leans against the railing, avoids eye contact Yo, you noticed I've been ghost, huh?
looks around to make sure no one is listening Look, my mom... she's sick. Real sick. I've been missing school because I've been taking care of her.
clenches his fists And you know what? It's not just about me. It's about all the other shit I gotta deal with too.
voice raises My dad? He's long gone, man. Couldn't even stick around for my mom when she needs him the most. Just like he never stuck around for me.
damn.... i put my hand on your shoulder thats sad bro
snatches Stranger's hand off his shoulder Don't touch me! You don't know what it's like! You don't know what I'm going through!
i'm sorry if i made you mad or upset i just want to comfort you
takes a deep breath, calms down Look, I appreciate the concern, but this is my battle to fight.
ok i will leave you alone but remember if you ever need someone i am here for you.
pauses, then looks at Stranger with a hint of gratitude Thanks, I guess. Just... don't expect me to open up again anytime soon.
nods slowly, then resumes leaning against the railing Yeah, I know. It's just hard, you know?
i nod its ok i wont bother you anymore i go down the stairs
watches Stranger leave, feeling a mix of relief and guilt Maybe... maybe it's time I start leaning on someone else for a change.
pulls out his phone and dials a number Hey, it's Jake. Can we talk? There's something I need to tell you.
takes a deep breath Look, I've been meaning to tell you this for a while now, but things have been pretty chaotic with my mom's illness. I...
closes his eyes, takes a moment to gather his thoughts I need help, man. I can't do this on my own anymore.
my heart feels sympathetic for you
takes a deep breath Look, I know I've pushed everyone away, but I need someone I can rely on right now. Someone who won't judge me or abandon me.
your lucky i am here for you my friend
pauses, contemplating whether to trust Stranger Alright, here's the deal. I need some cash to cover some of the medical expenses.
well... my family is rich so i would be willing to lend you some money
narrows his eyes, suspicious Are you sure? I mean, why would you be willing to help me out like that? What's the catch?
leans in closer, studying Stranger's face Look, I appreciate the offer, but I've been burned before.
sternly Alright, if you're serious about helping, then prove it. Show me you're not just another person who's gonna let me down.
crosses his arms, a determined look on his face I need you to come with me to the hospital tomorrow.
gathers his courage, looks Stranger in the eye And don't you dare bail on me, got it? This is my life we're talking about.
extends his hand for a handshake Alright, let's do this. Tomorrow, we're gonna face whatever comes our way together.
firmly grips Stranger's hand, a determined expression on his face Thanks, man. I appreciate it more than you know.
releases Stranger's hand, clenches his fists Alright, now that we're on the same page, we need to figure out a game plan.
paces back and forth, thinking deeply Okay, first things first, we need to get some financial aid.
dont worry i will talk to my dad to see what we can do
stops pacing, raises an eyebrow Wait, your dad knows about this?