I clicked my tongue again with frustration and began my journey home. It was noticeably past noon as the coolness of evening rushed into my shivering body. The sky was a pleasant mixture of pinks and purples. The sun, a deep orange, was sinking into a dark red. It faded behind the distant hills, and looking even further above me was a dignified navy blue that was speckled with a series of stars. A majestic pattern that any professional artist couldn’t express.

Getting closer to home, another shiver ran down my spine as I made out the shape of a human. Thinking of the worst, I did my best to make out the figure quickly. To my relief it wasn’t my mother, instead a boy around the same age as I.

Familiar…

As the boy paced he caught sight of me in the corner of his eye. A smile spread instantly across his face and he started running toward me.

“Hey!”

What the?

He skidded up in front of me forcing me to stop on the dusty road. The boy wore a bright red vest…

“H-hey, wait, haven’t I seen you before? Oh! You’re that kid from the forest! So glad you’re not hurt by those dogs, They’re known for ripping kids up. The bulldog almost chewed a girls head off once.” He began laughing uncontrollably. I just stood there, obviously unamused.

Wiping away a tear he straightened, then outstretched his hand toward me.

“My name is Oliver Tingen! Nice to meet you stranger.” As impossible as it seemed, his smile grew even more and his eyes gained a spark, one that resembled a distant comet in the night sky.

I hesitantly allowed my hand to grip his and we shook. A little electricity ran up my arm but I hardly noticed it.

“Timothy. Timothy King.” I stated.

“Sorry I didn’t help you out earlier Timmy, with those dogs. It was totally my fault. Those guys were making fun of me, but it’s whatever.” He started rubbing the back of his neck and ruffled his hair. “I’m the newest addition to that group just so you know. They are known for their skill in sports and popularity with the girls.” He winked, as if proud of being a part of that group. He then brought his arms behind him.

Curious. Why does he…

“Anyways, you’re new and soo… That means you don’t know the area! Tomorrow,” He dramatically pointed to his chest. “Me,” he made a quick movement to point to me, “And you, are going to hang out!” Then he started down the road in the direction he first came from.

“Bye!” he called waving his arm around in the air. I politely raised my hand and made a movement resembling his.

I stood there silently.

Interesting… I wonder if he knows.

I headed up the steps to my house but became very still. My mother was already home.

“Tim… dear… Why would you leave? Don’t you love me? Don’t you care about me? Don’t be like your father. That man… Tim-.”

Her voice was like a Siren, as if she was singing a lullaby to a precocious child. Though like the mythical creature in stories of Sirens, they are murderous creatures without Heaven’s grace.

I stepped off the brick stairs and instead went into the grassy fields across the road. There I stared into the void-like sky. The night was extremely beautiful and I could only complain about the one or two grasshoppers that came to investigate upon my chest.

Dad, why did you leave?

With this thought I was taken away into a restless sleep, and the feeling of guilt took over me, knocking into my body and disturbing my dreams.

Placing myself in an apartment room, I looked around, trying to make out any familiar objects. The room was hazy, as if there was a thin fog that layered itself onto everything. A window was open and I took in the crisp winter air.

It’s cold…

“Timothy! I have something for you.” A man’s voice called from the apartment door.

“Dad?” I questioned aloud. My body suddenly moved without me wanting it to. I stepped from my old room into the small open living space that was connected to a small kitchen. Passing by it, I walked down a dim hallway.

Oh, this is a dream…

Coming out of the hazy fog in front of me, my father stood in the doorway smiling. He was tall with light brown hair. In his arms was his briefcase and a shivering white lump.

“Hey Timmy,” His voice was soft and welcoming, as if he was speaking directly to me.

As if, he was truly there…

Taking a step into the mist-like apartment, my father slipped off his shoes and knelt down to reach my height.

“I have something for you, I know you wanted a dog but I got you this instead. You’re young, therefore you have responsibility. I want you to take care of your new pet.” As he was gently placing the small creature into my arms, it meowed in an adorable high pitch.

Disgust filled my face.

“I don’t want a cat Dad!” I protested.

Rage boiled inside of me and I dropped the kitten onto the floor. It scampered into a corner and continued to cry. My father had a pained look in his eyes.

No… I-I love it dad… please, don’t look like that. Stop it!

I wanted to scratch my eyes out and beg my father for forgiveness.

I’m sorry.

“Timothy, this creature may not be a dog but it is precious.”

I scoffed, watching him pick up the kitten and place it into the comforting crevasse of his arm. He spoke to the kitten with kindness, calming it with love. My father looked so peaceful.

