a day like today

Maybe... Valentina was smiling all over. She couldn't help it. She was still thrilled to see Ollie. Although, she knew her mother wasn't.

At least she was civil. She didn't scare him away. She'd invited him in for some hot cocoa when he showed up after school. He had some cold medication that even her mother approved of. Still, she knew her mother didn't like him showing up, so unexpectedly.

"You're still friends with him?" Her mother asked out of concern, after he left.

Valentina knew not to make a fuss about it.  She hoped her mother wouldn't think of looking at her cell phone log. A bit of her felt nervous, but she did her best to play it cool.

Ollie hadn't tried to act as if he was too friendly. Instead, he'd question his mother about the house and were they still having trouble with the washing machine not draining properly.

Valentina thought it went well. And she knew she felt better, somehow..just seeing Ollie. She would be OK to go to school tomorrow.

She text Simon about being back at school, around bedtime, but he never returned her text.

She went to bed, and she was about to fall asleep when her phone lit up at the phone charger.

HI, THIS IS SIMON'S BROTHER. HE'S IN THE HOSPITAL. HE FAINTED AT SCHOOL TODAY.

Valentina couldn't help, but to be shocked. Simon was sick.

IS HE OK?

Valentina texted back, hoping everything was all right.

HE'S SLEEPING. HOPEFULLY, BETTER SOON.

She stared at the text, feeling so guilty. Why hadn't she texted him earlier? She put down her phone and laid back down. Valentina felt so sad. She hoped he was all right.