Anemoia // Sally Face

28: Comfort crowd

October 27th

Since I introduced myself to Philip in class, we've gotten a bit closer. We both are lonely at college, so we spend time talking during class, and even eating lunch together when Todd's not available. Philip seems very simple, and it's easy to strike conversation with him because of his interest in history and travelling. He loves stories about California, and he loves to share his knowledge about Nockfell. Apparently in 1934, Nockfell Mill was constructed to give the citizens in Nockfell work, but it had been set on fire many times and no one knows why. Philips theory is it's the original owner's family of the mill that keep trying to burn it down so people no longer have work and are forced to move out of Nockfell. The truth of his statement can't be verified, but that's what makes it a theory.

Today particularly, I'm walking to Addison Apartments with Philip. Today is the fated day I make up with Sal. Larry called me last night saying Sal is ready to speak with me, which was a relief because it's been weeks and I hate dragging things out. But at the same time, I'm scared of what could happen.

"So, when you see your friend, Sal, you're scared he'll still be mad at you?" Philip asks for confirmation.

"Yeah, basically," It seems so childish to admit. We're grown adults and having this silly argument that has lasted for far too long. "Sal can be unpredictable, so I don't know how this meeting will go."

"Well I don't know Sal well, but I think it'll go over well. Especially if he said he was ready to talk, that's already a sign that he's calmed down," Philip reasons.

"You're probably right, but it's still nerve-wracking," I sigh.

"I believe in you, you can handle this," Philip reassures me.

We just reach the entrance of the apartments, where I see Larry waiting on the sidewalk. He didn't tell me he'd wait outside, but when I see him holding a cigarette I can put two and two together.

"Hey Kaite, just having a quick smoke break," Larry throws the finished cigarette to the ground and stomps on it with the heel of his shoe. He looks to my side and sees Philip standing there nervous. "Hey there, I know you from high school, but can't say I remember your name."

"No worries, it's Philip,"

"Nice to see you, Philip. Anyway, I'm going to head in Katie, you ready?" Larry shifts his eyes to me.

"Yeah. Bye Philip, see you in class," I give him a small wave before following Larry through the apartment main doors.

We don't speak as we get into the elevator and descend to the basement level. But once the doors open and I'm standing in front of his room's door, I feel my palms sweat. I can feel my breathing falter and suddenly, the basement feels smaller than it used to.

"Larry, is Sal actually ready to talk about things?" I say in a moment of desperation, that maybe Sal won't be inside and this can be put off another day.

"Yeah? Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. I feel so nervous and I can't explain it,"

"Don't worry, I'll be there. And I promise, Sal won't say anything to hurt you," Larry smiles, and I know it's a genuine smile. He knows this will all be over.

"Fine, lets get inside," Larry opens the door and holds it for me. I can already see Sal sitting at the table by the kitchen. He's sitting, picking the skin around his fingernails. When he notices us, he looks up quickly and lays his hands flat against the table surface.

I take a seat across from him and Larry sits in between. Sal stares at me a moment, before he moves to take off his prosthetic. Once it's unclipped and left on the table, he looks back up with a sad expression.

"I'm sorry Katie," He begins. His eyes never falter from mine. "I know... you were only concerned about me. And I don't know why I got so angry with you. When I asked Larry about it, he said I probably felt angry and defensive, because it was true, and I didn't want to face the fact that you were right."

"Sal-" I try to interrupt, but Sal holds up his hand to cut me off.

"I was so on edge because of the nightmares. I was stressed from the threat of the cult. I was letting me life suffer because of the... issues I've been dealing with. I'm sorry it took this long for me to say that," Sal drifts his eyes to Larry, who only gives a proud smile to his friend. I can't help but also smile from the relief.

"Sal, I was worried for you, but I shouldn't have pushed you and made you think you were 'obsessed' with the supernatural. It was wrong of me. God, I wish I could just shut up sometimes cause I feel like I only made you feel worse, which was the opposite of what I wanted,"

"Katie don't feel bad," Sal has a small smile that he can't help show. "It's ok. It's over and we should just let it go, because you were right. I do need a break, and I will be taking that break this week."

"Wow, a whole week," I roll my eyes.

"Come on it's the best I can do!" Sal jokes.

"Glad to see that you two can joke around again," Larry interrupts with a grin. He knew we couldn't stay mad at each other forever. "Now that this is all sorted out, can we act like friends and just hang out?"

"We don't have to act like friends, Larry. We are friends," I tease.

"Great, so let's be friends," Larry stands up from the table, going into the kitchen to grab himself a drink where he finally falls into the couch. Sal and I follow, where I sit beside Larry and Sal takes to the floor.

Larry takes a swing at his soda and suggests playing a video game. We agree and start some fighting game. I never liked the video games Larry likes, but it's fun making conversation during them; especially when Larry gets really invested in the game and gets mad that he's losing. It's fun to taunt him.

***

It's gotten late and Sal is heading out so he doesn't have to walk home in the complete darkness. The entire time, he's been lively, and acting like he used to. I'm glad he's feeling better, and maybe the detox from the paranormal will do even better for him.

"Good night guys," Sal gives Larry a small side hug, then walks up to me and gives me a full hug. It's been a while since he's given me this kind of affection. It almost makes me cry, to think this was the Sal I missed so much. The one who was so kind and the one who spoke to me every day during class about silly things, or our small crushes.

"Good night Sal, see you later," I say into his hair. When we separate, Sal smiles one more time before putting his prosthetic face back on.

He walks out the door and the world goes silent for a moment. Larry stands beside me, looking at the door that is closed.

"I'll get going next," I smile sadly.

"want a ride in my truck? I'm not worried about Sal getting kidnapped, but I am worried you will," Although he uses a joking tone, I know he actually is worried.

"Yeah that sounds good," We wait a while until we leave the apartment. Larry's truck is the same as usual, still broken down and rusty looking, but somehow still running.

The roads are abandoned, with only Larry's headlights and dim street lamps illuminating the way. It's a peaceful night, one that would be perfect for sitting in an abandoned parking lot and stargazing. But sadly, those days are over, and I have places to be tomorrow that prevent me from that late-night thrill.

When Larry pulls up to my house, I say the usually quick goodbye and hop out. The window is rolled down for Larry to keep speaking to me.

"Have a good night Katie, it went over well, and don't worry about Sal too much okay?" he teases.

"I'm so glad it's over finally," I sigh. "Bye Larry, thanks for everything."

He only nods before rolling the window back up and heading down the road.

Really. I'm thankful.