This dream… make it stop!

The kitten was white, with a little brown spot on his right paw and the tip of his tail. Its bright yellow eyes watched me with anticipation and fear. My shoulders slouched as I took a step forward and reached out, letting my fingers brush against it ears and forehead. The warmth from its body flooded into my fingertips and my cold heart and personality melted away like snow in the sun’s heat of March

“I guess it’s… kind of cute…”

My father smiled again but deep within his ocean eyes there was uneasiness and doubt.

Dad, I need to tell you something! You have to listen to me before its too late!

The fog from the floor rose blinding me and casted me away from my dad’s presence.

I was then suddenly standing in an alleyway with a metal pipe in my hand and blood running from my knees. In the corner of my eye an unidentified white object laid motionless.

NO!

Turning with tear filled eyes I focused on the blood draining from its small body.

No no no!

A white kitten with a little brown spot on his paw and the tip of his tail was ripped apart by a soulless monster.

My fingers were numb from the cold and my head was throbbing. My father’s words sounded in my head, “It is precious…”

A German Shepherd was barking madly at me. With pure hatred I lurched forward, hitting the dog on its nose. The dog took no effect from my attempt and jumped upon me, scratching chaotically at my clothes and its ravage teeth clamped onto my arms and shoulders.

“HELP!” I screamed letting my whole body lurch forward and awaken me from my dream. I was drenched in a cold sweat and my face was sticky from my streaming tears. Crossing my legs and crying into my hands I cursed God, the world and myself.

The sky was still dark, and the fields brought an unwelcoming smell of morning dew. I stood from my indented spot in the grass and searched the area. There was nothing living to be seen or heard. I breathed, letting out a small cloud that drifted toward the darkly lit sky. There weren’t any stars anymore but instead, a light hue coming from behind the tall trees.The smell of the air and the lightness outside suggested it was around 5 in the morning.

“Dad…” I called out. “Where are you?”

My voice carried itself quietly, then disappeared as if never even there. Another tear escaped the corner of my eye and I wiped it away pathetically, then I sniffed in the crisp air. I began my short way home taking every precaution to stay silent.

Stepping in the front door, I peered inside looking around for my mother. Noticing that she was sound asleep on the living room sofa, I skillfully closed the front door and headed for the kitchen.

It had been all day since I had eaten and my mother might have made the journey to the store. Still looking around with attentiveness, I opened the fridge. The light flooded out onto the floor and I took in the sight of a bag of apples, one gallon of milk, a bag of cheese and some lunch meats. Instinctively I reached for the bag of apples.

Unwrapping the bag quietly, I greedily grasped the one that was the deepest red. Closing the fridge, I took two steps toward the sink and turned on the faucet. While I washed my apple I looked at the counter, where there was a paper bag filled with bread and chips. Along with it there were two 2 liters of Pepsi and a small box of Oreos. I turned back toward the sink and shut the water off. After wiping the fruit on the underside of my shirt I smiled with satisfaction. All set to have my dinner, I twirled on my heels and headed for the stairs in a pleasant mood.

“Timothy?”

The hoarse voice made my blood run cold and my apple fell to the ground making a distinct thud.

“Mom… Hey…” I turned to my right seeing my mother in white pajamas. Her hair was all knotted up, and her hands clutched a towel with a psychotic grip.

“Where were you?” She half whispered and half spoke, cocking her head to one side.

“Just… out…”

Her whole body flinched.

Crap, the note this morning…

Flashing through my mind I recalled my mothers note.

‘Went out for my new job. Sorry I didn’t see you yesterday. Stay inside.’

Stay inside. Stay inside.

Stay. Inside.

My jaw hovered lighty as my mind tried thinking of quick excuses but it was too late. My mother was crazed with rage like passion.

“I told you to not leave the house!”

She lurched forward and a painful hand abruptly whipped across my cheek. Her scream shook the house and my entire body grew instantly numb. I braced myself and accepted my fear.

“Timothy! How dare you! Don’t leave me! Never leave me!”

Crumbling to the floor with her on top of me, she clawed furiously at my face.

“You look like Hhm! Don’t leave me!”

I desperately tried to kick her off of me, but my attempts were worthless compared to her unanticipated strength.

Pinning me beneath herself, she wrapped the towel around my neck. She tightened it until I couldn’t breathe.

“M-Mom…” I choked on my words and tears streamed from my burning eyes. I could feel the blood pressure build in my brain and with a last effort I called out a name.

“John!”

