Andrew and Neil

It was morning, a day off. Andrew slept until noon. He woke up, trying to feel for Neil, but only found the box. He opened his eyes, looking at it, got up, sat up in a comfortable position, and began to open the box, rubbing his eyes. He pried it open with a knife and, looking inside, saw bandages—black, like his own, only newer. He put them on. They were soft and pleasant.

Andrew looked toward the box. Next to it lay a large plastic container of strawberry ice cream. And next to it, a note.

"Good morning, Andrew. I've never written love letters or anything like that, but I tried to write one for you. Happy Valentine's Day. I'm at practice."

Andrew sighed.

• Jerk.

He took the ice cream and went to the kitchen, took out a spoon and started eating it.

A couple of hours later, Neil returned from training.

• I'm home!

Andrew walked up to Neil and hugged him.