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chapter 7-- out of this mess

Author: Beauty m.j
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-04 22:21:30

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Matteo sat next to Leo’s bed. The early light came through the window. The room was small and messy — the walls had cracks and old paint peeling off. Leo was under a thin, worn-out blanket. The air smelled like medicine.

Leo’s chest moved up and down unevenly. His small hand held the edge of the blanket. Matteo gently touched Leo’s forehead. It was sweaty.

“You okay, little man?” Matteo asked softly.

Leo blinked but didn’t say anything.

Matteo picked up the small metal box on the table — their medicine machine. It made a soft hissing sound as he turned it on, sending a mist into the air.

“Okay, breathe slow,” Matteo said, helping Leo breathe in the medicine.

He watched Leo’s face relax a bit. The tight feeling in Leo’s chest got better.

“I know it’s not fair,” Matteo said quietly, “but I’ll keep fighting for you. For both of us.”

After the medicine, Matteo helped Leo sit up and gave him some water. Leo gave a small tired smile.

Outside, Matteo heard the city waking up — cars honking, people shouting, and a loud bang somewhere.

Matteo stood up and stretched his sore back. Their home was just a small apartment in a bad part of town — broken sidewalks, flickering street lamps, and dirty windows. The people around looked like they were having a hard time too.

He remembered when they first moved in. He hoped things would get better. But every day was hard — paying for medicine, food, rent. Keeping Leo alive.

Matteo looked around the cracked walls and dirty floor. He thought about all the nights he sneaked out to find ways to make money. It was dangerous. Not just because he could get caught, but because if he failed, things would get worse.

Matteo sighed as he got up and walked to the kitchen. He opened the cupboard and looked inside. All he found were three packs of noodles he had saved from last night. He sighed again, feeling the weight of their empty kitchen.

Without wasting time, he grabbed the noodles and started getting them ready. It wasn’t much, but it was all he could give Leo for now.

He sat down by Leo again and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead.

“I have something to try tonight,” Matteo said quietly. “I will be home late.”

Leo’s eyes opened a little. For a moment, he looked worried.

“where are you going?,” Leo said softly.

Matteo smiled and gently ruffled Leo’s hair.

“I will be back okay?.”

"Okay"

---

Matteo smiled softly as he served the noodles to Leo. He watched quietly while Leo ate slowly, his movements tired but steady. Seeing his little brother like that made Matteo’s heart tighten.

He promised himself right then—no matter what—it was time to find a way out of this mess. For Leo, for both of them.

After Leo finished eating, Matteo cleared the small bowl carefully. The kitchen was quiet except for the soft clinking of the dishes.

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