Once they have both the flowers and the dark chocolate, they return to the hospice.
“It’s pretty here,” Owen says as they walk down the hallway. “Must be expensive.”
Will doesn’t answer. He heard such comments before, and it feels like a blow every single time. When he’s put on the spot, he reluctantly admits that the mayor covers the costs.
“Hello, you two,” Julie says as they enter her room. She puts aside the book she’s been reading and props herself up against the elevated head of the bed. She has a white bandana on, not much different from the shade of her pale skin.
“Owen, those are beautiful. And chocolate as well. Oh, this latest book you recommended is magical.”
“The Snow Queen? I know, right? I love the world-building. The sequel is also great. I’ll save it for you.”
They talk about books some more, and since Will has nothing to contribute on the topic, he sits quietly and enjoys listening. They sound like old friends, as he knew they would.
“What have you two been up to today?” Julie asks, as if she assumes they have spent their day together.
“Will took me to the woods. I’m a tree expert now. You need a high-quality log, you can come straight to me from now on.”
“Oh my. You’re a patient man.”
Owen laughs. “Nah, I love hearing Will talk.” He catches himself and blushes. “I mean that he’s good at conversation.”
“When he’s not sitting quietly and thinking. He used to be a very quiet kid.”
For the next thirty minutes, she shares stories of their childhood. Will doesn’t mind since she doesn’t say anything he wouldn’t have said about himself, and it’s not like there is anyone else alive who can testify about his childhood.
They leave when it’s time for Julie’s dinner and shower, but only after Owen promises to come visit again soon.
“I really like her,” Owen says as they head toward the entrance. “And I loved hearing about your childhood.”
“I’m glad, as long as you don’t use anything you’ve heard as ammunition.”
“Like when you used to run around the house naked after a shower and demanded a bedtime snack?”
“Exactly like that. And I was three.”
“I think I heard thirteen.”
Will laughs and opens the door for Owen to exit. It’s a chilly evening, but it’s also quiet and peaceful. This part of town doesn’t get a lot of traffic, even though it’s not far from the center.
“Can you spend the night with me?” Will asks, feeling confident enough not to beat around the bush. He loves sharing a bed with Owen and feeling him next to him.He’s gotten used to it after a single night, even after years of sleeping alone.
“I’d love to, but my aunt should be finishing her shift soon, and I should go eat with her. I don’t want to push my luck.”
Will nods. They are two adults, but at times it feels like they’re teens who are doing something they shouldn’t. He reminds himself that nothing is perfect, and with Owen, the good greatly outweighs the bad.
“Thank you for today,” Owen says, standing close but not close enough for it to look suspicious if someone sees them. “I loved stepping deeper into your world.”
“Thank you, but my world is pretty small.”
“Not from where I’m standing.”
Will wants to kiss him. His body and mind demand it. He glances around to make sure they’re alone, his heart beating fast. But before he can gather the courage, he catches a police car taking a turn toward them.
Owen notices it as well, and in a heartbeat, he jumps to hide behind the nearby bushes.
Will remains in place, trying to look like he has nothing to hide. The car comes closer until he recognizes Sheryl driving. She slows down enough to lower her window and give him the finger.
He takes deep breaths as he watches her drive off.
