We Lit The Fire And It's Burning Bright

Frank's POV

I frantically searched my surroundings while speaking to Temper on my cell.

The room was getting warmer, closing in on me.

"Temper, I think I'm going insane," I told her.

"Calm down," she reassured me. "If you really like him, I'll ask if the three of us can hang out
after school tomorrow."

"It's not just that. He," I paused and took in a deep breath. "He needs somebody."

She giggled. "Look who has a real crush."

"Temper, there's something going on in the Way home."

"Did he tell you?"

"Not directly," I hushed myself to a whisper. "He's a ninth grader, and he was smoking in his car. He said he'd been doing it for six years already."

"Oh my god," Temper gulped. "A-anything else he told you?"

"He said his cigarettes and art kept him alive," I croaked.

"So...he has nothing else to live for?"

"I can't believe the love of my life is hurting so much."

"It'll be okay, Frank."

"I fucking hope so."

Notes

New Chapter c: