A Physics Prodigy From Ukraine

“I didn’t know you weren’t actually ill - so I brought grapes.”
Brendon winced.

I didn’t take them.
I wasn’t hungry.

He shrugged and put them down.

Oh it hurt.
It hurt ignoring Brendon.
He had never asked any questions.
Rarely tip-toed around my ‘feelings’.

Why did I have to be cold and depressed?

I didn’t want to open my mouth.
Really.
I might just drown him in a wave of sadness.

Best just to lie here.
And watch him sigh.

Brendon stood up.
“Really, Ryan, I would help. But… you just won’t let me.”
I wanted to.
I was going to cry.
I blinked hard - begging my mouth not to give me away.
“I’ll be round tomorrow.”
Probably.
He bent down and kissed the blade of my cheekbone.
I closed my eyes and listened.
I heard him walk away.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

Brendon stopped.
He drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
Thoughtfully.
“I know, Ryan,” he said slowly.
“I know.”