The door to Room 304 swung open, and Liam stepped inside for the first time.
It wasn't huge, but to him, it felt like a kingdom.
A single bed neatly made with college-issued sheets, a desk facing the window, a wardrobe that didn't squeak, and a small shelf waiting to be filled with his books. Sunlight poured through the curtains, warming the space in a soft glow.
"It's perfect," Liam breathed, spinning slowly in the middle of the room.
His mom smiled proudly. "Your first real place on your own."
They unloaded everything—his clothes, science textbooks, the framed photo of him and Gary pulling silly faces, and his favourite star-patterned blanket. His mom arranged his toiletries while Liam stacked his books in order of height, then colour, then subject, then changed it three times until it felt right.
Hours passed quickly as they worked.
By the time the last item was unpacked, both of them collapsed onto the bed, exhausted but satisfied.
Liam stared up at the ceiling, smiling. "I kind of love it here already."
His mom brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. "I'm proud of you, sweetheart."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the muffled noise of other freshmen moving in—doors closing, laughter echoing in the hallway, someone blasting music two rooms down.
Then his mom spoke carefully.
"So… college life."
"Oh boy," Liam muttered.
She laughed softly. "I know you're excited. New people, new experiences, new friendships… maybe boys…"
"Mom!" Liam sat up instantly, face burning.
"What?" she said, pretending innocence. "You're not going to be surrounded by just textbooks. College has… parties, dating, all sorts of things."
"I am not doing anything wild," he insisted. "I'm here to study. Like… actual studying."
His mom raised an eyebrow. "And that's good. Just remember—even if you go to a party or talk to a cute boy or… whatever happens—you have to take care of yourself first. Always."
Here it comes, Liam thought. The talk.
Then his mom reached into her handbag.
And pulled out a small box.
Liam's eyes widened.
"No. Mom. No way."
She placed the box in his hands. "Just in case."
"Mom!" he squeaked. His face practically glowed red. "I'm never going to… I'm not doing… that!"
His mom giggled. "You're not planning it. I know. But things happen. And if they ever do, I want you to be safe."
Liam covered the box with his hands like it was radioactive. "Mommmmm please stop."
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I love you, Liam. And I trust you to make smart choices."
Still flustered, he shoved the box deep into his desk drawer, muttering, "I'll probably graduate before I ever need those."
His mom just smiled knowingly.
As she hugged him tightly—maybe a little too tightly—Liam felt that swirl of excitement and fear again.
College.
Freedom.
New people.
And somewhere on this campus was a boy named Blake.
And Liam had no idea what that meant for his future yet.