Summary: Long before Anthony and long before he met Staghart, there was someone else who had stolen his heart first. At the age of fourteen - just two weeks shy of his 15th birthday - Silver Willow eagerly joined a night of dancing and the promise of romance he would endure.
Disclaimer: This story that I wrote is a different alternative universe of the Magical World meaning that my Magical World universe is not exactly the same universe as TheDragonSaver Magical World universe series.
"We all have parts of our past we're afraid to bring up around others." - Aline, The Adventures of Logan Chapter 56: Unexpected mess in Epcot.
"We all have our secrets and hurtful past…" - Logan, The Adventures of Logan Chapter 56: Unexpected mess in Epcot.
"That incident is in the past, and I don't want to remember it." - Silver, The Romance of Silver Willow Chapter 18: An Unthinkable Park.
Saturday of May 26, 2018
In the Willow household, a young Hispanic boy named Silver Willow, a fourteen-year-old teenager, was eagerly looking forward to tonight the Freshman Prom. The atmosphere in the Willow household was filled with a sense of joy and excitement as preparations for the special night were underway.
Silver couldn't contain his excitement as he realized that he would be attending the prom with his best friend, Leo. The two boys had been friends since third grade, and now they were both looking forward to a night of dancing and the promise of a good time.
If you ever watch High School movies or shows that feature prom, you know that this night holds immense significance in the lives of every teenager. Naturally, everyone wants to look their best on this big special occasion. Especially Silver's dad, Roberto, who helped him prepare himself for a big event and wanted his son to look his absolute best on this special night, so he had spared no expense in finding a perfect suit to the best stores in Orlando, Florida.
Being a shy kid, Silver never once seemed to be the one who liked to socialize and party with the others, especially at family events, so he often watched from the sidelines and observed, like some insipid wallflower. He often felt like an outsider, watching from a far as his more outgoing relatives chatted and laughed with one another.
But then, he met Leo.
Leo had always been there for Silver, ever since the boys first met when Silver moved into a new school after his family had moved from California to Florida. Leo was the one who brought him out of his shell and showed him a world beyond his own quiet observations. Leo was the one who Silver first told him about his ability to talk to animals even when others would find him weird and crazy. But to Leo, he doesn't find him crazy at all but rather accept him. He was fun, caring, charming, a bit of a troublemaker, and had a smile that could light up a room. For Silver, Leo was like a prince from his storybooks — someone who made his heart flutter and brought a sense of magic into his life.
Leo was not just his best friend, but rather his first love.
It was the first time that Silver had ever experienced what love truly felt like, and it was both exhilarating and yet terrifying at the same time. He didn't know if Leo felt the same way, but he hoped with all his heart that he did. Growing up, Silver had seen how much his parents loved and adored each other ever since he was small. They would hold hands in public, steal kisses, hugs, and always find ways to make each other laugh and smile. It was a kind of love that he had always longed for, but had never experienced himself.
Now… Now with Leo, he felt like he was finally experiencing the kind of love that he had always wanted. It was a love that made him feel alive and filled him with a sense of purpose that maybe someone who loves him.
But, there is a problem, confessing his romantic feelings to Leo was no small feat for Silver. He feared the potential loss of their deep friendship they have planted to grow since elementary. However, fate decided to change when one day, at school, Leo asked him if he would like to go to the Freshman Prom with him? Silver was shocked and stunned, his best friend and crush, asking him to go with him?
This… this has to be a dream, right? This can't be happening!
Silver couldn't believe his luck. He was ecstatic and overjoyed. He wanted to scream out loud and jump with joy, but he composed himself and calmly accepted Leo's invitation with a huge smile on his face.
As days passed and the night of the dance finally arrived, Silver spent hours getting ready, making sure that he looked absolutely perfect for the magical occasion. He wanted to impress Leo and show him how much he meant to him.
Silver looked at himself in the mirror, feeling a bit nervous, but excited at the same time. He wanted to look his best for Leo. Suddenly, he heard a soft rustling noise and turned around to see his animal friends coming into his room through the open windows of his bedroom.
