Pieces

GABRIEL

My parents came in shortly after Felicia had left with Jake. The tears that flooded my mother's eyes at the sight of Warren up warmed me up. My dad sent a slight nod Warren's way, and Warren seemed to receive it well.

We got talking, catching up on old times when my mum received a text. Her face lit up.

"Nathan is here," she said.

"Nathan?" I repeat but it seemed to make both my parents smile grow wider. "Why is he —?" and then it hit me.

"Let's see you off to the elevator," my mum said to myself and my dad. "Give us a moment Warre."

"It is not a problem," my older brother said, nestling into his bed.

"Come on," she said, handing my crutches to me as we walked towards the elevator. When he got down, Nathan, my friend since 3rd grade had gotten to his feet to embrace my mum, shake hands with my dad who he promised he would "drive carefully and bring his son back safely".

My mum pulled Nathan aside, whispered something to him and let him rejoin myself and dad.