Mr. Way - Frerard

Mr. Way wasn’t in school the previous day. I was worried to the point where I could barely think, and concentrating on algebra was a long shot, so I decided to cut class, and wander around the local neighbourhoods in the hope of spotting his car.

A few hours later, I was close to giving up, and my stomach was growling for food, when a car similar to Gerard's came into my view. My heart leapt and I looked closer in the hope of finding a clue that it was his car. I recognised the clutter that surrounded my feet at previous times I'd sat in his car, and almost cried with happiness.

Apprehensively, I walked up the path to his front door, and knocked. After a few minutes with no response, I knocked again but harder. I thought for a moment and came to the conclusion that I didn’t spend all day walking around town for nothing, and it was worth checking whether he was home.

I tried the door handle and found it unlocked, so I stepped into his house and called his name, to which there was no reply. I checked the kitchen and lounge, which were empty, and then entered the next room I came to.

It was regular-looking bedroom, but was far more than regular due to the man who was lying in the bed. Gerard was lying motionless, partly covered by a blanket, his eyes closed. They opened wearily at the sound of me entering.

"Frank?" he whispered, confused to see me, and heavy from sleep.

"Gerard, what's the matter? Are you sick?" I said quickly, rushing to kneel by the side of his bed.

"No, no is nothing like that, I'm sorry, I-"

"Shh, stop. Calm down. You can explain later but first you need a shower. I'm not going to lie to you, Gee. You stink. I'll go make us something to eat, okay?" I stroked his hair before leaving him.

I went through to the kitchen, and realised I was shaking out of worry for the older man. I told myself to get a grip and got started on breakfast.

Notes