Chapter 7: The Secret Conversation

The glow of Andrew's laptop screen illuminated his face, a mixture of sadness and determination etched on his features as he typed away. Judd's eyes scanned the chat window, and his curiosity was piqued. The conversation was with someone named "Echo," a username that seemed fitting given the secretive nature of their exchange. As Judd watched, Andrew's fingers flew across the keyboard, his words pouring out in a stream of consciousness. "I don't know how much more of this I can take," Andrew typed. "He's suffocating me, Echo. I feel like I'm drowning in his expectations." Judd's heart went out to Andrew, who seemed to be confiding in Echo as if they were old friends. He wondered who Echo was and how they had become such a vital part of Andrew's life. Echo's response was immediate, their words popping up on the screen. "You can take it, Andrew. You're stronger than you think. Just hold on, okay?" Andrew's response was laced with frustration. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one living with him. You don't see the way he looks at me, like I'm a disappointment. Like I'm not good enough." As Judd continued to watch, he noticed that Echo seemed to be offering Andrew words of encouragement, urging him to stay strong and focus on his own goals. It was clear that Andrew valued Echo's opinion, and Judd wondered if this online friendship was the only positive influence in Andrew's life. The conversation continued, with Andrew pouring out his heart to Echo. Judd felt like he was intruding on a private moment, but he couldn't help himself. He was invested in Andrew's story, and he wanted to know more. As the chat window continued to scroll, Judd noticed that Echo was asking Andrew about his plans for the future. Andrew's response was hesitant, but he seemed to be considering options that didn't involve his parents. "I've been thinking about applying to college," Andrew typed. "But Mom and Dad will never go for it. They want me to take over the family business." Echo's response was immediate. "Don't let them dictate your path, Andrew. You have a right to your own dreams. What's the business, anyway?" Andrew's response was hesitant, as if he was unsure if he should share this information. But something about Echo's words put him at ease, and he began to type out a response. "It's a... a construction company," Andrew wrote. "But I hate it. I want to do something creative, something that makes me happy." As Judd read Andrew's words, he felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Andrew would find a way to break free from his toxic relationship and forge his own path. And Judd, as a silent observer, would be there to watch it all unfold. The feed flickered, and the chat window disappeared from view. Judd was left wondering what would happen next, and whether Andrew would find the courage to pursue his dreams. As he sat there, frozen in anticipation, the screen went dark, leaving him with only his thoughts.