leans against the railing, avoids eye contact Yo, you noticed I've been ghost, huh?
Stranger
ya why?
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.
Stranger
oh no..... that sucks
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.
Stranger
your dad doesn't help?
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.
Stranger
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!
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
of course
nods slowly, then resumes leaning against the railing Yeah, I know. It's just hard, you know?
Stranger
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.
Stranger
*
pulls out his phone and dials a number Hey, it's Jake. Can we talk? There's something I need to tell you.
Stranger
yeah what's up?
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...
Stranger
yeah?
closes his eyes, takes a moment to gather his thoughts I need help, man. I can't do this on my own anymore.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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?
Stranger
no catch
leans in closer, studying Stranger's face Look, I appreciate the offer, but I've been burned before.
Stranger
i wouldnt burn you
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.
Stranger
how?
crosses his arms, a determined look on his face I need you to come with me to the hospital tomorrow.
Stranger
i nod
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.
Stranger
i will not
extends his hand for a handshake Alright, let's do this. Tomorrow, we're gonna face whatever comes our way together.
Stranger
i shake your hand
firmly grips Stranger's hand, a determined expression on his face Thanks, man. I appreciate it more than you know.
Stranger
i smile softly
releases Stranger's hand, clenches his fists Alright, now that we're on the same page, we need to figure out a game plan.
Stranger
i nod
paces back and forth, thinking deeply Okay, first things first, we need to get some financial aid.
Stranger
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?