There was a small group of four mice and two squirrels scurrying around, a couple of three birds perched on his windowsill, and a friendly, chubby bunny hopping towards him.
"Hello, Silver!" the bunny said in a cheerful voice. "We heard you were getting ready for the Freshman Prom, and we wanted to help you look your best!"
Silver smiled at his animal friends. "Thank you all so much for coming to help me," Silver said, feeling touched. "I want to look my best for Leo, but I don't really know what to do."
The mice and squirrels scurried over to his suit and started adjusting the buttons and smoothing out the fabric. The birds flew over to his mop of curls and started combining it with their beaks, creating a neat and stylish look.
The bunny hopped over to his feet and started polishing his shoes until they shone like glass. Silver couldn't believe his eyes as he watched his animal friends work their magic.
The mice and squirrels quickly got to work, helping Silver put on his baby blue colored suit. They carefully helped him put on this white dress shirt and slip on his matching dress pants. Two birds began to adjust his tie into a perfect bow. The birds continued to work on his hair, making sure every strand was in place and looking perfect and once that was done, they soon flew out of the window and began plucking some white baby breaths from the garden.
They flew back inside and placed some small flowers around his hair to create a wreath of flowers. Silver stood there, watching his animal friends work together to make him look his best. Once the birds were done decorating his hair with flowers, they then handed him a matching baby blue jacket from the bed and helped him slip it on whereas the bunny helped him slide his shoes and Silver placed his foot inside one by one. It fit him perfectly, and he felt like he was ready for the Freshman Prom. The animals all gathered around him, admiring their handiwork and giving him encouraging nods and smiles.
Silver looked at himself in the mirror and couldn't believe how handsome he looked. He felt confident and ready to dance the night away in Leo's arm on the dance floor.
"Thank you, everyone," Silver said as he faced them. "I don't know what I would do without all of you. You're the best friends a guy could ask for."
The animals all chirped, squeaked, and hopped in agreement, showing their support for their dear friend before they all went out of the window leaving Silver alone before he turned back to the mirror.
Once completely alone in his room, Silver's dad, Roberto walks in. "Silver, are you ready?" He walked into his son's room and paused for a moment, taking in the sight of his son dressed up in his prom attire. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy seeing Silver all grown up and ready for this special night.
"Hijo, you look absolutely amazing," Roberto said with a warm smile. "I can't believe how quickly time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday you were a little baby, and now you're all grown up, going to your first prom… well, Freshman Prom exactly." He chuckled.
Silver blushed, chuckled at his dad's words. He was grateful for his father's support and love, but there was also a part of him that was nervous about what the night would bring.
"Thanks, Papa," Silver replied, trying to hide his nerves. "I'm really excited about tonight."
Roberto walked closer to Silver and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I can see that, son. Just remember to enjoy yourself and have a great time. This event is a special milestone in your life, and I want you to make memories that will last a lifetime."
Silver nodded, "I will, Dad," he determined. "I... I just wanted to look my best for Leo for tonight," he replied, but his voice was slightly shaky with anticipation.
Roberto walked closer to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. "I know, Silcer. Leo is a special friend to you, isn't he? You two have been through a lot together. I'm glad you have each other."
Silver nodded again. "Yeah, Dad. Leo means everything to me. He's not just my best friend; he's... he's someone I really care about."
Roberto's eyes softened, and he pulled Silver into a warm embrace. "Silver, I know it can be scary to express your feelings, but it's worth taking the risk. You never know what might happen unless you try."
Silver hugged his dad back tightly. "Thanks, Papa. I think... I think I'm ready to take that leap tonight. Ever since Leo asked me to the prom, and.. and I feel like it's the perfect opportunity to tell him how I feel."
Roberto gave Silver a gentle pat on the back. "I'm proud of you, Silver. Remember, no matter what happens, you have my love and support. Just be true to yourself and follow your heart."
Silver smiled at his dad. "I will, Papa. Thank you and Mama for always being there for me."
Roberto smiled back, his eyes filled with pride. "Speaking of your Mama, she is waiting for you downstairs."
