Evan’s phone vibrated. Caller Unknown flashed on the screen. He answered it anyway.
“Evan?” Jeff sounded a little panicky.
“Where were you?” Evan demanded.
“I was looking all over for someone to help. By the time I found someone and we got back there you were gone. We climbed down and looked all over for your body!” Jeff sounded half breathless and crazed.
“Calm down!” Evan was relieved his friend didn’t abandon him. “I should have realized and stayed there to wait for you.”
“No.” Jeff sounded calmer. “It’s ok. You’re safe now, that’s all that matters.”
“That was crazy, we just missed each other.” Evan leaned back in his bed.
“I wouldn’t leave you Evan.” Jeff said seriously. “You’re my best friend.”
“Mine too.” Evan changed the subject quickly, “Want to come over tomorrow? My mom is making roast beef.”
“Naw I can’t. I just got home right now and Mother doesn’t like me being late.” Jeff explained. “I’ll see you at school.”
“A’ight.” Evan hung up then rushed into the bedroom where his mom was reading. “Jeff didn’t leave me Mom. He was there after I left, he thought I fell down there and died!”
His mom passed him a surprised expression. “Well I’m glad you got that all settled then.” she went back to her book.
“Yeah.”
Evan walked past the room his Grandad was laying in. Then he doubled back and walked into the room to watch him sleeping. A picture on the night stand caught his eye. It was the two of them when he was younger fishing.
His grandfather woke up and glanced over. “Hello Evan.” he said in a soft voice. “I heard you made a new friend at school.”
“Jeff.” Evan nodded.
His grandfather smiled and a slight trace of some ancient happiness filled him. “I was friends with a Jeff once. Best friend I ever had.”
Evan chuckled slightly, “This one too, Granddad.”
“Enjoy it while it lasts.” He told Evan in all seriousness. “Don’t take it for granted like I did. Too soon it’s gone and all that’s left are memories.”
“Don’t worry Granddad, I got it covered.”
The old man chuckled, “You got it covered all right. Now go to bed.”
“We’ll talk more later Granddad.”
“Yes.” His grandfather nodded and watched Evan close the door.
