Needing 13 - Johnny Kavanagh

OPERATION: BINDING 13

JOHNNY

"I'll call you every day," I vowed, my voice thick as I stood in the bustling heart of Dublin Airport, the crackling announcement of my flight number blaring over the intercom. And I'll send you a million texts."

"But it won't be the same."

"I know, but we'll make it work."

"How?"

"We'll figure it out, alright? But I need ya to stop crying for me. Please."

"I can't help it. My heart's breaking here."

"I'll be home soon, I swear," I said gently. "It won't be forever, I promise."

"No—no! Just no. You can't leave me, Johnny!"

"I have to go," I groaned, hating the crack in my own voice as I spoke. "Come on, don't make this harder than it has to be."

"You swear this isn't a forever goodbye?"

"I swear." I patted his back, trying to ease the ache in his expression. You're cutting off my air supply here."

With a final sniffle, he released me, taking a shaky step back as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, his face flushed. "Fine," he sniffed, reluctantly letting go of his death grip around my neck.

"But...I can't believe you're actually making me cry," I laughed, only for him to dissolve into more tears. "It's six weeks, lad!"

"They're gonna snap you up," he sniffled, wiping his nose on his sleeve, "and I'll lose my best friend."

"You couldn't lose me if ya tried, ya big eejit," I grumbled, pulling him in for another hug. "Now, pull yourself together," I ordered, giving his back a firm slap. "Sean's watching you."

"Uh, yeah." Clearing his throat, he puffed his chest out, forcing a shaky grin that did nothing to hide his teary eyes. "It's all good," he choked out, his voice breaking on the last word. "Ah, fuck it, this is too much. I'm going out to the car." Sobbing, he raised a trembling hand to give me a high-five, mumbling, "Best of luck, buddy," before striding off through the airport, wailing like a banshee.

"Jesus," I muttered under my breath, rubbing my jaw as I watched my best friend disappear. Turning to my family, I braced myself. "The rest of you better not pull that shite on me."

My mother's tear-streaked face was the first thing I saw as she stepped forward, her gaze fixed on me like I was headed to war. "I'll be back before the end of summer," I reassured her with a wry smile.

"See ya on the telly," Tadhg said, reaching out for a fist bump. "I don't even like rugby, but I reckon since it's you, I'll watch your games."

"How generous of you."

He shrugged casually, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Meh, we'll see how it goes. Might switch it off if it's boring."

"Bye, Johnny!" Ollie piped up, pushing Tadhg aside to wrap his tiny arms around my legs. "Don't let the plane crash and explode with you in it, okay?"

Jesus Christ..."Yeah, okay," I muttered, patting his back with a laugh. "I'll be sure to tell the pilot not to kill me."

"Good," Ollie replied, satisfied as he skipped back. "'Cause I'm gonna miss ya."

"I'm gonna miss you too, lad."

Da was next, his face serious as he took me by the shoulders, eyes shining with pride. "I'm proud of ya, son," he said, his voice thick. "More than words can say."