Silver's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his mom. He couldn't wait to see her and show off his prom attire. He thanked his dad once again before making his way downstairs with his dad following him behind.
As Silver descended the stairs, he saw his mom, Paula, waiting for him with a camera in her hands. She had a bright smile on her face as she saw her son in his prom outfit.
"Silver, you look absolutely handsome!" Paula passionately exclaimed. "Come here, let me take a picture of you."
Silver walked over to his mom, and stood in front of her as she began to snap a few pictures. She couldn't help but tear up a little as she looked at her handsome son, all grown up and ready for his first prom.
"You're growing up so fast," Her voice filled with emotions. "I remember when you were just a little baby, and now look at you. I'm so proud of the young man you've become."
Silver smiled and hugged his mom tightly. "Thank you, Mama. I'm grateful for everything you and Papa have done for me. I'm glad you're here to share this special night with me."
Paula hugged him back, holding him close. "You're my baby, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what. Tonight is about making memories and having a great time."
Silver nodded, he knew he had his parents' support and that gave him the confidence to face whatever the night had in store for him.
"Thank you, Mama. I will," Silver replied.
Soon, the doorbell of their front doors rang, Silver knew who that was and Paula went to open the front door, standing before her was Leo, Silver's childhood best friend and crush. Leo, a tall and charismatic Korean boy with dark brown eyes, had an infectious smile that could light up any room. He was dressed in a sleek black suit with a crisp white dress shirt, matching jacket, a baby blue tie that matched the color of Silver's suit, and even a boutonniere pinned on his left side lapel.
In his hands, Leo held a small plastic container that contained a beautifully arranged corsage. The flowers were a mix of white roses and baby breaths, perfectly goes well with Silver's attire. It was clear that Leo had put a lot of thought and effort into his appearance for this special night.
"Leo!" Paula exclaimed, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "So good to see you! Come in, come in!" She moves aside for Leo to walk in. "We have been waiting for you." She stated.
Leo stepped inside, his smile widening as he saw Paula. "Thank you, Mrs. Willow. It's great to see you too," Leo replied, soon, his eyes fell on Silver, who was standing there dressed in a stunning baby blue suit.
"Woah…." He said. "Silver, you… look absolutely incredible," Leo exclaimed, genuine awe at the sight. "So nicely, bro."
Silver blushed bashfully at the compliment, feeling his heart flutter at the sight of Leo. "Thank you, Leo," he warmly replied. "You look amazing too."
Leo walked closer to Silver, the plastic box with the corsage still in his hand. He looked slightly nervous but determined. "Silver, I wanted to give you something," he said, his voice softening. "This is for you."
Silver's eyes widened as he saw the corsage. He couldn't believe that Leo had gone through the trouble of getting him such a thoughtful gift. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to Silver.
Leo gently took Silver's hand and placed the corsage on his wrist. It was a perfect fit, as if it was made specifically for Silver.
Almost like trying on a glass slipper.
"There you go," Leo said in tenderness. "Now you're all set, Silver. Ready to make some amazing memories tonight?"
Silver nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "I am, Leo. And I couldn't have asked for a better person to share this night with than you."
Leo smiled, and he reached out to take Silver's other hand, interlacing their fingers. "Let's make it a night to remember, Silver. Together."
Silver smiled, feeling a surge of courage and love. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the moment to express his feelings to Leo. With their hands still intertwined, Silver looked deeply into Leo's eyes.
He felt blessed to have Leo by his side, and he knew that he would always cherish this special night forever.
Paula, who had been standing nearby, couldn't help but wanted to take pictures of them so they could remember this moment together. She was thrilled to see them together and knew that this night would be one to remember for all of them.
"You boys look absolutely stunning," Paula said with a beaming smile. "Let me take a picture of you boys to capture this beautiful moment."
She directed Silver and Leo to stand close together, holding hands with their corsage prominently displayed. Leo placed his right arm around Silver's waist, and Silver rested his hand gently on Leo's chest. They posed and stare directly at the camera.
"Okay, on the count of three, give me your best smiles," Paula instructed.
