Chapter 4

The house is completely silent when Jeremy walks into the living room. The television is still on, showing a commercial break. The kitchen light is still on, so he knows he hasn't been home for very long yet. He walks towards it and notices that his mother left some toast on the counter and a mug filled with hot coffee on the table. After grabbing the plate and pouring himself some coffee, he heads towards the couch and sits next to his mom.

Good morning honey. His mother greets, taking a sip from the cup.

Morning. Jeremy mumbles, staring at the tv screen without paying attention to anything happening onscreen. He puts his mug down next to his mom and gets out a cigarette.

"Where are you headed to?" His mother asks curiously.

To school. I gotta meet with the teacher again.

Do you need help finding it again?

No. It was only like five blocks away.

Alright. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

Okay. Thanks, mom.

He waits until she starts talking again, which doesn't take long, before getting up to leave the apartment. He walks out of the front door and slams it shut behind him. Before he can even reach for the doorknob, though, he freezes when he hears the front door opening again.

Hello Jeremy, his mother says, entering the apartment.

Hi mum. Why don't you go sit down?

I was wondering if I could have a word with you about something, please.

Uh, sure.

Come into the kitchen, honey.

Jeremy nods nervously and follows his mother through the corridor to the kitchen. Once they both sit at the table, she hands Jeremy a folder.

What's this for? Jeremy asks while opening the folder.

Just curious. I might ask you to sign it if I find out something new, which isn't likely since the last time I asked you was when your father passed away.

My dad...? 

Yes. He got diagnosed with cancer last December. It was terminal.

Wow... Jeremy sighs. I wish I could have helped more, but I wasn't exactly in contact with him during that time.

That's quite understandable Jeremy. Your father was already a frail man and you and I never really had contact with each other after he was diagnosed. Anyway... what's in the folder?

There aren't any pictures. There isn't a single picture of him, but there are some photos of him and your grandmother.

Is that why he gave you this?

I suppose. I took one of his albums to give to you. But that reminds me, I haven't given this album to you in a while. I hope it wasn't too expensive.

Oh, it's cool, Mom. This is totally fine.

Really? Okay well, I hope everything goes smoothly for you, honey.

Thanks, Mom.

And if you need anything just come crying to me. Don't hesitate.

Okay. I promise. And thanks for the coffee, Mom. I appreciate it a lot.

That's what friends are for. Now, let's head upstairs.

Jeremy takes another bite out of his toast before putting the empty plate down on the table. When he stands up, he sees his mother staring at the folder on the table, but she doesn't speak or make eye contact with him.

What are you looking at? Jeremy asks curiously.

Oh, nothing. Come along, son. Let's go find some clothes for you to change into before we leave.

Jeremy follows his mother upstairs. She leads him to the bedroom and shows him some drawers filled with clothes. Jeremy pulls out two pairs of underwear before moving onto the wardrobe.

You should probably pick some nicer clothes to replace your current ones. They're not exactly fitting for someone your age, are they?

Um... No. Definitely not. Jeremy replies dryly, trying his best not to laugh.

Great. So you don't mind getting them dirty if necessary?

Erm, yeah I think I can manage. Thanks, Mom.

You're welcome, dear. Just clean everything up after you're done.

Got it. I'll do that later.

Okay, sweetie. See you downstairs.

Bye, Mom.