Eric’s POV

As we continued watching Hell's Kitchen, my attention wavered, drawn back to my earlier conversation with Gary. It played in my mind like a vivid scene from a movie, echoing with his comforting words.

**

"Good afternoon, Sir Eric. How's your first day of college?" Gary asked, his warm voice laced with genuine concern.

"Everything's great so far, I guess..." I replied, casting my gaze downward.

"Is there something bothering you?" he ...