"One, two, three!" she counted, and the boys flashed their brightest smiles.
Click!
Paula captured the perfect shot, freezing that moment of love and friendship in time. It was a picture that would hold cherished memories for years to come.
Roberto drove the two to Lake Minneola High School, Silver's excitement was palpable. He couldn't stop babbling about how much fun they were going to have at the prom, all the dancing they would do, and how grateful he was that Leo had asked him to be his date.
"Leo, can you believe it's finally happening? Our first prom together!" Silver exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Leo managed a smile but seemed distant, lost in his thoughts. He replied, "Yeah, it's going to be a great night, Silver. Can't wait."
Silver sensed something was bothering Leo, but he didn't want to press him nor want any negative feeling ruin this night. Maybe he was just nervous or preoccupied with something else. Instead, Silver continued to talk about all the plans he had for the evening.
Soon, they arrived at the school, Silver's heart began to race with anticipation. The parking lot was filled with other students, some had their parents drop them off at the drop-off zone, and the music from the gymnasium echoed through the night. Silver's excitement grew as he realized that this was going to be a night to remember.
"Alright, here we are," Roberto said as he pulled into the drop-off. "Have a fantastic time, you two. And remember to be safe. No funny business please."
"Thanks, Papa, we will." Silver replied, giving his father a warm smile before turning his head to Leo. "Let's make some great memories tonight, Leo."
Leo nodded, trying to muster up a smile. "Definitely," he said.
Roberto drives off, Silver and Leo smile at each other as they head to the gymnasium.
At the entrance, they reach a beautiful lantern in different sizes with fake candles lit up to create a wonderful pathway that leads them to the entrance. The archway covered in vines and white flowers of roses, stock, hydrangeas, and some few baby breaths are accented with a variety of lush greens in this amazing floral arrangement. The archway was adorned with fairy lights, casting a soft glow on everyone who passed under it. The students were greeted by the staff, leading them into the enchanted realm of the prom.
Inside, the gymnasium had been transformed into a magical forest wonderland, with twinkling fairy lights suspended from the ceiling, creating a starry night ambiance. The room was dimly lit to give it a mysterious and enchanted feel. The walls were draped with green fabric, imitating the lush forest foliage.
There were several round tables covered with forest green tablecloths. Each table had a stunning centerpiece, consisting of tall glass vases filled with delicate branches, twigs, and baby breaths, as if the centerpieces were enchanted trees sprouting from the ground.
Around the vases were small LED tea lights, adding a magical flickering effect to the arrangements. The tables were also scattered with rose petals and small woodland creature figurines, representing the enchanted animals that roamed the forest.
The chairs were covered in white covered and wrap with satin forest green ribbons, giving a touch of elegance to the overall enchanted forest theme.
In one corner of the gymnasium, there was a photo booth, designed to resemble an ancient fairy tale tree, complete with fairy lights and draped with more vines and flowers. This area was a popular spot for students to capture memories of the magical night together.
The dance floor was the heart of the enchanted forest. It had been meticulously decorated to look like a clearing in the woods, with a large decal of an ornate compass rose in the center, directing dancers towards adventure and love.
On the stage, a DJ played enchanting melodies, filling the air with beautiful music. Soft instrumental tunes, evoking feelings of love and romance, swept through the room, creating the perfect atmosphere for slow dances.
The enchanting forest theme was further brought to life with a cutout board of woodland creatures, such as deers, bunnies, squirrels, fox, and bears. The ceiling is even decorated with some wisteria, moss, fake vine with lanterns dangling from above, butterflies, and even some fairy lights.
Silver and Leo found a place to sit and watch the others dance for a while. Silver couldn't help but notice that Leo still seemed a bit distant, and it was starting to worry him.
"Hey, Leo, is everything okay?" Silver asked with concern.
Leo sighed and looked at Silver, "Yeah, I'm fine, just... I've got a lot on my mind, you know?"
Silver nodded understandingly. "If there's anything you want to talk about, I'm here for you. We're in this together, right?"
Leo smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Silver. You're a great friend."
Friend.
