Just in Time

by Steven Manchester

  “It is, Nate,” David agreed, quietly. “It’s definitely screwed up.”

  There was another long pause. “But enough about my troubles,” Nate said, “What’s going in with you?”

  “Like I said…same, same,” David said, deciding not to burden his brother with more weight.

  “You sure?” Nate said, lowering his volume. “Because I can’t tell you how many sleepless nights I’ve already spent listening to some teenage boy screaming for help in my head.”

  David immediately covered the telephone receiver and began to cry.

  “Davey?” Nate asked. “You still there?”