One House Behind | ✓

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Tanner

I heard crying from my window as I was watching a video. It was already ten-thirty and so I listened for where it came from. It was straight from my backyard. Was it Shelly?

I quietly walked out of the house into the backyard. I couldn't see much but it was cold. The wind seemed to be harsh and I didn't like knowing she might be outside.

She might get sick and getting sick right now was not ideal.

"Shelly?" I whispered.

The cries stopped. I knew right then and there that she was outside. I sighed as I heard rustling and sniffling. I tried to look through the fence but I came up blank. I cursed the moon for hiding her from me. I knew all too well what it was like to be lonely with just your emotions.

And how feeling too many emotions could throw you over the edge.

"Tanner?" Shelly whispered back.

"Yeah."

"Why are you outside?" she sniffled.

"Couldn't sleep."

It wasn't a complete lie. I was on my phone because I could be. She just piqued my curiosity with her crying.

"Oh."

"You?"

"Needed fresh air. Everything just...it seems like it's finally catching up with me. None of my friends call or text, everyone is dying, I'm afraid." She breathed out with a little whine hidden behind it.

I leaned against the fence. Since I could hear her clearly, I knew she was standing against the fence too. I didn't know what to say to her. I didn't know how to comfort girls.

"Did you get it?"

"Get what?"

"Air? Or else ya know, ya might pass out," I chuckled.

"Tan-what?" she laughed.

I smiled as I knew I helped her feel better. If I was useless in helping people who were already sick then helping a girl feel better was enough.

"So, did you get it?"

"Yes Tanner, I did." she chuckled. 

The feeling of my name being spoken out softly pleased me. My body warmed despite the cold night. My heart started to race too but I rejected the idea of what it could be. 

"Good, couldn't have you passing out with the mosquitoes around. They'll practically eat you alive here. I'm practically dust," I laughed.

"I should have just dressed better. Covered skin doesn't get bitten," she chastised.

"Should have thought about that before walking outside."

"Yeah." Her voice sounded dull and tired.

"You should go to bed. You'll be tired."

"No, if I go in now then I'll end up either crying more or watching a show until my parents wake up."

"Still, you'll regret it later."

"You aren't my father." Her voice grew angry.

"I'm sorry, I'm just looking out for you."

"And why would you want to look out for me? I'm no one to you."

I don't know where the sudden change in her came from. I was being nice and looking out for her skin. Mosquito bites were never liked and I thought I would help. It's not my fault she wanted to be rude.

"Fine then, be like that. I'll talk to you later." I huffed before walking away from the gate.

As soon as I settled in my bed, I felt guilt settle in my stomach. She was crying earlier and I was being unkind. Groaning, this time with a sweater, I walked back to the cold night.

"Shelly?" I whispered at the gate.

Nothing. Squeezing my eyes shut, I sighed. I shook my head before waiting for a few beats. Maybe she was still outside.

After staring at the sky, I tried to see if I could look through the fence and see something. A shadowy figure or silhouette. I still couldn't see anything.

"If I was being mean and didn't know, I'm sorry. You just needed an ear and I'm back to lend it." I mumbled, feeling a little stupid if she wasn't outside, but just in case she was.

As I was closing my door, I heard her reply but I stayed inside.

"I forgive you, Tanner."