My mother’s screams halted and she went cold from the name. I coughed instinctively trying to regain my ability to breathe. I pushed her to the side and she limpy laid against the stairs.

Getting up quickly, I ran out the door and away from the house. My mother called after me but fear kept me going.

After looking several times I knew she wasn’t trailing behind me so I collapsed inside the cemetery and began to taste an excessive amount of blood.

Help… Someone help!

The world spun and my hands dug into the soft soil. A small breeze brushed past me, whisping its way through the tall grass.

“Use your inhaler boy!” The voice filled my head and without thinking I brought the life-saving device to my lips. I sharply took in a relieving breath…

Lying motionless on the ground I steadied my breathing. Tears streamed from my eyes and I listened to the pace of my heart.

“Are you alright my boy?”

My brows furrowed and I groaned sitting up. Looking around for a man I replied, “Y-yeah, I’m okay…”

“What are you doing looking around? Aren’t you going to come thank me in person?”

I took in another breath from my inhaler, and stood up still confusedly searching the rigid area. Tombstones were scattered throughout the grounds some with dates but no names some with names but no dates, and one with the word ‘Missing’ carved upon its face.

“How can I thank you if I don’t know where you are?”

There was no reply.

“Hey!” I called but then coughed instantly regretting my tone of voice.

“Boy, come to the forest.”

The voice whispered to me and I turned, staring deeply into the shadowy place.

“I’m not an idiot. Who in their right mind would go in there… and at this time?”

I rubbed my eyes and felt an overwhelming wave of sleep deprivation and hunger wash over me. My stomach growled and I smacked my lips, trying to rid the taste of blood.

“Trust me…”

The voice was comforting and calm. Every nerve in my body welcomed the warm feeling but a certain part of my brain pushed it away. However, without any control, my feet carried me into the forest. Crickets and a single song bird chirped their morning melodies.

“Come to the Willow tree,” The voice said soothingly.

An image of the mysterious Willow flashed through my static filled head.

Carefully maneuvering my way through the thick forest, I spotted the open area with the seemingly misplaced tree. It was just as I had left it.

“I am here boy.”

I cocked my head and walked toward the tree. Coming closer to it, I reached out and made contact with its rough bark. A soft wind brushed past and the whispering voice spoke.

“Welcome Timothy.”

“H-how do you know me?”

“I know many things,” It replied.

“I don’t understand… you’re… a tree?” I stuttered, and hearing the absurdity of the situation out loud made my body rise with uneasiness.

“Indeed.” The Willow’s leaves blew in the breeze making a calming sound that soothed my racing heart. I knelt down and leaned against the tree, taking in the mysterious information.

A talking tree?

“Eat the plants near me, they are nourishable and filling.” I picked up a handful of mushrooms and without thinking I stuffed them in my mouth. Their earthy taste soaked into my tongue and I melted into the flavor.

“My name is Auden; I have been here for many ages. I whisper to passing folks but none have ever been able to hear me. None until you.”

Hours passed and I listened to the forest waking. The soft rustling of leaves, the multiple chirps from various birds and animals. I, unwillingly, drifted to sleep one or two times but within these few hours I came to accept my new discovery. I noted to myself that Auden only spoke with wise and complicated answers and sometimes he never spoke at all…

I left the tree and returned my way home. But inside I felt hollow, as if my reality was being stretched into something unreal…

“Hey Timothy!” I looked up from the dirt path and saw Oliver running at me. I smiled slightly and waved.

“Hey,” I said politely as he ran up to me.

“Hi!” Oliver went in for a hug but saw the bruises from my mother’s attack.

“What happened to you?” Concern flashed through his eyes as he searched mine for answers.

I smiled a little more.

“Just fell.”

I knew he didn’t believe me but I walked past him and changed the subject.

“So, are you gonna show me around?” I smirked, seeing Oliver instantly forgetting about the conversation and lightening up. I was enjoying myself but the feeling was foriegn and almost painful.

Together we walked into town and Oliver pointed out the bank, grocery stores, and the barbershop. He introduced me to too many people and I did my best to remember their names. My attempts to remembering anything was better than Oliver’s though, he would drag me up to random people and say “Hey, this is…. Tommy no...Timmy? This is… uh… sorry what’s your name?”

His face grew red multiple times after recalling the names and would apologize for forgetting. I would also explain to him that my name was Timothy after he messed up three more times. Oliver would laugh and he would start scratching his arm in embarrassment.

There it is again.

