo got to the staircase, the more his senses were assailed by the numerous scents lingering throughout the home. As he arrived at the top of the steps, a familiar aroma cut through the mix and drew him down the stairs toward the source of breakfast.

As Theo neared the foot of the staircase, Mimi leaped from his arms and ran towards the table, where his father, Alvin Gray, was seated, reading one of his favorite books.

Theo's father was a tall and imposing man. His face was full, with a grizzly beard and steely eyes that spoke of a strong will. His muscular build was concealed somewhat under his clothes, but it was still apparent that he was a man of great strength.

Theo glided gracefully into the seat next to him and immediately began to devour his breakfast, tears of delight streaming from his eyes as he savored every bite. Nothing could have stopped him from enjoying the meal.

"Disgusting," Alvin groaned after snatching the final piece of bacon from Theo's plate.

Theo snatched a glass from the table and chugged it down, followed by a loud and obnoxious burp.

"I get it from you," Theo quipped, grinning at his father. They burst out laughing, and Theo stood up, wiping his face clean with the towel presented.

"See ya later," Theo told his father as he headed toward the front door.

"Hold it!" the same soothing voice from earlier caught up to Theo from behind. "Just where do you think you're going without saying goodbye?" she asked with a hint of playfulness and a warm smile, embracing Theo in her arms.

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His mother, Alicia Gray, was a stunning woman, inside and out, with long, curly hair that cascaded down her back like a regal lion's mane.

"You're growing up so fast," Alicia said as she held him tightly, sending a rush of emotion through Theo that only his mother could elicit.

Feeling overwhelmed by the warmth of her hug, Theo melted into her arms, forgetting all his worries and fears. This feeling was what he had always known as motherly love.

"Mom... You do this every year," Theo mumbled, still nestled in her embrace.

Alicia spun him around like a toy, holding his face in her delicate palms, and asked him with pride, "When did you get so big, Theo?"

"Mom, I'm going to be late," Theo pleaded, gasping for air as he tried to break from her hold.

Finally, Alicia released him, and Theo staggered to regain his balance, still dazed from her dance.

Theo's father, Alvin, engrossed in his book, called out to him in a calm tone.

"Theodore."

"Yeah? What's up, Dad?"

"Regardless of what your mother says... You are no longer a child. You should start thinking about the kind of man you want to be someday."

Theo was stunned by the weight of his father's words. Although Alvin had always given him lectures on honor and kindness, this one felt different. It felt heavier than the others.

"Yes, sir," Theo managed to say, still feeling the weight of his father's words.

"I expect you to make better decisions now," Alvin continued, straightening Theo's shirt and tie. He gave Theo a playful flick on the forehead and patted his head.

"Have a wonderful birthday, Theodore. I can't wait to see the man you become," Alvin said, embracing his son.

"Now, get out of here before you're late again," Alvin sounded, motioning him to leave.

With a smile, Theo made his way to the door, ready to face the day ahead. As Theo stepped out into the morning sun, he felt a sense of excitement and determination. He was keen to become the man his parents had always known he could be.

"Happy Birthday, Theo! Have fun today!" his mother exclaimed with a smile as Theo gave one final wave after crossing the threshold and into the morning light.

Theo couldn't help but feel excited about what the day had in store for him. He sprinted away from his modest home and down a winding trail that led to a gravel road. Along the way, he spotted his neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Gramm, out for their daily morning stroll.

Theo held the Gramms in high regard, as their longstanding marriage of over four decades was the most remarkable love story in town. To him, they represented the epitome of love and the kind of relationship his parents had.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Gramm!" Theo greeted them cheerfully.

"Slow down, son. Are you trying to give an old man a heart attack?" joked Mr. Gramm, pretending to gasp for air. Feeling a tad embarrassed, Theo replied, "Sorry, Mr. Gramm. I'm running late."

"Again? At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if you were late for your funeral," chuckled Mr. Gramm, doubling over with laughter.

Mrs. Gramm came to Theo's rescue, seeing the young boy's discomfort.

"Don't pay this senile old man any mind. Now, hurry up and get to school."

Mrs. Gramm smiled at Theo, affectionately patting his cheek.

"And Happy Birthday, dear."

Theo thanked Mrs. Gramm with a smile as he felt comforted by her kindness.

"Do your best, son," Mr. Gramm said in a fatherly tone as he gave Theo a firm pat on the back.

"Thank you both! I appreciate it," Theo said as Mr. and Mrs. Gramm continued along the path.

Theo resumed his jog towards school, a fair distance away due to his home's outskirts location. But the picturesque beauty of Artimia made the long walk worthwhile. The sparkling river running through the town, the lush greenery, and the harmonious animal sounds were soothing to his core.

After a few minutes, he arrived at a fork in the road, taking a moment to catch his breath and admire the natural surroundings before continuing his journey toward school.

David Hartwright and Dawn Cypress were standing at the crossroad, adorned in the same school uniforms as Theo. David was a year older than Theo and had a moppy hairdo drenched in an autumn red hue. His peculiar hazel-red eyes hid behind his taped-together glasses as he towered above Theo, making him easily noticeable.

"Took you long enough," David jested as Theo approached them.

"You know how my Mom can get," Theo replied, noticing Dawn looming behind David.

Dawn was the same age as Theo and much shorter. Due to this, she constantly reminded him of her seniority, although she was only a few months older than him. Dawn had raven-black hair kept neatly in a curly updo comparable to Theo's mother's.

Dawn had an unmistakable radiance that made her presence known. Surprisingly, she was unapproachable to most people, particularly boys her age. Despite this, Theo couldn't help but steal glances at her.

Nevertheless, he concealed his feelings for her from everyone, even David.

"Hey, Dawn, good morning," Theo greeted her.

But then, David and Dawn hurled handmade confetti, ripped-up colorful paper, and flower petals into the air.

"Happy Birthday!" they chorused in unison.

Theo was in awe, surprised by the simple yet beautiful display.

Dawn smiled and replied, "Good morning, Theo."

"Thanks, guys, you're the best," Theo said, grinning from ear to ear as the trio commenced their journey down the dirt path.