Joey's car hummed steadily along the highway toward Indiana. Weekend visits with Jeffery and Paul had become familiar, yet this drive felt different.
Questions replayed repeatedly within his thoughts. Messages from Noelle and Dallas. Conversations with Anthony in Canada. Small shifts in relationships. Small distances that felt larger inside Joey's heart.
Why does everyone feel farther away?
Joey tightened his grip on the steering wheel and quietly repeated the verse that had followed him:
The words brought comfort, though anxiety still lingered beneath the surface.
Jeffery and Paul greeted Joey warmly. Laughter filled the house. Plans covered whiteboards. Excitement filled every room.
Later that evening Anthony called through video chat from Canada.
Anthony spoke carefully.
Joey felt his chest tighten.
The image immediately reminded him of his own dream. Waves. Fear. Floating burdens.
One lesson slowly began taking shape.
Peace was never found through control.
Peace grew through trust.