At the age of 12, Lester Haydar put aside some childhood dreams, as well as certain attitudes that characterized him. Obviously, he wasn't afraid of that swing in the neighborhood park anymore, he made fun of himself just thinking about it. The anime series he watched as a child was a mere memory and his greatest fascination at the time was writing apocalyptic-themed stories.

He went through that stage where he contradicted his parents, especially his mother when it came to dressing a certain way. He preferred looser clothing in dark tones, tennis shoes, caps, and black or gray T-shirts.

Lester still hadn't gotten over his shyness, however, it was easier for him to start conversations with his classmates on trivial topics. This was a big step for him, he finally felt that he could express himself about whatever he wanted without getting so nervous. Secretly, he still liked to imitate Benxamin in his bedroom.

His behavior changed significantly. He had much more confidence in himself, what's more, one day he confronted his bully. Marcel tried to intimidate a younger student into giving him his money in a very secluded area of ​​the school. Lester noticed him as he walked to the classroom, called his name and told him to leave him alone.

“I will, but in return you will be my friend,” Marcel said defiantly.

“Aren't you tired of doing the same thing over and over again? I stopped being your friend a long time ago and everyone here is fed up with your attitude,” Lester said with clenched fists and a scowl, grabbing the poor victim's arm and pulling away from Marcel before he could respond.

Later, a very agitated Lester ran to the bathroom as fast as he could, leaned against the sink, looked at himself in the mirror, and then splashed water on his face. Proud to have told Marcel what he felt, after more than 6 years of silence, it was the greatest triumph he had had in his short life, and he remembered what Benxamin once told him: if you face the game of life, you can be stronger than anyone who underestimates you.

***

Some time later, a school festival was held, Lester decided that he was not going to participate in any event, he preferred to be a simple observer. Instead, the Dautt brothers thought about acting in a play. It was about the forbidden relationship between a princess named Devora, a slayer of magical creatures, and Kai, a soldier and eldest son of a sorcerer who had to follow the orders of the kingdom of dragons - enemy territory of the princess.

Benxamin and Victor wanted to play the sorcerer, they bet on that role by playing rock-paper-scissors, but as expected, Benxamin won. Victor was forced to play Kai. He hated being the good guy, but wanting to participate in these kinds of theatrical activities, he had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

Victor asked Lester to help him with his role, they planned to rehearse the play at his friend's apartment. Lester studied the entire script several times so as not to look bad with Victor. The funny thing about this is that the boy showed interest at first, but when he read the romantic scenes between Devora and Kai, he felt that it was the most awkward thing that could happen to him. But, being a good friend, he was willing to sacrifice himself for Victor.

As an aspiring filmmaker, he had to take a hard look at what the protagonists' relationship was like through the example of adults, one of whom was his father James: What made his mother fall in love with him?

He was: Detail-oriented, Comprehensive, Affectionate, Kind, Cheerful,…

Among other qualities that differentiated him from the parents of his classmates. James, being the man that he was, became the perfect example that Lester needed.

 

He took notes of the good things about his father and then focused on Mira: she was the one who took the initiative, gave the orders, but also cared for others in a disinterested way.

She was: Understanding, Firm, Determined, Honest, Hardworking,... 

Mira was also his role model, and after processing enough information, he felt ready to help Victor.

***

Hours later, Victor was in his friend's room to start the rehearsal. Lester asked Benxamin days before if he wanted to join them, but he respectfully declined, stating that he preferred to study his lines on his own. The truth is that over time, Benxamin moved away from Lester -not to avoid him- but because he liked that his brother had a friend like Lester and he felt that he was only in the way.

“Let's get started. This will take all day,” Victor said.         

 

“Okay,” Lester replied. 

Lester had to play three roles: the soldier and friend of Kai, the sorcerer and the princess.

