Page 63 of The Road Home

I'm waiting for Jared to get off and that's still five hours away. Unless you want me to go, I'll stick around and keep you company.

"Okay, if you aren't bored to death." Harry pulled the lid off his food plate and frowned.

I start work tomorrow. I won't be able to come in as often.

"I'm glad. You don't belong here with me. Work will be good for you. I don't want you worrying about me."

Orson rolled his eyes and mouthed, "friends."

"We are, but that doesn't mean you need to sit here with me. Come see me when you can, but from what the doctors are saying, I'll be here a few more days at least." Harry lifted a small cup of apple juice to him. "Drink this. I can't stand the shit. I keep telling them no apple."

It's good for you.

Orson took it.

"Then you drink it. I'll stick with water until they start bringing me what I ordered." Harry sighed. "You know, I shouldn't bitch. At least I'm getting three meals a day, but even the shelter food tastes better than this shit."

Orson laughed.

What do you want? I'll bring you something from home next time I come.

Harry smiled. "I like hearing you say that."

Say what?

"Home."

Orson smiled, thinking about the word. It was something he'd used to say about his parents' house, but then he'd come to think of it as a cold and unloving place where he wasn't wanted, but now, he did think of Jared's as home, and it was anything but cold and empty. It was filled with hope, and that was something he hadn't had in a long time.

I like saying it.

Orson tossed the notebook back at Harry before he reached for the TV remote and settled back to find something for them both to watch until Jared showed up and would take himhome.