James

Summer. I went to see my Uncle James, who lives alone, and went for a walk. But by nightfall I'd drunk heavily and returned home staggering. "I remembered the sun, here comes a ray!" I said, trying to smile. James grabbed me by the elbow, keeping me from falling. I smelled of cheap beer and something sweet. "Can you even hear yourself? You can barely stand." Uncle's voice trembled. “I… I’m serious,” I mumbled, hiccupping. “You’re the coolest. I’ve been waiting to see you all summer… I’m bored at home, and you… you.” He helped me take off my sneakers and led me into the living room, sitting me down on the sofa. “You’ll burn with shame tomorrow,” he said sternly. “I won’t burn!” I squeezed out. “Because it’s true. I like you… as an uncle. But not just as an uncle, as… as a person.” I dropped my head onto his shoulder. Silence, only the ticking of the clock. James sighed, froze, and I felt a strange warmth. "That's it, no more talking. Go to bed." His voice trembled, but he carefully covered me with a blanket. I fell into a deep sleep, and he returned to his room, clutching his head in his hands. Summer had only just begun, and our strange relationship promised an unexpected turn.