They come back in spring. - L.S

manchild

Niall rubs his hands together as I knock on the door, adjusting the basket in my hands. 'Fucking freezing out here.' Niall blows into his hands, reaching over and knocking on the door again.

'Give them a chance.' I shake my head. 'We didn't even ask before coming.'

'It's called the element of surprise.'

'But what if they're not ho-.' The doorknob finally turns to reveal a very dark, dark house. Almost as if it's been drenched in ink. A mop of soft brown hair slowly peaks through, tired bluebell eyes following through.

'Hi, Louis!' Niall beams.

He gives us a weak smile, ducking his head down. 'What are you...' he clears his throat before starting again, 'What are you guys doing here?' his voice's raspy and strained.

Is that what he sounds like when he wakes up? I'm fucked.

I clear my throat before replying, 'We're here to see Grace.' the longer I look at him, the weaker he looks, 'And you.' I say gently.

I take in his state. He's wearing a grey t-shirt with plaid bottoms. The t-shirt is crumpled and creased as if it's never been ironed. His hair's matted and sticking in awkward directions. He finally looks up and I take in his face. His eyes are rimmed with red, the blue dull and tired. Bags weigh down his eyes and make them look puffy. His lip's bitten raw and his cheeks flushed. He opens the door to reveal more of himself and it seems like his entire body's shaking.

'Louis, are you okay?' I ask quietly, taking a hesitant step forward as Niall shares a concerned look with me.

'Yeah, why wouldn't I be!' He pulls up a bright smile, eyebrows lifted and nods his head.

I hear Niall let out a little sigh before he speaks, 'Well we brought this little get well soon basket for Grace.' Niall points at the little basket in my hands filled with candy, muffins, tissues and a little teddy bear I had picked up from this shady corner shop.

'You guys didn't have to.' Louis shakes his head, his smile turning softer and more convincing. 'Come in. She's asleep right now but she'll be up soon,' he opens the door fully and we walk into the dark room. 'Sorry, just woke up a little while ago,' he says as he turns the lights on to the living room. I was about to set the basket on the little coffee table that's usually in the middle of the room but it's not there anymore.

'Where can I put this?' I ask looking around, realizing there are changes to the room. There's a painting missing. There are gaps between the usually stuffed bookshelf. There's no vase next to the TV. 'You redecorating?' I ask looking around.

'Yeah, it's changed...' Niall muses, looking around as well.

'Oh yeah, ha. Yeah, we are.' Louis lets out little laughs.

'Okaay...' Niall replies, once again unconvinced.

'Here, give me the basket. Do you guys want tea? Must be hungry from school, I'll get you something.' Louis grabs the basket from my hands, rushing off to the kitchen.

We sit down on the couch, still looking around. 'Is he okay?' I ask Niall.

He sighs, running a hand over his face, 'Even if he wasn't, he'll never tell. I've tried so many times but it's like he's scared or something, to tell the truth.' Niall whispers. 'This isn't the first time he's been like this, but I have absolutely no idea why!' He emphasises the 'why' in frustration, clenching his fists.

'What can we do?'

'I just try to distract him.'

'Don't you think we should talk to him? At least try to get something out. He looks awful.' I whisper as I hear footsteps walk towards the room.