Coming to the edge of town I noticed the direction of the sun, which was directly above us, and hinted at leaving, but Oliver begged me to stay a little longer. I sighed and relentlessly agreed just to see his face light up again.

Mom’s gonna kill me. I thought scratching the back of my head.

Is this worth is? Is He worth it?

We traveled through town again and Oliver talked about his ma. He seemed so happy and proud of her. The sun had traveled further in the sky making it early evening.

“Hey Shorty!”

Oliver’s smile froze on his face as he turned around. I could tell though, deep with in expression was exhaustion.

Why’s he doing that?

I glanced over my shoulder and frowned. My brows furrowed in frustration and confusion.

Dylan, Anthony and Jimmy, the troublesome trio, walked toward us. In Anothony’s hand was a dead squirrel and in Dylan’s a bloodied bat. Jimmy was stuffing a pack of Cigarettes in his back pocket.

Oliver took in a deep breath before his forced exclamation.

“Hey guys!” He called. Oliver walked up to the group leaving me in my designated area.

Stop it…

I gripped my fists tightly as I watched the group of boys discuss their ‘adventures’ and Oliver laughing. He seemed to fit in with the group yet, something was off about the situation.

Every time Oliver spoke he would dig his nails into his arms. I began to sweat when I noticed how deeply he was actually cutting.

“Anyway dude, next month is the Fourth. We’re thinking about getting some fireworks. You should join. That is if you’re not a chicken.” Oliver scoffed and punched Dylan in the arm playfully.

“Come on, you know my Ma would kill me if I went and did that.”

“Oh boo hoo, your mom’s a party killer. Just sneak out and join us. Think about it shorty.”

Dylan ran his dirtied fingers through Oliver’s hair in a mischievous way.

Oliver just laughed uncomfortably and continued to smile while responding with,

“I’ll try.”

After the boys went into an alleyway Oliver let out a big sigh and his face fell. He kicked the dust, looking pathetic. Watching him caused something inside of me begin to hurt.

I didn’t like the feeling at all, What is this? Is this… Sympathy?

What do I say? Should I look away? Shit… what do I do? I’ve never felt this before damn it!

“Wanna go somewhere cool?” Oliver asked breaking the silence. He itched his arm behind his back and I could see the pain through his fake smile. Shock and guilt filled me and I felt sick to my stomach.

How is he able to smile when he’s in pain?

“Sure…” I responded. Oliver then reached out his right hand and I noticed all the scars.

Holy…

I took it and smiled hiding my shocked expression as he led the way out of town and back to the dirt road. We traveled hand in hand and we talked about so many things. Well, Oliver mainly talked.

He told me about the towns origin and how its name, Koman, stands for something in Basque. He brought up some old memories of him and those boys getting into trouble. He talked about how three months ago some kids in the town just disappeared and they were known as the ‘Missing’. This sparked my interest as I recalled the newspaper articles in my room and the photo of that girls gravestone.

Oliver smiled so brightly but in his eyes were a hint of horror.

“Yeah, there were about twelve of them that disappeared mysteriously. No one knows where they went but some say they saw a tree. Like a big tree!” He stretched his arms out as far as he could so I could get the concept. I just scoffed at his absurdity.

“One kids ma said that his son talked about looking for an animal and finding a big Willow tree. Then the next day he just… didn’t come home. There were a whole bunch of investigations… It happened the same time my best friend….” His voice trailed off.

I tilted my head confused by his last words but he brushed it off and started talking about his mother.

Throughout all this, in the back of my mind I thought about the scars. They were all up his arm. Scars going vertically and horizontally. Scars that went diagonally and even in a zigzag pattern. I then recalled Oliver's face throughout the entire day. He was always smiling.

An uncomfortable feeling dripped down my spine and I took in a deep breath.

“My ma is the best! She makes these chocolate chip cookies but uses extra vanilla so they have the best taste. And they always stay moist.” He wrinkled his nose suddenly.

“Ew, ‘moist’…” He spoke it slowly in a naisily tone. “I hate that word.” He then laughed to himself and I let out a small chuckle. His innocence was warming.

Arriving to a house, Oliver stood taller placing a proud look on his smirky face.. I made the assumption that it was his home.

“Here we are! We have to be quiet though, because my mom is probably sleeping. But follow me!”

Thinking we were going into his house, I bundled up all my fears of making noise but I was taken by surprise when Oliver turned left and started climbing a tree. I watched as he climbed onto a branch that hung fairly close to the roof of his house. He then, jumped effortlessly onto the roof of his house.

My jaw dropped in disbelief.

Is he serious?

