New Era – Episode 5: The First Step

Later that week, the air was crisp with the smell of fall leaves. The sun had just started dipping behind the buildings, casting golden rays across campus. Victor and Mikey were walking out of their last class, joking about a professor’s dramatic chalkboard rant, when they heard a voice behind them.

???: Uh… excuse me?

They turned around to see a younger student—maybe a freshman—nervously clutching a notebook to his chest. He had that lost-on-campus look in his eyes.

Student: You guys were in that theology class, right? With Professor Rudd?

Victor: Yeah, we were. What’s up?

Student: I—I overheard you talking the other day when walking to class. Something about cycles and emotions? I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, I just… I’ve been dealing with some stuff. And the way you explained things… it made sense. More than anything I’ve heard lately.

The student abruptly paused. Then Mikey glanced at Victor, eyebrows raised.

Victor: Well I’m glad you made sense of it. To be honest, we were just reminiscing over some previous conversations.

Mikey: bro Vic he gave you a compliment take it. Anyway, besides that. You said you were going through some stuff did you wanna talk about it?

Student: I mean… yeah. If that’s okay?

Mikey: Of course, man. We’ve got time.

They walked over to a nearby bench under a tree, and the student began to open up. About his parents always fighting. About how he’d started pushing people away before they could hurt him. About feeling like he had no one who really understood how broken things felt on the inside.

Victor listened quietly, nodding. Mikey sat beside him, unusually still, not interrupting. The student kept his eyes on the ground.

Victor: You’re not alone. I’ve been where you are. So has Mikey.

Mikey gave a half-smile, nodding slowly.

Victor: There’s a lot I could say, but here’s the most important thing: you’re not broken. You’re just hurt. And healing is messy, but it’s not impossible. You have the power to break the cycle—but not on your own. You need people who care… and you need God. Both of those are still within reach.

The student looked up, his eyes beginning to well with tears. Mikey reached into his backpack, pulled out an unopened energy drink, and handed it to him.

Mikey: Here. Step one—hydrate and breathe. Step two—we’re here for you, alright?

Student: (softly) Thanks… seriously.

As the student walked off to his dorm, Mikey and Victor sat in silence for a moment, watching the light fade.

Mikey: You handled that like a pro, Vik.

Victor: We both did. You didn’t interrupt once. I think that’s a record.

Mikey: (laughs) Hey, don’t get used to it.

Victor looked over at Mikey, more serious now.

Victor: But in all honesty… I think you were meant for this too. That kid connected with you just as much as he did with me.

Mikey: Maybe. Still feels weird thinking of myself as someone who could help people. But you said something last time—about not waiting to be perfect, right?

Victor: (grinning) That’s my line.

Mikey: No, that was my line first. You just used it better.

Victor: Touché.

They both chuckled, the sound mixing with the rustle of the wind through the trees. The sun dipped low, casting a warm amber glow over them.

Mikey: I don’t know where all this is going, Vik. But for the first time in a long time, I feel like maybe… we’re finally walking in purpose.

Victor: One step at a time. And we’re not walking alone.