My Shorts, and Flash Fictions - 13. One Word Prompt - “Goodbye”

The city park was quiet, even at this time of year. It was a small park, barely an acre, with concrete picnic tables, underneath equally garish concrete shelters, and only one playground area. An early cold snap had come and had driven people to the warmth of indoors. Those that were in the park this day, were locals, who just came for a few moments with family before they carried on. Except for one.

Julian sat at one picnic table and shivered slightly. The cold breeze blew across his small frame and chilled him through his unseasonal clothing. His breath showed in the chilled air, and he rubbed his arms to stay warm.

“Julian, what are you doing here like this?” Asked a red-hair youth, who walked up to the table. He wore warm clothing and looked at his friend with concern.

“Thanks for coming, Bruce,” Julian said, and quickly gave his friend a hug. “I came to say goodbye.”

Sensing how cold his friend was, Bruce took off his jacket and wrapped it around his friend's slender frame. “Goodbye? What do you mean goodbye?”

“I came out to my parents last night, and they kicked me out,” Julian said. He fought back tears, as he talked to his friend.

“You’ve been out on the streets all night? Why didn’t you call me sooner? You could have come to my house, my parents love you, and would have welcomed you in a heartbeat.”

“I… I didn’t think… I just ran, when he came at me…”

Bruce pulled Julian into a hug and held him. He felt how cold his friend was, even through the jacket, and was concerned. “We need to get you to someplace warm. Have you eaten yet?”

“No, I haven’t. But, as I said Bruce, I wanted to say goodbye to you. You’re my best friend. Thank you for all you did for me.”

“You’re welcome… I’m going to step over there and call my mom, wait here.” Bruce stood up, and moved over to the end of the shelter, and pulled out his phone. He dialed his mom, and turned to look at Julian, but was startled to see his friend was missing. His jacket was folded neatly on the table.

Bruce looked for his friend, but with the park being so small and open, it was easy for him to see that he was not there.

***

Later that day, Julian’s body was found a few blocks from his house. He had died overnight from exposure to the cold.