And the night, the night is yours alone

 

Mick guessed this was really happening. A memorial of some sort for Evan. He'd met Evan's friend Will. 

Naturally, Jools and he had a lot of catching up to do. Mick felt he was the third wheel, and it felt a little uncomfortable about what to do when Will and his significant other and their kids came to visit. He could tell they didn't know what to make of him, either. 

Mick made lemonade and got out the last of the Girl Scout cookies. He ended up playing with their five-year-old while she tended to the baby. Somehow, he felt he didn't fit in, but of course, Jools wanted him close by. He told them all about Mick and how he was such an amazing mechanic.

Of course, Mick didn't believe that for a minute. Sure, he just worked on cars, but he didn't think it was that amazing. He just did whatever his uncle wanted him to do.

He did his best to listen about Evan. Still, there was a lot he didn't really know. 

"So, they were really going to get married, but didn't?" He asked Will while Jools went to his room to find more photos of Evan.

"Yeah, I actually thought they did," Will said he didn't know when Evan changed his mind.

Mick nodded. He felt even sadder for Jools now. Maybe if they had, Jools would have Evan's ashes. 

"I'm glad he's with you," Will nodded with a smile.

Mick said nothing but nodded back and pushed a lock of bleached hair behind his ear. He really wasn't certain how to get through this. 

They talked then about how there was a room free at the library and there would be a gathering to say a few words about Evan. Afterward, they would plant a tree out front in Evan's name.

"I think Henry has it all planned," Will told Jools. There would be finger foods and the books on display that would be plated with Evan's name. Mostly books on mental health but some cookbooks and crochet books too.

Mick felt a little blue after they left.

"What is it?" Jools wanted to know.

"Nothing." Mick really didn't know what it was either, but he knew Jools still loved Evan. He'd just never thought it was like that. Of course, he wasn't sure how it was supposed to be either.

"We could still get ice cream," Jools lightly flicked Mick's forehead to wake him up. 

"Really?"

"Really."

They were in their tanks and comfy sweatpants. Jools said nothing of Evan as they walked down to Casey's and got ice cream.

"Don't you go thinking of suicidal thoughts," Jools said as they were walking back. Mick shook his head, no. He wouldn't. 

"I just have to do this for Evam, OK?" Jools gave him a serious look. Mick only nodded and ate at the vanilla cone.

"How about we go to Worlds of Fun," Jools smiled.

"Really?"

"Yeah," Jools said he'd never been. Evan didn't like rollercoasters. 

Mick couldn't help but smile. He hadn't had anything to look forward to in a long time. Of course, they would have to wait until the place actually opened.