Chapter 17

Waking up the next morning, Julius is overcome with an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. The sleepless night weighs heavily on his mind, leaving him feeling like he's been dragged through the depths of despair. With a heavy heart, he makes the decision to skip school, realizing that he simply cannot muster the energy or focus to face another day of classes.

As he descends the stairs, his empty stomach growls, a reminder of the neglect he had shown himself the previous night. Grabbing a bowl of cereal, he indulges in something quick and easy, lacking the motivation to cook a proper meal. Just as he settles into his solitude, the sound of footsteps interrupts his solitude, and he looks up to find Travis, wearing a sad smile.

Travis's concern for Julius is evident as he asks how he's doing, but Julius can only offer a nonchalant shrug, barely able to articulate the weight that burdens him. He confesses that he doesn't feel up to going to school, and Travis understands, assuring him