The word echoed in Silver's mind, and for a moment, he felt a pang of disappointment. He had hoped that tonight would be the night he could confess his feelings to Leo, but it seemed like Leo saw him only as a friend.
"Right." Silver responded back with a small smile. "Friend."
He didn't want to ruin the night or put any pressure on Leo. He decided to enjoy the prom and cherish the time they had together.
Leo got up from his seat and started to drag Silver to join the others on the dance floor. Leo was an excellent dancer, and he twirled and moved. Silver, not too much, he wasn't a skilled dancer like Leo as he doesn't know how to dance like his peers but he tried his best. Silver noticed that Leo seemed to relax a bit as they danced together, and they shared smiles and laughter throughout the evening. Despite his disappointment, Silver reminded himself that he was lucky to have Leo as his only friend, and he didn't want anything to ruin their special night.
During the prom, Silver couldn't shake the feeling that something… something was wrong. He noticed how Leo would sometimes look over to where the popular kids were dancing and laughing, and there was a distant look in his eyes.
Silver noticed how Leo was becoming increasingly distant. He tried to brush it off, thinking that maybe Leo was just caught up in the excitement being here at the Freshman Prom. But deep down, Silver couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
So, he suggested that they should take a break from dancing and headed to the photo booth. The photo booth was decorated with a backdrop filled with leaves. Silver hoped that the fun activity might help Leo relax and bring them closer together.
"Come on, Leo, let's take some pictures together," Silver said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
Leo forced a smile and followed Silver into the photo booth. As they posed for the pictures, Silver tried to make Leo laugh, but his heart sank when Leo's laughter seemed forced and hollow. Almost like he tries to laugh at whatever Silver is saying.
Okay.
Something is definitely not right.
After taking a few photos, they stepped out of the photo booth, and Silver felt a growing tension in the air.
"Hey, Silver, let's go take some pictures at the Photo Booth again," Leo said, trying to change the subject.
Again?
Silver just simply smiled and agreed, hoping that spending more time together would help Leo feel better. They went over to the Photo Booth again, and Leo eagerly posed for some fun shots, but his enthusiasm seemed forced like he doesn't want to do this.
"Okay, Leo, let's do some silly poses!" Silver suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
Leo half-heartedly joined in, but it was clear that he was preoccupied with something else.
After taking more pictures, they returned back to their seats, and Silver noticed that Leo's gaze kept drifting towards the popular group of kids. It began to feel like he was a bystander in Leo's world, watching from the outside. He wanted to confront Leo about what was bothering him, but he didn't want to spoil the prom night.
Maybe… maybe Leo would open up to him later.
Yeah. That's right, he will open up to him soon.
The night progressed and the prom was coming to an end, the Prom Prince and Princess were announced and DJ announced that the last dance of the night would soon begin in just a few minutes. Silver's heart skipped a beat as he realized that this was his chance to share a special moment with Leo, to have that romantic slow dance he had been hoping for all night. He knew it was the perfect moment to express his feelings, to tell Leo how much he meant to him and maybe the two would become a couple on this special night.
Silver looked around the gymnasium, scanning the crowd for Leo's familiar face. But to his dismay, Leo was nowhere to be found. Panic started to rise within Silver as he desperately searched for his best friend.
Finally, he spotted Leo suddenly beginning walking toward the exit of the gymnasium.
"Leo, wait!" He called out but Leo gave him no response as he soon left the dance. Silver wanted to know what was going on, why Leo was acting so strangely.
Determined to catch Leo and talk to him, Silver discreetly followed him outside the gymnasium. He walked quietly through the dimly lit corridors until he spotted Leo standing in the school courtyard, talking to the popular kids.
Hiding behind a corner, Silver listened in on their conversation.
"Leo, you did it! You have proven to us that you are cool like us by asking your weird friend out on. You're officially one of us now," one of the popular boys said with a congratulatory tone.
"Yeah, welcome to the cool club," another girl chimed in, laughing.
Leo grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot to me."
His heart dropped as he overheard their conversation.