“Come on.” Oliver whispered to me and started waving his hand for me to hurry.

I gulped and started climbing the tall Oak. Its rough bark made it easy to grip and the branches were well placed so I could slide through areas smoothly.

I mimicked Oliver and jumped onto the roof of his house. He outstretched his arm and I took his hand again. We climbed to the very peak of his roof and my breath was taken away.

The view was astonishing. The distant hills rolled back farther than the eye could see, and when the slightest breeze swept across the landscape the tall blades of grass curled like ocean waves.

The leaves on the trees rustled peacefully and shhhed calmly in the dusk of evening. Their shadowed, light green coloration contrasted beautifully with the sky’s vibrant pink and the sun’s deepening orange. The clouds were a dark purple, and the stars began to glitter their distant lights through the darkening sky mimicking the thousands of fireflies shining above the blades of grass.

I couldn’t help but let my mouth hang open in awe.

“Pretty right?” Oliver asked. His hazel eyes took in the view and I could tell that he too was astonished by it. I nodded in response and we fell silent, watching the sun sink beyond the hills and listening as night life flooded in taking control. Crickets chirped and the fireflies danced lighting the dim wilderness as if it was a dream.

Beyond the chirping of crickets you could hear a distant pack of coyotes yelping near the base of the distant hills. I gulped hearing their freakish screams.

“Don’t like dogs?” Oliver asked breaking the stillness between us. I chuckled to myself feeling chills roll down my spine.

“Nope.” I answered honestly.

Oliver laughed at me. His laugh was comforting and warm making me smile.

“So, what about you? Any fears?”

“Oh yeah, I can’t do heights…”

“Really? Why?” I asked looking around at the place we sat finding his answer ironic.

Oliver started itching his arm again and I, having regretted even asking, knew not to push further.

“Forget it man. It’s personal, I get it.” I said trying to brush off the topic. The feeling of the situation started to make me feel sick inside.

“No no. it’s okay. I guess it’s good to talk about it. I mean, it was three months ago,”

I let a confused look set upon my face.

Oliver sighed before speaking. I tried to anticipate where the conversation was going but nothing could have prepared me for his words…

“My best friend jumped off a bridge.”

I breathed in and listened to the crickets songs…

“I-I’m sorry…”

Damn it… I should change the subject.. But how?

That sickly feeling grew in my stomach again.

“It’s fine… it was a long time ago. We had just gotten back from a trip and I knew Dusty was going through a lot. Dustin was his name by the way, but I called him Dusty. His dad left for his job every morning and wouldn’t come back till late night meaning, he could never see him”

“Sounds like mine…” I scoffed.

“His ma never paid any attention to him so he always hung out at my place whenever he could…” I nodded in understanding.

“ Anyways, we headed home and I just didn’t notice how quiet he was. Dusty always kept to himself and that was just who he was. After spending some time at my place, he told me he was going to his house. I offered to walk him there but he refused. After he left, I realized he forgot his phone and chased him down the street to give it to him. I saw that he stopped on an overpass and I thought he heard me so I stopped running. But… I guess he never saw me.”

My eyes grew as Oliver explained the scene. He told me how he saw his friend climb up onto the ledge and how he ran as fast as he could but it was too late.

Oliver stared into the distance, lost in the memory. His voice was hoarse as he spoke.

“Dusty stretched out his arms tipped forward, free falling seventeen feet onto pure cement. His body slammed into the ground, and even from the bridge I could hear the sound of Dustin’s skull shattering against the pavement. I remember chills spilling over my body as I related the sound to a pile of sticks being broken in half. I looked over the edge and his body was twisted unnaturally, and multiple pools of blood drained from different areas staining the ground below.

Tears welled up in my eyes as Oliver choked on his words.

“I only wish… I ran faster or noticed something.”

Oliver’s shoulders shook as his muffled sobs filled the night air. Pain loomed over us and I sat there watching him.

What do I do?

I wanted to make him stop but my mind went blank, I’ve never dealt with others crying but my mom.

Still unsure, I shifted closer and placed a hand on his back.

Oliver sniffed and cleared the tears from his freckled cheeks and droopy eyes. I patted him on the back and said that I was there for him.

Am I doing this right?

“Ah, sorry. This is embarrassing I usually don’t cry in front of people.”

I laughed uneasily.

“It’s okay. I won’t judge you.” I bit my lip, still uneasy.

Oliver smiled again and we watched the stars, counting the shooting ones until another conversation started up.

“So do you have any siblings?” Oliver asked.

