You sat across from Michael , both of you smoking in the alleyway behind your house. Each puff was a long , slow drag that seemed to never go out , stretching to the skies before slowly going out completely.

Michael was unusually quiet , eyes solemn and lacking emotion. His frown seemed permanent , but you knew why. Jeremy has been ignoring him the last few days , trying to become a more popular guy as of lately. Neither of you really knew why but it was really getting to Michael. You tried to comfort him but it seemed like the only way he could stop his tears was by getting high.

He reached a hand out , gently holding your shoulder before smiling at you , though it seemed more dry than usual. He was clearly still upset.

“ Thank you….for…y’know..being here. "