Silver felt a lump forming in his throat. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had always known that Leo wanted to be accepted by the popular kids, but he never imagined that Leo would go to such lengths to fit in. Never imagined that he was the part of their cruel pawn.
"I know that I had to do something to prove myself," Leo continued. "Listen, I know Silver is my best friend, but he's kind of weird, you know?" He confessed. "Always talking to animals and acting like some stupid Disney-Princess-wannabe in his pretty little fantasy. It's embarrassing."
Silver's heart shattered into pieces as he listened to his best friend talk about him like that. He couldn't believe that Leo saw him as an embarrassment, as someone who held him back from being cool.
"You're better off without him, Leo," one of the girls said. "Now that you're one of us, you'll have access to all the hangouts, the fun, and the popularity. You don't need to hang out with someone like him."
Silver felt the tears stinging his eyes, but he tried to hold them back. He didn't want to let them see how much their words hurt him.
"Yeah, Leo, you can do so much better than Silver," another boy chimed in. "You're part of the cool crowd now. Don't let him drag you down."
Silver could feel three emotions right now — hurt, betrayal, and anger all at once. He had always been there for Leo, supporting him, caring for him, and now he felt like he was being discarded, used as a stepping stone for Leo's popularity.
Finally, Silver stepped out from his hiding spot, he could see the shock on Leo's face, knowing he had been caught. The popular kids sneered, clearly uninterested in Silver's presence.
"Silver, what are you doing here?" Leo stammered, trying to compose himself.
"I came to find you, Leo," Silver replied with hurt and anger tone. "I heard what you said, and I can't believe you would talk about me like that, like I'm some kind of embarrassment." He said, he could feel the tears rising up but he hold them back. "Is this why you asked me to go out with you to the Freshman prom? Was it all just a joke to you? A way to prove yourself to them?" Sliver gestured towards the popular kids, who were now looking at Silver with amusement.
The popular kids looked amused, exchanging glances as if this was all some kind of entertainment for them. One of them smirked, "Looks like the freak finally found out the truth."
"Aw, poor Silver Weirdo," another mocked. "Looks like your little friendship fairy tale is falling apart."
"Silver, it's not what you think," Leo stammered, trying to defend himself.
"Not what I think?" Silver shot back. "I heard everything, Leo. You called me embarrassing, a weirdo, and now you're saying you're better off without me? Have I meant nothing to you all this time?"
Leo's expression hardened. "You wouldn't understand, Silver. You're always lost in your own little world, with your animals and fairy tale fantasies. It's embarrassing to be associated with you."
Silver's heart was breaking as he listened to Leo's hurtful words, each one feeling like a dagger to his soul. He couldn't believe that his best friend, the person he had trusted and cared for, would say such cruel things to him.
"Why are you acting like such a loser, Silver?" Leo sneered with disdain. "Talking to animals? Seriously, grow up. It's embarrassing to hang out with someone like you."
"'Embarrassing'!?" Silver exclaim, cracking with emotion. "I thought you accepted me for who I am, even with my quirks."
Leo scolded. "Well, maybe I was just pretending to be your friend because I felt sorry for you since no one would want to be your friend. You're not like the rest of us, Silver. You're just... weird."
Tears welled up in Silver's eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He refused to let Leo see just how much his words were hurting him.
"I thought you were my friend, Leo," Silver trembling with sadness rising up. "I thought... I thought we were in this together. I trusted you."
Leo rolled his eyes. "Friend? You were just a means to an end, Silver. I needed you to get into that popular group, and now that I'm in, I don't need you anymore."
Silver's heart shattered into a million pieces. He felt used and discarded, like he was nothing more than a pawn in Leo's quest for popularity.
"I can't believe you," Silver whispered, his voice barely audible. "I thought you were different."
Leo scoffed, not showing an ounce of remorse. "Different? I'm just doing what everyone does in high school – trying to fit in and be cool. You're the one who's different, Silver. And not in a good way."
Silver took a step back, feeling the weight of Leo's words crushing him. He had always felt like an outsider, but he thought that with Leo by his side, he had finally found acceptance and love.
"I never asked you to change," Silver firmed. "I never asked you to be someone you're not. All I wanted was to share this special night with you, to be honest about my feelings."
