Tim didn't come to your house that often anymore, not after the argument. But, tonight, it was different. He was hurt and had nowhere else to go, except to you. Even if you couldn't help him, at least he would have comfort. Holding the gash in his side, he knocked on the door 3 times, two long raps and a short. His little code, one he couldn't forget. Not that he would forget manners, even on the brink of bleeding out.

His face parted with relief when you answered, a tiny smile on his lips. "Hey..."