Sylvain stirred awake to the soft vibration of his phone on the nightstand. The master bedroom was still dark, the curtains drawn tight against the morning light.

Silas lay beside him, breathing deep and even in sleep. Sylvain’s body still ached from the night before, a constant reminder of his place in this cage.

He quickly silenced the phone and glanced at the screen. It was Leon.

Careful not to wake Silas, Sylvain slipped out of bed and tiptoed into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He answered in a whisper.

"Leon? Is everything okay?"

"Hey, bro!" Leon’s voice was bright, full of excitement. "Sorry for calling so early. I just wanted to tell you — I saw an online job offer last night. It’s at a small restaurant nearby. They need a waiter. I applied and they replied this morning. I’m going for the interview today!"

Sylvain’s heart clenched. He kept his voice low, barely above a breath. "That’s great, Leon. Really great. Just... be careful, okay? Don’t go anywhere alone. And text me when you get there."

"I will. Don’t worry so much. I’m not a kid anymore." Leon laughed softly. "Wish me luck?"

"Good luck," Sylvain whispered, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips despite everything. "You’ve got this."

He ended the call and leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection. The bruises on his neck and shoulders were still visible. The event of last night pressed down on him again.

He was damn tired of this life, atleast his brother is able to smile.

He crept back into the bedroom. Silas was still asleep, lying on his back, one arm draped across the bed. Sylvain stood there for a long moment, staring at him. His hands trembled as he took a step closer. His gaze fixed on Silas’s exposed neck.

One squeeze. Just one... and it would all end.

His hands moved slowly toward Silas’s throat, fingers hovering just inches away. The temptation burned like fire in his veins. He could end the suffering right now. No more humiliation. No more pain. No more nights like the last one.

But then Leon’s voice echoed in his mind — bright, hopeful, excited about a simple job. His brother’s laughter from from their previous outing. The way Leon had hugged him like he was still his hero.

Sylvain’s hands dropped. He couldn’t do it. Not if it meant risking Leon’s safety.

He turned and quietly left the room, heading to the guest bathroom. Behind him, Silas’s eyes opened slowly.

A cold, satisfied smirk curved his lips before he closed them again and drifted back to sleep.

Later that morning, Leon took a long bath, trying to calm his nerves. He dressed neatly in one of the new shirts Sylvain had bought him — simple but clean.

He checked the street from the window multiple times, heart racing at every passing car. The men who usually followed him were nowhere in sight today. Still, he moved cautiously as he stepped outside.

After a few tense minutes of looking around, he finally relaxed. No one seemed to be watching. He hailed a taxi and climbed in.

Thirty minutes later, the taxi stopped in front of a cozy, mid-sized restaurant on a quiet street. Leon paid the driver and walked inside, trying to look confident.

A middle-aged man with a kind face came out from behind the counter. "Hello, welcome toy humble abode. What will you like to order.

Leon fumbled with his words. "I am leon...for the waiter position."

"Ooh, you are Leon. Nice to meet you." thean shook his hands

"Yes, sir."

The man smiled warmly and led him to a small table. "I’m Mr. Park, the owner. Tell me about yourself."

Leon sat down, hands clasped tightly. "This is actually my first job, sir. But I’m a fast learner, hardworking, and I really need this opportunity."

Mr. Park laughed good-naturedly. "Honest. I like that. Most kids try to fake experience. Alright, you’re hired. You can start right now if you’re ready."

Leon’s face lit up. "Thank you, sir! I won’t let you down."

The day passed in a blur of trays, orders, and learning the menu. By evening, the restaurant was winding down. Leon was wiping down tables when the door opened again.

A well-dressed man walked in — sharp features, calm demeanor. Leon greeted him cheerfully, the way he’d been taught.

"Welcome, sir! What can I get for you today?"

Santiago smiled faintly. "A chicken sandwich and a boba tea, please."

"Coming right up!"

Leon moved quickly, excited to serve his first customer of the evening. A few minutes later, he brought the food to Santiago’s table.

"Here you go, sir. Enjoy!"

"Thank you." Santiago ate in silence, his mind elsewhere — thinking about that man plans, about Silas. His minds keep thinking back to the word and confrontation he had about the supposed ringleader.

Leon checked on him once, refilling his water with a bright smile.

Near closing time, the restaurant emptied. Mr. Park and the other staff began cleaning up. Santiago was the last customer. When he stood to leave, he placed a crisp $100 bill on the table.

Leon hurried over with the change. "Sir, wait for your change..."

Leon hurry to the counter and brought out a few dollar bill. "Here it is—"

"Keep it," Santiago smiled towards his gestures. "Consider it a tip. I like your personality."

Leon’s eyes widened with excitement. "Thank you so much, sir! Please come again!"

"You’re welcome." Santiago gave a small nod and left the restaurant, the bell above the door chiming softly behind him.

Leon stood there, clutching the tip, a genuine smile on his face. For the first time in a long while, the world felt a little brighter. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

He had no idea that the kind stranger who had just tipped him so generously was the same man slowly tightening the noose around his family. And he was a link for the man to control and tame.