Leo laughed bitterly. "Feelings? You expect me to care about your stupid feelings? I don't have time for that. I have a new group of friends now, and they're way cooler than you."
Silver's heart ached.
Leo brought his face closer to Silver, only about five inches. "You're really are some weirdo." He end with a smirk.
Tears finally spilled from Silver's eyes, but he wiped them away. "I... I thought you were my best friend, Leo... I loved you."
Leo's eyes narrowed, and he looked away, unable to meet Silver's gaze. "I never loved you, Silver. You were just someone to pass the time with."
Those words cut Silver like a knife. He took a step back, feeling like his whole world had collapsed. The boy he had loved, the one who had shown him what it meant to be happy, had turned into someone he didn't recognize.
With those callous words, Leo turned and walked away with the cool kids who all laugh and snick together, leaving Silver standing there alone, broken and abandoned.
"I... I can't believe he did this," The tears he had been holding back finally spilled over, and he sank to his knees in the empty courtyard. "I trusted him, I loved him, and… and he betrayed me."
The night that had started with so much excitement and hope had turned into a nightmare. Silver couldn't stop the tears now and his body wracked with sobs.
The pain and betrayal consumed him, leaving him feeling so broken, so used, and so empty.
He had lost not just a best friend, but his first love, the person he had trusted with his whole entire heart, the person he had befriended him since they were kids in elementary, and the person who he had loved ever since.
So, Silver stayed there, this Freshman Prom night that was supposed to be a magical and romantic experience turned into a night of heartache and disappointment.
And he thought the shoe fit.
Ever since the Freshman Prom, Silver has been grappling with a deep-seated pain, one that he has kept hidden from everyone except his family members who he had told his parents about everything that happened since then. Despite the passage of time, the memory of the tragic event still lingers in his mind and resurfaces on every month of the 26th. It is a constant reminder of the terrible incident that occurred, and it fills him with a sense of sorrow and regret.
The wounds from the betrayal of his former best friend never truly healed, leaving him with loss and emptiness that refused to fade away. The memories of that fateful night haunted him, and he often found himself wondering if he could have done something differently to prevent the pain he experienced.
Despite the turmoil within, Silver remained a pillar of strength for his friends, always offering a listening ear, helping hand, and finding their true love. He continued to be the kind, sweet, caring, and compassionate young adult that his loved ones knew him to be in the Magical World, always putting their needs above his own. But behind that smile and sweet demeanor, the pain persisted, locked away in the depths of his heart.
The friendships he had cultivated with the Dream Defenders, the Disney Princesses, and his own group of friends grew stronger over time, but a part of Silver always remained distant, as if there was an invisible barrier between him and those he loved. He was still the same gentle, caring soul, but the incident had left a mark on him that no one could fully see.
This has also meant that he has been carrying this emotional weight on his own, without anyone to notice since he first entered the Magical World back when he was a shy 16 years old.
He could book an one-on-one appointment with a therapist or psychologist, but Silver worried that if his friends were to find out about his pain and trauma that he suffered, they might treat him differently. He did not want to appear weak or vulnerable in front of them, and he feared that they might not understand the depth of his pain he goes through. As a result of this, he continued to suffer in silence, putting on a brave and sweet innocent face whenever he was around his friends while wearing a beautiful outfit and they never expected anything from him nor if something was wrong.
Silver Willow, the most kindhearted soul he is, the most caring person he is, and the most angelic person he is. That's what they know him as, that's what they have known him for since he became part of the famous hero group called the Dream Defenders, and he was the Defender of Love.
He has to keep up with the role he plays.
To them, Silver was the embodiment of kindness and strength, a guiding light for all who knew him. Known as the Defender of Love, Silver is seen as a symbol of kindness and strength, much like the true spirit of the Disney Princess or even the embodiment of the late-Princess Diana. He dedicates himself to making the world a better place for others. He continued to lend a helping hand and a compassionate ear, providing comfort to others while carrying the weight of his own sorrow in silence.