“Nah… It’s just me and my mom…”

“No dad?”

“Nope… he… vanished I guess.”

Olver shifted on the roof to face me more directly. He stared into my eyes and I couldn’t help but admire the color of his. They were a dark forest green with decorative honey colored flakes. Near the center of the iris was a spiked ring of a golden brown color. They made me melt inside but, feeling embarrassed I turned away.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

I avoided eye contact because I didn’t want to see him frowning again. His presence was overbearing and I knew he was examining my every feature. My jaw tightened as I tried to come up with a simple explanation.

“Well… My dad was a Marine and after an incident. He just left.”

“What incident?”

Jeez, can’t he take a hint?

“Uh… Well… When I was six, my dad brought home this kitten. He told me to love it with everything I had and, trust me, I did…uh..” I rubbed the back of my neck feeling uncomfortable and not wanting to go on.

“And?” Oliver pushed oblivious to my discomfort.

The hell is wrong with this kid? I guess he did tell me about his friend… I sighed, fine.

“Well… I made a mistake and left my window open at night, my dad was coming home that day… My cat got out and I noticed at like 3 in the morning.” I paused gulping down a thick drop of saliva. “Freaking out, I left the apartment and found him in a nearby ally… There was a dog there…” I intertwined my fingers together becoming warm. “My cat was dead and the dog almost killed me too.” I took in a chilled breath and let it out with a quivering sigh. My mind flashed to the kitten lying on the ground and the dog ripping at me clothes. Chills ripped through my body as I remembered its savage claws shredding my skin like paper. “ I don’t remember much after that. Everything up till the moment when my mom and I were getting kicked out is a blur… My mom said he went away and says MIA anytime I ask about my dad so I’ve just given up…” My shoulders slumped and I was filled with the feeling of being completely insignificant.

“Wow… ” Oliver breathed.

“Yeah…”

We continued to stare into the darkness and I yawned once or twice.

I glanced over at Oliver. He looked tired too but I honestly didn’t want to go home. It was late and I was scared that my mom might hurt me again. Oliver started itching again.

“Why do you do that?” I asked shattering the silence once again between us.

Oliver seemed to jump out of his skin when I spoke.

“Do what?”

“The itching.” I gestured to his arm. “Doesn’t it hurt?”

He looked down at his arm and we both saw a trickle of blood run down to his hand.

“A little but it takes my mind off things. My ma says it’s because I feel guilty but I don’t know… I mean. It’s kinda a habit now. I consider it just a nervous tick.”

I shifted and crossed my legs.

“That’s… not good you know.”

Oliver smirked and agreed. Then once again there was silence..

I'm so tired… but I like this… It’s been so long since I've had someone…

Another question popped into my mind.

“Hey, do you know what ‘Auden’ means?”

Oliver blinked in confusion but smiled warmly. Deep inside I thanked the moon for its light because that smile was precious.

Precious?

“Auden…” Oliver repeated slowly. “Well, being the nut that I am, I know of a W.H. Auden who was an amazing poet. Therefore, I know that the name ‘Auden’ stands for ‘Old friend’.”

Amazed I sat back further leaning on my hands behind me.

Of course it does…

“Hey.”

I blinked coming out of my thoughts.

“Yeah?” I responded automatically.

“We should do this again.”

I nodded and saw Oliver stand up.

“I gotta go. Feel free to leave whenever though. Also, I’ll bring you some of my Ma’s famous cookies” He winked at me and I scoffed rolling my eyes.

Then just like that, he left.

I was dumbfounded by all the things we talked about. My dad, his best friend, our fears and I learned about his everyday problems.

Maybe next time I can talk about my mom. No no no who would want to hear about that.

In the distance, I heard something like a plate shatter and goosebumps erupted upon my skin. I stood from my spot and climbed down from the roof.

Guess home is out of the option.

I sighed trying to think of a place to go.

“Timothy.” A soft voice called.

Warmth ran through my body and I smiled to myself.

“Yeah yeah I’m coming.” I said smirking, “Hey, I know what your name means.”

I ran past my house and into the woods straight to my secret tree.

Panting once arriving at my destination, I took in a relieving breathe from my inhaler.

“Hello my boy.”

The voice seemingly spoke through me and I smiled. The feeling was familiar yet foreign. I couldn’t help but walk toward it. I stepped past the Willow’s raining leaves and I plopped a seat at its base using its trunk to lean against.

“Hey.”

“I saw you and your friend.”

I scoffed.

“Friend? Me and Oliver aren’t…” I second guessed myself. “Are we?”