Reaper's Lullaby

Nora: Leaving

"This is the time to remember because it will not last forever."
- Billy Joel

"Man this sucks," said Gus, sitting on one of the sofa's armrests in the common area. He was holding Moon, of course.

The day had finally come for Lucas and Nora to go back home. Gus had been moody about it for days.

"I don't wanna be stuck here with some lame-ass new roommate. I already don't like him and I don't even know who he is. Can't you pretend to relapse or somethin'?"

Nora laughed. She and Lucas were sitting on one of the other sofas, their feet resting on their stuffed luggage as they waited for Jeff to finish up a session so he could drive them to the airport.

"Unlike you, we're not getting a free ride at this place and I'm pretty damn sure our parents won't pay anymore," Nora said.

"Well it ain't fair! I'm stuck here for two more months. Alone," Gus said.

"I'll be in your heart," Lucas joked. "Look up at the night sky. We'll be seeing the same moon. Then you'll know-"

"Shut the fuck up! I'm not you're goddamn lover!"

"Well then stop whining! We'll see you soon in Chicago anyway."

"At least Jeff's stayin' 'till my time's up," Gus mumbled. "Unlike you traitors. Watch. I'ma be gettin' some bitch-ass Harry Potter-lookin' motherfucker as my roommate."

Lucas flipped him off while Nora pouted.

"Gus, you're making me feel bad. Give me a hug?" she asked.

Gus let out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine. But you have to come to me."

Just then Jeff came through the common area doors.

"Time to go," he said.

Gus stood and gave Nora a one armed hug. His other hand was still holding Moon. Nora kissed the kitten's head.

"I'll miss you both," she said.

"Same," Gus said.

Lucas was next. Both boys stood there awkwardly. Lucas had his hands shoved into his pockets while Gus pretended to be preoccupied with Moon.

"So... um... bye I guess," Gus mumbled at last.

"Yeah," Lucas said softly.

Finally he grabbed Gus's free hand and pulled him in for a one-armed guy hug with Moon squished between them.

"Don't relapse," Gus said.

"Don't run off," Lucas said, and they both grinned at each other.

**********

Jeff stopped them before the TSA line at the airport to say his goodbyes.

"Guys, I just wanna say I'm really proud of both of you. This isn't easy and we all know that."

Lucas and Nora nodded silently.

"Did Gina give you her number?" Jeff asked Nora.

"Yeah."

"Good. Lucas, I already gave you mine. You call anytime. Day, night, I don't care. The real world's gonna be the same place you left, with all the old triggers, connections and temptations. If it gets to be too much, both of you call us. Got it?"

"Yeah, Jeff," Lucas said.

Jeff handed them both folded brochures. "These are pamphlets about NA. Narcotics Anonymous. They have meetings everywhere, just look 'em up online. I want you guys to go at least three times a week at first."