Days leading up to Mr. and Mrs. Winters departure were chaotic. Kiel’s parents were busy packing and figuring finances, while also ignoring their own son. This affected Kiel a lot, and Archer tried his best to cheer him up and keep his mind off the situation at hand. Whether it was reading Kiel’s favorite book, taking walks, or even just talking. Though most times, Archer’s efforts would help but they wouldn’t last long.

Now, it was the day Mr. and Mrs. Winters left. They left early in the morning for their flight, keeping their goodbyes quick and well non sympathetic. Obviously Kiel was sad and had placed himself in his room for the rest of the day.

Around dinner time, Kiel finally walked back down stairs and sat at the island while Archer cleaned the counters and swept.

“Are you doing okay?” He asks softly knowing the answer might be a lie.

“Yeah, I’m just tired that’s all,” Kiel speaks softly but there was also hint of sadness.

“Alright, well the cook said dinner will be done in about an hour,” Archer states, referring to the private chef the Winters had. Kiel stares blankly before nodding. Archer walked over and gently patted his shoulder.

“Hey they are gonna be back soon I promise.”

Archer sighed. How could Kiel be so hung up on missing his parents, after being let down by them so many times? Why hasn’t he learned since day one? He walked away keeping an eye on Kiel as he swept the floors. He swept the floors rather aggressively, as he tried to keep his mind off of all the flowing thoughts. There was anger, anxiety and worry, towards Kiel and how his parents just left.

An older lady, who looked to be around 45 walked in. She had a low bun and a soft smile, while carrying a tray of food.

“Archer dear, Kiel’s food is ready. Its fish and green beans,” She states softly and Archer nodded.

This lady was the private chef and she was very nice and understanding of both Kiel and the way his parents acted. Even though she was only the cook, she often helped Archer clean. Which was great in the long run. She also helped take care of Kiel, if he needed something when archer wasn’t there or busy.

“Thank you, I’ll make sure he eats it,” Archer takes the tray away from her carefully with a smile. He then places the tray down in front of Kiel, who was still sitting at the counter looking dazed.

“Kiel you need to eat.”

“…..alright,” Kiel replied quietly. “Thank you.”

Archer handed Kiel the fork and left him alone for a while. Archer ended up going back to cleaning, while also quietly watching Kiel. Making sure he didn’t go too far with his thoughts and emotions.

The sun slowly started to set. Kiel had already finished eating, and shut himself back into his room. Being the way he is, Archer went over to Kiel’s door with a small note and snacks, placing then by is door. He hoped that Kiel would at least cheer up and possibly talk to him if he felt like it.

The clock was moving towards 10 pm, and Archer decided to check on Kiel now. He approached the room and noticed the note and snacks were gone. With a smile Archer gently knocked on the door. Kiel slowly opened the door though his head was down and looked a bit pale.

“Can I come in?” Archer asked softly.

Without speaking Kiel just opened the door keeping his head down. Archer walked in and saw the disheveled bed sheets and the dimmed lights, giving off a sad and tension held vibe. Kiel and Archer both sat on the bed and cold silence filled the air. Archer cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Kiel talk to me, whats going on?”

“I…I,” He stutters.

“I…I don’t understand why they left. They barely said goodbye, and I don’t know when they are coming back,” Kiel trembled his voice was shaky and scared.

“What if they don’t come back? W…What if they don’t want to come back?”

Tears slipped past his eyes and slowly fell down his cheeks and then onto his legs.

“Hey, Hey. They are gonna come back I promise. They just have to work abroad for a while,” Archer replies and wipes Kiel’s tears.

His heart breaks even more and his hatred grows for Kiel’s parents.

“But what if they don’t,” Kiel’s voice cracks with fear.

“shh, Kiel please believe me.”

“How can I? They always leave me alone.”

At this point, there was nothing Archer could do so he just stayed next to Kiel and wiped any reaming tears. More tears streamed down Kiel’s face as they sat there.

“Look at me,” Archer demands softly and lifts Kiel’s chin.

“You can’t make your parents stay or love you, but you can love yourself and do what you want. I know for a fact that your parents don’t love you as much as they should and that makes them shit parents. So please stop praying for them to stay and love you more than a sliver, because just they just physically can’t. They gave up on caring for you awhile ago and there is no way to change how they feel. Not after not caring for so long.”

Kiel’s eyes are wide, not knowing what to say or do. Archer was right his parents were shit and he couldn’t keep praying they would change. He needed to change soon or else he would be stuck where he was broken and lost. Changing was the only way he could grow and live. Kiel sighed while wiping his tears.

“O..Okay, I’m gonna stop. I’ll listen to my heart and I…I’ll care less about my parents. But you can’t leave me. Archer you are the only support I have.”

Archer smiled and patted His back.

“I won’t go anywhere, plus who would take care of you if I’m not here?” Both Archer and Kiel laugh.

“Yeah, I’d be dead without you or the cook,” Kiel scoffs.

Archer looks over the window. The sky was dark and the stars were bright. He smiles again and stands up.

“Kiel I’m assuming you have already washed up?”

“Yup, squeaky clean,” Kiel smiles.

He was already cheered up which was good, but the best thing Kiel needed was time and rest.

“Alright well night.”

Kiel waves as he lays down and Archer shuts the lights off. Then walks over to his connecting room. He turns the light on and sighs.

Finally, Kiel accepted the fact his parents were absolute trash, he could find the real purpose of life, other than waiting for someone to love you. Archer only hoped that Kiel’s parents wouldn’t make things worse.

Archer, feeling too tired left his clothes on and just laid down. Staring up at the ceiling in the now dark room. He felt himself smiling.

“Jeez Kiel, I really hope you find someone who can love you properly,” He muttered to himself, before closing his eyes and rethinking the events from that day. This carried Archer to sleep and kept him asleep for the remainder of the night.