Out of Sight, Out of Mind.

one-shot

The long, unkempt grass poked her bare legs as she walked through her front yard to the neighbor's porch. She coughed, rather loud to make her presence known, but got no response from the boy sitting on the rickety lawn chair.

“Hi,” she said, waving her slender fingers in a wave. His eyes flicked to her momentarily, but then went back to being unfocused. “Can I sit with you?” When he didn’t respond she walked up the creaking steps and sat beside him on another mismatching chair. The smoke from his cigarette blew in her face and she broke into a coughing fit, her eyes tearing up. She never fared well with the smell.  

“Sorry,” he spoke with lack of concern, and crushed the residual of his cigarette under his foot.

“No, no, it’s alright,” she waved dismissively with her hand. “I never gotten along with the smell anyways.” She said jokingly, but upon seeing the boys sober face, she faltered. “Sooo…,” she dragged out the word hoping he’d say something.

“Don’t talk to me unless you have something important to say,” he spoke curtly, void of any emotion.

“Um, okay…” Her brows furrowed in confusion. He was acting like she had done something to get him mad.

“Well, I’d love stay and chit chat, but I’ve got places to be.” Using the support from his knees, he pushed himself up and walked to his door. “I’m sure you can show yourself out," he said to her as she herself got up too to leave.  

“Bye!” she said, but by time she did, he was already inside.