The days that followed were emotional and quiet. Archer and Kiel spent countless hours searching through papers, house documents, and bank accounts, trying to find any more information about the Winters move.

Archer ended up finding a few bank statements and information about the buyer. He took pictures of them and decided to print them just in case. Most of the time Archer looked around Kiel would sit next to him waiting patiently. Sometimes he would stay quiet and mope around but others he was lively.

Though deep down Kiel was breaking apart. The sudden news of his parents moving and the possibility of them not taking him with really broke him. Archer knew this but kept quiet about it not wanting to make Kiel hurt even worse. Lots of times Kiel wouldn’t get out of bed till noon but still looked very tired. Archer did everything in his power to accommodate Kiel’s feelings without making him feel worse.

After searching for countless hours on end Archer found out a major piece of information that would shatter Kiel’s whole world. He was searching through a few files on Mr. Winters computer and found one titled Kiel.

In the file was Kiel’s birth certificate, social security number, and other personal information but also a small note that was made recently.

The note was off to the side and in a small font but it read:

Dear Kiel, I’m sorry about this. Me and your mother still love you very much but we are planning on leaving. You probably already know from how we have been acting and talking lately that we are moving. This may not see like big news but you aren’t coming with. We can’t keep providing for you even though you are an adult, yes your disability is hard to live with but we cant keep helping you. You need to build a home and future and maybe even give us grandchildren but for now all I leave you with is my love, hope, and some money. Me and your mother are selling the house to a nice family from Virginia. Archer will also be let go of his job here. I hope you don’t hate either of us for this decision, we really do love you even if we don’t show it.

-Best regards Dad.

Archer looks around the room and seeing Kiel on the couch playing with a small ball and smiling brought tears to his eyes. How was he supposed to be the one to break Kiel. He could not tell him about the note and Kiel might hate him or he could tell him and either way still be the one to break his heart.

He wipes the tears from his eyes, sighs, and walks over to Kiel. He sits down next to him leaning back on the couch.

“Hey Kiel, I found some more information,” He swallows nervously. “Um… about if you are moving with your parents.”

Kiel looks up and stops playing the ball, the smile on his face fades.

“Yeah?”

“Y-you aren’t going with them.”

Kiel freezes and tears well, streaming down his face fast.

“W-what? Wait no they can’t I don’t have money or the finances. Archer don’t let them leave me, PLEASE!” Kiel gripped the couch and sob.

Absolutely everything was broken. Kiel’s world, heart and sense of trust was shattered. Kiel hugged his knees and pushed himself against the arm of the couch. Archer can’t help but let a few more tears fall as he rubs Kiel’s back.

“Hey everything is going to be okay, remember I said I was gonna stay every step of the way?” Archer speaks softly in a cooing tone.

“I remember, but w-why?”

“Your father had a file in his computer and it had all your personal information along with a small note. He said that you weren’t going but he was leaving you enough money to start a future and he said him and your mother loved you very much even if they don’t show it.”

“He is leaving money for me?” Kiel looks up a bit hopeful but eyes still red from crying.

“Yes not much but enough to get an apartment, food, and any other expenses.”

Kiel takes a deep breath and nods slightly.

“Okay but how can I live on my own?”

“I am still your caretakers so I wont leave you okay,” Archer give Kiel’s back one last rub.

“C-can I have a hug?” Kiel takes a deep breath and looks up softly.

“Yeah come here,” Archer opens his arms and holds him in a warm embrace. 

Archer holds Kiel tightly as they sit on the couch in silence.