The Fox

In a frosty, narrow room, Steven laid in his bed and stared on the white ceiling. He looked so long, waiting for his body to catch up with his brain, that the ceiling started to form colourful swiggles. Finally, he rubbed his face and sat up, resting his feet on the oak wood floor.
Brunette made himself a coffee, for what is a morning without one, even though it was all he ever filled his stomach with. Until someone finally reminds him to eat, that is. The radio on his kitchen counter begun playing a lively pop song, but music rumbled loudly in his head.

- Oh, shut up already, it's barely seven. - Steven said, smacking the off button, and took a sip of bitter, black liquid.

Suddenly, there was knocking on the front door. Boy jumped a little, turning around in surprise. He approached the door with caution, feeling a little anxious. Although he knew who could be waiting for him at the door, Steven still struggled with opening them. All fears drained from brunette's heart, seeing best friend's radiant smile.

- Good morning! - Sang Abdiel, squeezing backpack straps, with small, pale hands. Aby was much shorter than his friend. A petite boy with chestnut eyes, and apricot, fluffy hair that could never be tamed. His freckles spread out on his body, like cinammon.

-Ah.. It's you. - Boy ran slender fingers through the umber mess on his head, turning around in hurry and leaving the door open. - Give me a minute, I'll get ready.

Fox nodded, and decided to hop onto the stair handrail. Dangling legs in the air, Aby observed his friend chaotically run around the house, looking for the keys, failing to put on fresh clothes and his coat in hurry, and finally stumbling over his own legs trying to get to the front door. Every mornig this small fry comes over, and every morning without fail, he watches his friend being a deranged mess. It puts a smile on his freckled face, but at the same time he knows how much brunette struggles with life. Now, that both boys were ready to go, Steven locked the door and followed Aby down the stairs.

Streets of Earlwoodsdon city overflowed with all shades of autumn, and yet trees looked like they barely started shedding. Cold, fresh air gently bit boys' cheeks and noses, turning them pink. Friends marched beside each other, leafs crunching under their shoes, chatting about nonsense. You'd think they were trying to kill time, but they enjoyed their company too much. Aby was a chatterbox, but Steven liked to stay silent, looking around every now and then, but listening to every word. He breathed in a toxic cloud from a cigarette and glanced over Aby's head to read a plate on a building beside them. "Golden Oak High".

- We're going to spend a weekend in our cabin, you know? Would you like to join us? - Spoke the ginger, looking at his friend's expression curiously.

- "Us"? - Rumbled Steven.

- Yeah, me and my family!

- Nah. - Boy stopped in front of school's gate and threw the cancer stick on the ground, stepping on it.

- What? But why? It's going to be fun! - He said, a little frustrated.

- Your mum's crazy.

- Come on, she's not that bad of a driver!

- AND she's driving? - Steven chuckled to himself as the fox gaped, a little offended. He adjusted his denim jacket and asked, now with noticeable sadness in his voice.

- Are you coming to school?

- No... not today. - Taller lad shoved hands in the pockets of his coat, trying to escape from friend's worried gaze.

- Again ? Steven. - Abdiel grabbed Steven's dark, woolly sleeve to draw attention to himself. Once their ever met, ginger continued.
- Why don't you ask for a shift that starts after school? I'm sure my mother won't mind, and I can help you with catching up, I-

-Aby! - Steven raised his voice, causing the boy to let go, his hands now fidgeting anxiously. The boy sighed, calming himself and continued with a softer tone.
- I know you're worried, but right now, we're short on staff. This job is the only way to keep roof over my head, to support myself. Now it's not the time to be picky. Please, understand.

Abdiel's shoulders dropped. He starred at the ground in silence, squeezing both backpack straps. The boy understood well just how hard Steven tries to manage his life after what happened last winter. It must be annoying, him constantly being there,bothering him, trying to help him, trying to make everyting better. At least that's what anxiety planted in his ginger, little head. Boys stood in awkward silence, until they heard the school yard clock's heavy melody.

- I... have to go. You'll be late, can't have that. - Steven announced awkwardly, rubbing his neck and turning away from the fox.

As he walked, Abdiel remained silent and it hit him. It hit him hard. Guilt squeezed his heart, thoughts racing faster than the wind blowing in his pale, protracted face.

- '' Why do you care so much, Aby? It's not worth it. Fuck.'' - Barista thought to himself, heading for the Kitty Paw Cafe.