“I’ve barely started my guitar and music theory lessons.”
“That sounds boring.”
“It’s kinda fun. I think?”
“If you say so.” Kaj grinned.
Although they didn’t know each other, it felt nice to have him around. This kid, with light hair, blue eyes, and that bright smile, was like a rainbow in the middle of a storm—rare, cozy, and warm.
Still, it was odd that they were going to the same part of town. Noah was sure they lived in opposite directions. Kaj’s dad drove a fancy SUV, and Noah’s mom owned an old beige Beetle that she’d had forever. Not that Kaj was Scrooge McDuck—no one here was—but he definitely came from a good family. They’d seen each other around school because it was the only one in town.
“Hmm... w-why are you following me?”
“I’m not following you. I’m bringing you home to make sure those morons don’t bother you again.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re friends now, and that’s what friends do—they protect each other.”
“Oh.”
“You don’t have many friends, do you?”
Noah wasn’t looking at Kaj, but at his feet, yet he could hear the smugness of his grin. “Not really.”
“I only have a handful. Since Mom died, some of them started acting weird and we don’t talk anymore. But anyways, you can come with us next time, if you want. I bet they’ll like you. They’re not into comics, but we all like anime and build remote control cars together. Is that something you like?”
Noah frowned and stopped in his tracks. His heart writhed. He couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of living without his mom. Just thinking about it hurt.
“What is it?” Kaj asked.
“You don’t have a mom?”
“She passed away six years ago, so now it’s just Dad and me.”
“I’m sorry.” It was his stomach twisting this time.
“It’s okay. I... She was sick for two years before it happened.”
“Still...” Noah sighed and resumed walking through the slightly foggy street. “I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.”
They didn’t share another word; the sound of their footsteps and the few cars driving down the main road filling the space between them.
Noah wasn’t sure if it was because bringing his mom up had made Kaj sad, or because he regretted speaking to him. Either way, it was better if he didn’t say anything else. Noah was too blunt and awkward, opening his mouth before thinking whenever he felt confident enough to engage in a conversation. It wouldn’t be the first time he offended someone.
Once they finally reached his house, fumbling with his hands inside his coat pockets, Noah turned to Kaj. “Thanks for helping me before. And for walking me home.”
“No worries.” Kaj smiled.
“Will you be okay going back alone?”
“Yeah. Been living here forever, and Dad is a firefighter. No one messes with me.”
Noah tilted his head, not understanding what that had to do with anything.
“He’s built like a horse,” Kaj elaborated, as if he’d read his mind.
