“Not that I’m aware of.”

“That's another thing our families have in common. Another coincidence you could say,”Kiante’s eyes narrowed.“How interesting.”

“I guess you could say that.” Zareen laughed nervously, shoving his trembling hands into his hoodie pocket.

“Hm, maybe our mothers will get along then. You know, bond over being single mothers and raising their little boys into grown men.”

“Ha…Maybe…”

Zareen highly doubted his mother would be interested in interacting with any of the neighbors, but he didn’t want to say that to Kiante’s face. Even though it sounded as if the older boy was joking, Zareen didn’t want to dampen the boy’s lightheartedness with the truth, just in case he was being serious. 

 "Wow I can't believe we're done." 

Zareen changed the subject, bringing back focus to the now box-less driveway. He didn’t want to continue on the topic of absentee fathers or “caring” mothers. 

"See, I told you things get done faster with an extra set of hands." Kiante wiggled his hands, eliciting a laugh out of Zareen. 

Kiante smoothly followed along with the subject change much to Zareen’s relief. Whether he was personally reserved, or noticed how uncomfortable the conversation was making Zareen, he didn't care. Either way, Zareen appreciated how nice his neighbor was, even if he was a bit…curious.

"Thanks again for helping me out. You really didn't have to."

"No problem. That's what neighbors are for right?"

Kiante stood in front of the garage with his hands on his hip, the sunlight gilding his body in a warm light as he gave Zareen a pleasant smile that encouraged a similar smile from the younger boy. 

"Whatever you say, Kiante."

Muffled ringing interrupted the moment, followed by a vibrating noise. Zareen’s hand hovered around his pocket holding his phone before returning back to his hoodie pocket. It's not like anyone ever calls him. Kiante dug into his pants pockets and pulled out his phone, the ringing filling the air, louder now that it was finally free from his pocket. 

"Looks like we finished just in time." Kiante turned off the alarm and put his phone back in his pocket. " If I didn't have tutoring, I would stay here until your brother or mother got back and even help you unpack but…"

"No, no it's fine!" Zareen reassures him. " I wouldn't want you to keep your tutor waiting."

"Are you sure you'll be fine here by yourself?" Kiante’s yellow eyes flickered with concern. 

"I'm sure my family will be back soon. I'll be fine.” Zareen waved off his concern. 

"Alright alright, I'll go," Kiante laughed before pulling out his phone again. "But before I do, let me give you my number. It would make me feel better knowing you would be able to contact me just in case something happens."

"You don't have to-" Zareen tried to decline Kiante’s offer, he didn’t think it was necessary for the older boy to worry over him, didn’t think that he deserved it-

"But I want to.” Kiante persisted, the younger boy’s train of thoughts evaporating as the determined yellow eyes pinned Zareen in place.“Here," Kiante passed Zareen his phone and under his strong gaze, Zareen entered his neighbor's number and name into his own phone.

"There we go! Better safe than sorry." Kiante smiled as he got his phone back. "However, you're always welcome to come over to my house if it's an emergency. My grandparents should be at home and I know they'll help you without any hesitation."

"Okay, I get it but shouldn't you be leaving now?" Zareen shifted his feet, looking away from his neighbor, feeling his cheeks warming up. He was not used to anybody paying so much attention to him, let alone worrying about his well being.

"Don't worry, I'm officially leaving now." Kiante assured as a shiny black car pulled up in front of the house. “ Looks like my ride's here. I’ll see you later, neighbor.” Kiante opened the passenger side door, not forgetting to throw him one last smile accompanied by a wink before sliding inside the car, shutting the door behind him.  

Just as Zareen was expecting the car to drive off, the tinted passenger side window slid down, revealing Kiante’s closed eyed smile. Behind him in the driver seat was a brown skinned young man who looked to be in his early twenties. The driver caught Zareen looking at him and returned his stare with a bright smile.  

“Make sure to contact me when your family makes it home!”

Kiante reminded him with a wag of his finger before the car finally drove off, leaving Zareen to unpack the boxes inside himself and wait patiently for his family to come home. As he unpacked, he occasionally ran his fingers over the pocket holding his phone with a warm smile on his face. And when his brother and mother returned, Zareen didn’t hesitate to pull out his phone.