Eventually, Caleb exited his slumber. He looked around and saw Mark patiently sitting on the ground beside him. 

“Hi, Caleb.” Mark smiled. “It’s almost 3:00 PM. You slept through the entire school day, but I didn’t want to wake you because I thought you needed rest, especially after...you know. Besides, it’s your birthday! You can afford to miss one day of school.” 

“What about you? Don’t you need to go to school?” Caleb asked, concerned. “It’s all fine, I called the school, my parents, and your mom to let them know you wouldn’t be attending school today, and I would also be absent to look after you,” Mark assured Caleb. “It’s all taken care of.” 

Mark patted Caleb’s shoulder and softly smiled. Caleb melted. He was no longer a sentient being, now he was a mushy pile of goo. At least, that’s how he felt. 

“That was really nice of you, Mark. Thank you. But I still think you shouldn’t have skipped school at my expense. I feel super guilty now.” 

“Don’t. I mean, I know you won’t suddenly feel fine just because I want you to, but you shouldn’t. Feel guilty, I mean. You should feel fine. I don’t think I would have survived a school day without you, anyway. You’re what makes everything fun.” Mark quickly looked down. 

Caleb turned beet red. He couldn’t focus on anything but what Mark said. Mark couldn’t go through school without him. He made everything fun for Mark. He did. Him! 

He, Caleb Smith, a background character in his own story, made Mark Baker’s days better. Mark Baker! Caleb smiled sheepishly. “Thanks,” he said, blushing. 

“Why are you thanking me? I’m just telling the truth.” “But no one’s ever said that to me before, and I’m grateful you think that about me.” Caleb’s eyes were purposely looking everywhere but Mark. 

“Heh. You know, we should probably go. I’m sure you have lots of stuff to do before your party, which I’m looking forward to not attending.” Mark grinned. 

Caleb chuckled halfheartedly in return. “Yeah, I should probably help set up and stuff. Oh, and I still have the cake to pick up.” 

“See? You are busy. I should probably get going too.” “Okay, well I won’t see you later at my party,” Caleb said, while slowly rising to his feet. Mark hopped up, winked at Caleb, and shot him double finger guns. 

“Yep. Bye, Caleb,” he said, running towards his house. “Bye, Mark.” Once Mark was out of sight, Caleb sighed and started walking.