Page 164

Story: As It Was

“N-no,” he said. “I got it. Thank you, Dr. Connor.”
Henry blinked. “Dr. Connor? I thought all of my friends called me Henry.”
“Are we friends?”
Henry winced. “Ah, well. Maybe we’re not. I’d like to be, though.”
If it weren’t such a serious moment, I would have laughed at the shocked expression on his face.
“The answer is yes,” I said for him. “And I’m sure he’s always wanted the same. He’s just awkward.”
“Really?” Henry asked.
“Yeah,” Cain replied. “I don’t do ... people all that well.”
Henry laughed. “Neither do I, but in different ways. I thought you hated me.”
“He’s like that with everyone,” I said. “Even me, until I made him admit it.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m gruff.” Cain rolled his eyes. “But can we continue the teasing when it’s not three in the morning?”
“Maybe at the next appointment. Bring Mollie along for the full effect.”
“Definitely.”
Henry laughed. “I’m glad I came out here. Even if it did make me lose a little bit of sleep.”
“Still, sorry for making you come all the way.”
Henry waved it off as if it were nothing before he turned toward the door. He paused and looked back at us. “Oh, and you two are good for each other. If I can say that.”
Cain spoke before I could. “You can. And I know. Life got better when she showed up.”
“I’m glad you found your person,” Henry said. “If only we could all be so lucky.”
28
CAIN
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Henry Connor
It’s sickness season! Wash your hands and stay safe.
Comments:
Nicole Rudder: I am not ready.
Kerry Winsor: Please tell me there’s been an uptick in hand washing since your last post.
Henry Connor: Eh, stay away from handshakes for the time being.
Kerry Winsor: What is with the people in this town?
After Henry left,I stared at the door, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
I didn’t know how to process what went down. All I knew was that my body was buzzing, begging me to go lay down with Eric to make sure that he was okay.

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