How soon is now

"I don't think I should go." Asa looked at Kayla as if she should really go in his place to Cleveland.

"But its the library board who wants, you, for the Leadership workshop." Kayla smiled, trying to stay positive even if it was fifteen minutes until the library opened. She was at her desk, running off reports and Asa was in the seat in front of her desk with the back of his head leaning against the wall as if he were about to give up on everything. "You'll do fine."

Asa half nodded, but festered a look that he wasn't up for it.

"Then call in sick, if you must." Kayla sighed.

"I told them I would do it. Its just, me leaving. I dunno. I haven't been gone that long from the house..and..and.." Asa nursed his bottom lip.

"And what?" Kayla winced.

"I'm finally used to how it is..without..without Amanda, and..and if I go. It'll be weird. I just will." He sighed.

"Asa, you need a break. Just go and try to enjoy it, OK." Kayla shrugged.

"I can't. I don't want to." He sighed.

Kayla wanted to tell him to stop putting himself on a guilt trip, but she was sure this wasn't the time.

The back door opened which startled Kayla. It was supposed to be locked. She wasn't expecting anyone, just yet.

It was Ian and he was helping someone in a wheel chair.

"What are you doing here?" Kayla looked up at him and then who was in the chair and back to Ian. "Shouldn't you be in school?"

"I have off the first hour, this semester." Ian told her. "This is Milo, and he wants to volunteer."

"I'm thinking about volunteering." Milo clarified.

"He's thinking about it." Ian smiled. Milo didn't.

Asa offered him a handshake. Kayla really wasn't going to, but she did, after Asa introduced himself. Really, Kayla wasn't used to this much company in the morning before the library opened.