So instead of seeking professional help, he has been relying on coping mechanisms such as spending time practicing his art skills, and listening to classical music. While these activities have helped him manage his emotions to some extent, they have not been enough to fully heal the pain he has been feeling.
Silver often finds himself in bed and wondering what could have been if he had made a different choice. If he had said no to his former childhood best friend, would his life be different now as it was? Would he be free from the sadness and pain that he feels inside? And most importantly, would he and Leo still be best friends? It is a question that he cannot answer, but one that constantly weighs on his mind.
The Dream Defenders face new challenges and adventures, battling villains, safeguarding the Disney Realm, helping others in need, and celebrating victories as a team. Throughout it all, Silver remained a steadfast member, despite the pain that lingered within.
In one quiet moment, as the Dream Defenders sat together reminiscing about their journey or even hanging out together, Silver couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. His friends were all smiling and laughing, cherishing the memories they had created together. And while he was grateful for those memories he made, he couldn't escape the feeling that he was an outsider looking in, separated from the joy they shared.
Observing them, Silver wonders if he will ever find someone who truly understands him. Someone who can see past his smile and embrace his vulnerabilities and pain.
Deep within his heart, Silver clings to a glimmer of hope that someday he will find healing, that the pain will subside, and that he will regain the courage to speak about his suffering. However, for now, he remains in the shadows, a beautiful mystery concealing his hurt from the world, unknown to his friends.
Like alway, the Dream Defenders stand united as a team and heroes, unknowingly encircling their friend who silently battles his own demons, Silver perseveres as the embodiment of love, compassion, and selflessness. Despite his struggles, he maintains his role as their silent guardian, carrying the burden of his pain within his heart, patiently awaiting someone who will truly see what's wrong and help him find solace.
The story of Silver Willow, the Defender of Love, continues with each passing day, a tale of resilience and courage as he faces the aftermath of betrayal. And while the ending may not be happy, it is a reminder that life is not always a fairytale, that even the most radiant souls can carry wounds, and that strength comes not from the absence of pain but from the ability to keep moving forward despite it.
Despite the challenges he faces, Silver is determined to overcome the hurt and grief that weigh him down. He knows he cannot change the past, but he can choose how he responds to it. With the support of his loved ones and a resolute determination to heal, Silver holds onto the hope that he can forge a path toward happiness once more.
The journey may be long and arduous, but he is prepared to face it head-on.
Maybe one day, he will find the courage to open up about his struggles.
One day.
Throughout the Magical World saga, we have witnessed Silver's kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for his friends and the people he cares about. But, you may have started to notice a change in his behavior, especially when Staghart ask about his past in the review. However, due to the fear of vulnerability and potential judgment, Silver chose not to reveal the extent of his emotional struggles. Instead, he continues to carry his pain in silence, trying to maintain his facade of strength and positivity.
This change was intentional, as it hinted at the emotional turmoil Silver was experiencing and his mental health problem. Yes, this is officially canon and Silver is carrying a burden that he has kept hidden from those around him, a pain that he has been grappling with since the Freshman Prom incident. The betrayal he experienced at the hands of his former best friend, Leo, has left a deep emotional scar that he continues to carry in the depths of his heart.
Behind his smile, behind his glasses, behind the beautiful outfits he wears, and behind his sweet tinder kindness. There's a dark secret that no one knows about.
The character of Silver was influenced by the late Princess Diana of Wales, whose legacy of compassion and advocacy for mental health resonates throughout her life until her death in 1997. Just as she touched the lives of many around the world through her acts of kindness, I aimed to portray Silver as a character who, despite facing his own pain, seeks to help others with his kindness.
The theme of hurtful pasts and secrets plays a significant role in shaping Silver's character, prompting introspection and self-discovery. His journey toward healing and resilience serves as a reminder that even the kindest souls can harbor pain, and it is through empathy and support that they can find strength to face their challenges. It is important to remember that everyone carries their own burdens, and sometimes, they may not be evident on the surface.
Silver's journey serves as a reminder to approach others with kindness, as we may never truly know the battles they are fighting.
I will see you all for the next one-shot chapter.