Knockout

"I'm happy your here Esica, it's nice to have another person my age around to hang out with- it gets pretty boring around the house. Mom and dad are always at work or at dinner with coworkers." He says it with sincerity and taking a brief moment to just look in my eyes before continuing. "And I'm really sorry for your lost Esica" His eyes make my breath hitch realizing what he's talking about my mothers passing. I suppose he realizes as he walks over and gives me a full hug.

We stand there for a long minute as he holds me in silence. Rubbing his hand on my back for support. Before I realize it, my eyes are starting to water and I take that as cue to pull back from that amazing hug.

I clear my throats before speaking knowing if I don't I'll have an embarrassing voice crack.

"Thank you Malik it means a lot" and give him a small smile as he exit's my room leaving me alone to unpack my backpack.