His Heartwarming Secret

I search my backpack until I find the keys and let myself into the house.

"Hello?" I call out, pushing open the door and stepping inside. "Dad? Are you here?"

No answer.

He usually leaves for work early in the morning before Jedd and I wake up and doesn't return until late at night. I don't see much of him and Jedd is more of a parent to me which isn't Dad's fault. I've always been grateful for both of them but I do wish I could see Dad more often.

I sigh and drop my backpack in the hallway before heading straight for the kitchen. Whenever I'm home alone, the house instantly becomes eerie. . . Like I'm starring in a horror movie. I pull open the fridge, glancing inside at the contents —

Milk, cheese, a few takeaway boxes from last night and one single strawberry yoghurt. Fabulous.

I let out a low groan, hearing my stomach rumble from the lack of food I've consumed today. I don't ever eat lunch at school, the cafeteria is too intimidating for me. Walking inside a room crammed with students chattering and socialising is my idea of a nightmare. Instead I'd throw a sandwich or an apple inside my bag and eat it outside in the comfort of my own company.

My eyes scan the kitchen and land on a note stuck to the front of the fridge. Sprawled across it messily is my Dad's handwriting —

Casserole in the oven, see you both tonight. Dad x

casserole along with a drink and some carrot sticks before heading upstairs. My room is my safe haven and I can spend the rest of my life locked up in here as long as

Netflix and find myself another legendary

*****

soft knock on my bedroom door and I pause the movie, sniffling a little

in!" I yell, my voice wobbling slightly. The door opens and

Jedd says, shaking his head. I don't miss

my bed. I grab a cushion and hold it close to me.

have long to live. They both go on this epic journey to do awesome things together before he dies. . . I'm almost at the end. It's so sad, isn't it?" I

wondering what he's doing here. He crosses his legs and looks at me with an

"What is this . . . a one man

think we should talk." Jedd responds slowly, choosing

"Talk about what?" I frown, fiddling with the string coming undone on my

did school go?"

holding eye contact with me. I practically see the pity ooze from

"School was

is for me, admitting