Night Sky

one.

Jean woke up excitedly, ready to get out of bed and outside. Each day since they were twelve, him and his best friend Marco would meet at exactly 4:00 PM beside their houses. It was lucky for them that they lived right next to each other. As Jean left his house, fully dressed, he realized Marco wasn't there. He'd wanted to surprise him, since his birthday was the next day. He walked over to Marco's house, knocking on the door. It felt strange, doing so. As the door opened, Jean peered in to see Marco's mother. 

"Hello, Jean. How can I help you?" she asked, her tone tired and slight worry in her voice. She looked like she'd been crying, which made Jean feel uneasy. "I-I've come to see Marco. Is he okay?" he questioned, though by the look on her face, he already knew the answer. Marco's mother told him to come in, saying she'd explain.

"Marco's very sick. He.. he's at the hospital. I don't think he'll be coming back anytime soon." At that sentence, Jean started to tear up. He didn't want to spend the next couple days alone. "Can I go see him?" He asked hopefully. 

"No. We were told not to let anyone go in. I'm sorry, Jean." she sighed, obviously sympathetic for the teenager. She understood why he was getting his hopes up- he didn't want to accept the fact that Marco /could/ die. 

Jean went back home, a sad look on his face, and tears already making their way down his cheeks.

Jean didn't go outside for the next week.