Caleb Michael-Louis Burke awoke from a deep slumber, his thoughts still muddled from the vivid dreams that had filled his mind. He was an ordinary British High-Schooler, surrounded by a tight-knit group of friends who were just as quirky and off-beat as he was. He lived with his loving family of four and had a relatively normal life.
However, everything changed the day he graduated from year 11. He felt a strange sense of unease as he walked through the halls of his school, knowing that this was the last time he would be there with his friends. They promised to keep in touch and see each other occasionally, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this day was a turning point for all of them.
As he stepped out of the school, he was greeted by a loud shout from his friends who were waiting for him. They were all eager to celebrate the end of their time at the school, and soon enough, they were all walking down the high street, laughing and joking as they indulged in all the treats and shopping the city had to offer.
Caleb was especially happy to be surrounded by his friends, whom he had known since the start of his high-school journey. They had all grown close during this time, and even though they were heading down different yet great paths, they remained close and promised to always keep in touch.
An emotionless face braved the slight breeze as the scientist walked home shivering in the midst of summer. The same breeze that was easily shrugged off by the others and they had even felt comfort in the cool air contrasting with the previous day's sweltering heat. The cold breeze swept past Caleb's face as he walked back home. The passing traffic was drowned out by the gleeful smile on his face.
However, as time passed, they began to see each other less and less. They were all working hard on their respective paths and pursuing their dreams, but the once tight-knit group was slowly drifting apart.
Caleb got into the college of his dreams and worked hard once he got there. His work ethic was praised by his classmates and teachers, who respected his effort in his studies. This wouldn't last for long as his flame suddenly was extinguished. The precious family he had loved for the longest time, was gone forever without as much as a goodbye. He couldn't go on anymore.
Five years after graduation, Caleb's friends returned to find a vastly different person than the one they had known. He was a sullen and broken shell, still grieving the loss of his family who had been taken from him without warning. His friends were saddened by his condition and tried to offer their support, but it was clear that the once-driven and motivated young man they had known was gone.
Despite this, they remained by his side, determined to help him heal and find the happiness he once had. They knew that their paths may have diverged, but the bond they had formed in their youth was unbreakable and they would always be there for each other, no matter what.
Years went by and the friends continued to be there for Caleb, cheering him on and helping him pick up the pieces of his shattered life. He was slowly regaining his confidence and starting to feel like himself again, but it was still a long and difficult journey.
One day, Caleb came across an old diary that belonged to his late mother. He had never been one to dwell on the past, but reading her words and memories filled him with a sense of comfort and happiness. He realized that his mother had lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure, and he felt inspired to start living his own life with that same sense of purpose.
With the encouragement of his friends, Caleb started to pursue his passions and travel the world, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. He discovered a love for photography and began capturing the beauty of the world through his lens. He finally felt like he was truly living again, and was grateful for the support of his friends who had never given up on him.
Caleb soon became a successful photographer, known for his stunning images that captured the essence of life. He had travelled to many countries and met many amazing people, but he never forgot the group of friends who had been there for him through thick and thin. They may have drifted apart for a time, but their bond was still as strong as ever.
In a small ceremony, Caleb and his friends gathered together to celebrate their reunion and reminisce about old times. They laughed and cried, and shared stories of their lives and adventures. They all agreed that they had come a long way since their days as high school students, but they were grateful for the memories and experiences they had shared together.
And so, Caleb Michael-Louis Burke, the once-broken young man, went on to live a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. He never forgot the bond he shared with his friends and the support they had given him in his time of need. Their friendship was a reminder that no matter where life takes us, we always have each other to lean on and cherish the memories we have made along the way.
However, nothing ever went right for him. Again and again, the people around him died even his significant other of 3 years now gone with the wind. Death seemed to follow him everywhere except that original group of friends. Now coupled with his previous trauma he fell into a dark pit he wouldn't be able to free himself from, drink, drugs and idleness left him a husk of what he was.