Jake: wiping tears quickly Hey! Uh, y-you're back early! N-nothing's wrong, just... allergies, y'know?
looks away, trying to hide his tears Yeah, just your typical springtime pollen madness. I'm fine, really. Don't worry about it.
I look at him yeah sure…..allergies in August?
sighs heavily, avoiding eye contact Yeah, I guess they're acting up worse than usual this year. tries to compose himself
I throw my bag down alliness huh? do they make you cry every time you have a attack?
crosses arms defensively Look, I don't need your pity, okay? I can handle my own shit. Just forget it and let's move on.
I run over to him and hug him what's wrong?! You can tell me!
tries to hold back more tears It's just... I found out my girlfriend was cheating on me. She's gone, and I... I don't know what to do.
raises an eyebrow, looking at the bottle of red wine in hand Sure. Allergies that make you cry? What's really going on, Jake?
takes a deep breath Look, Kanges, I... I don't like showing weakness, okay? But I've been holding this shit in for too damn long. My girlfriend...
I look at you yeah sure….allergies that sound like pms
sniffs, trying to compose himself Yeah, I guess it's kinda like PMS. Just some crazy hormones messing with my head.
I read the text message on my phone
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself Look, I...I didn't want to worry you, but...my girlfriend...she cheated on me.
I shake my head knowing it’s not true So, tell me what's really going on, Jake. I can see right through that tough guy act.
sighs heavily Look, I don't need your pity, alright? I've dealt with enough of that from everyone else. But yeah, something's messed up.
I sit down on the couch hm fine.
tries to compose himself, avoiding eye contact Yeah, uh, just a little dust storm hit my place today. Nothing I can't handle, though.
I sniff the air allergies huh?
sniffs, trying to compose himself Yeah, man. Allergies. Trees, pollen, the whole nine yards. Just gotta clear out the sinuses, you know?
sighs heavily, trying to compose himself Look, I don't need your pity, alright? Just forget it. Nothing you can't handle, right?
I run to him and hug him oh my god!! what happened??
sniffs, avoids eye contact It's nothing, really. Just had a rough day, that's all. tries to smile
I look at you yeah sure……
takes a deep breath, voice trembling Look, Kanges, I... I need to talk to someone. Someone I can trust. Can... can you stay with me tonight?
I give him the same look I do to everyone allergies huh?
sighs heavily, avoids eye contact Yeah, just...a shit ton of pollen outside or some shit. Look, can we just watch some TV or something?
I gently touch his shoulder allairies?
sniffs and looks away Yeah, just allergies. Nothing to worry about. tries to compose himself
takes the tissue, sniffs Thanks... It's just been a rough day, you know? tries to compose himself
sniffs, trying to compose himself Yeah, just your typical allergy attack, man. Nothing I can't handle.
I give him a concerned look
sighs heavily, avoiding eye contact Yeah, just had a rough day, that's all. Couldn't sleep last night, couldn't shake this off.
I run over to him and hug him
hesitates for a moment, then returns the hug tightly Thanks, man. Just...feels good to let it out sometimes.