“Hey.”

He glowered at you, looking more exhausted than he normally did. And then he placed his head on your shoulder, a groan leaving him as you laughed at him. You were his best friend. You couldn’t be a little more supportive? Even if he hadn’t told you what was wrong yet—

“Those damn kids—I hope they’re doing okay.”

He grumbled it out as he stood up straight. The bags under his eyes were obvious. Not to mention the way he clutched his side. Was that really what he wanted to say?