Without any problem, the guy said his dialogues almost perfectly -except for some minor diction details that Victor preferred not to correct. He was very grateful for his help, enjoying his company. Then came the most awkward moment for both of them: Kai's confession to Devora.

“Ok, the part I like the least,” declared Victor.

“I know it's not something to be alarmed about, and they really only say two or three lines. Also, it's not like we're going to kiss, so it's okay,” Lester said.

“Actually… ” Victor hesitated, blushing.

“Don't tell me there's a kiss? But I didn't read that in the script! Or is there such a scene? Where is it?!” Lester said as he read the script.

“Didn't I tell you? No, no,... in the hand. It was something that the director added at the last minute.”

“Do you have to kiss my hand?!” Lester asked, flushed like a fresh tomato.

Seeing him so red, Victor laughed out loud. But it wasn't his intention to make fun of Lester, it was that he didn't know how to hide his nervousness about the scene itself.

Mira appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the ruckus. She opened the door to Lester's bedroom, she had in her hands a wooden tray with some sandwiches as a snack to give to the boys. Mira looked coldly at the children - it was her normal look - and gave them a suggestion.

“It has to look natural. If you're uncomfortable with this scene, imagine you're kissing someone you like.”

“I don't like anyone, Mrs. Haydar,” Victor said while at the same time shaking his head.

“I see. But, if it ever happens to you, I hope you can tell that person. I can only say that this love thing is complicated, confusing and sometimes ridiculous, but it is also what gives many people reasons to live.”

“Hmmmmm… Well,... ” Victor hesitated.

“I don't understand you, mom,” Lester looked at her confused.

 

“I'm just saying that one day, and if you're not stupid, you'll be able to tell the difference between wanting someone and falling in love. Not idealizing, but accepting that person with their qualities and their defects.”

“I accept Lester's crybaby,” Victor said mockingly

“You feel happiness when you see that person, you just want to be with the one who makes you act like a fool when you are in love,” Mira declared as she thought about her husband.

“That's harassment,” Victor stated.

“Victor!” said Lester. “Don't talk like that.”

“I don't like anyone, I only care about my brother and Lester, and much less am I in love,” Victor explained angrily.

“I know, I know, you're still very young. This is not taken lightly like when you are 14 or older and all you think about is what your hormones are telling you to do. And I repeat that it isn't easy, sometimes adults confuse love with the need for affection.  The time will come when you will understand what I mean,” Mira said before leaving. 

This was the first time he thought of it. He doubted if he would feel something like that for someone in the future.

 

“I don't have the right words to tell you, but I really like you since the first time I saw you,” said Victor.

Lester, who was distracted, thought for a moment that Victor was referring to him.

“Victor! I don't know what to say. It's just... I... ” Lester said scratching his head.

“What are you talking about?” Victor questioned confused. “Are you reading the script?”

Lester blushed again; “Sorry, sorry. Yeah… What page is it? Ok,… I like you too?!” Lester said without thinking about what he was reading and turned as red as the color of the curtains in his bedroom.

Lester's parents were behind the door. James thought that what was happening to the boys was something that should be saved for posterity and he really wanted to record it on his old camcorder, but Mira took it too seriously.

“I think we should enroll Lester in acting classes,” said Mira.

“Excuse me... Did you say something?” James asked.

Suddenly, Mira began to feel a strong pain in her body. She asked her husband to take her to their bedroom.

“Are you okay?” James asked. “You've been acting weird lately.”

“My arm hurts. That's all,” Mira said as she sat up on the bed.

James walked over to her.

“Your sister is a doctor and you have called her often. I know you're hiding something from me,” James said, kneeling on the floor in front of her waiting for an answer.

“Well,… I was going to tell you soon, but I didn't want it to be like this, James. I don't know if I should take precautions about it. I… ”

 

“Tell me, Mira.”

“I don't feel well... She told me that I have to have tests to find out if it is cancer.”

The boys heard the conversation just on the other side of the door; all Victor could do was take Lester's hand.