High And Dry

(Nice Dream)

            Ian woke up to Anthony kicking his stomach lightly.

just so you know: the songs mentioned in this chapter are "Nightswimming" by R.E.M. and "No Surprises" by Radiohead. you do not have to listen to them, I just thought I'd let you know. no surprises is a song i cry over every time i hear it

            “Daddy? Did you die?”

            “No.” Ian sat up slowly, “I’m fine, buddy.”

            “You look sick.”

            “I don’t feel so good.”

            “I made you a bowl of cereal. I would’ve made you pancakes since I know it’s your favorite, but I’m not allowed to use the stove.”

            Ian smiled and stood up, “Thanks, Little Man. Let’s go eat.”

            While Anthony ran downstairs, Ian went outside to grab the paper. He saw that the house across the street was bought. He watched a family get out. Mother, father, and son. The little boy looked no older than Anthony and was carrying a dog.

            The young boy waved, “Hello, mister! We’re going to be your new neighbors soon!”

            Ian waved back, “Nice to meet you. I like your dog.”

            “His name is Gryphon, thanks!”

            The mother waved at Ian, “We’re moving here in a few months.”

            “I’m looking forward to getting to know you, but I have to get back to my son now, we’re making breakfast.”

            “We’ll be properly introduced another day then.” The father smiled politely.

            The little boy grabbed the dog’s hand and waved it at Ian, who bent down to pick of the paper before waving back and heading inside.

            Anthony carefully carried the bowl to the counter, managing not to spill anything. The pieces were a little soggy, but Ian didn’t mind. He was just happy that Anthony had thought about him and made him something while he was feeling down.

            “Oh, Dad?”

            “Yeah, buddy?”

            “Matt called. He said that he went to work and David isn’t there, so I guess I shouldn’t go.” Anthony turned around to put his bowl in the sink.

            Ian shrugged, “I don’t think I’m going today anyway. I want to spend time with you.”

            Anthony smiled, “Yay! I want to do that too!”

            Ian smiled back, “Good. Also, did you know that there’s a new boy moving into town?”

            Anthony shook his head, “When?”

            He frowned, “The mother said in a few months. There’s a boy about your age, and he has a puppy.”

            Anthony’s eyes widened, “He has a dog?”

            Ian nodded, “Yeah.”

            “I want to meet him!”

            “They’re probably busy right now, buying the house and all, but I’m sure you can soon.”

            Ian opened up the book, “Chapter One: The Boy Who Lived. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.”