When I answered his call he sounded so exhausted, “Hey Corey. I hate to ask, but I am being released today but no one is able to come and pick me up. Are you available any time today to come and get me? Micah would normally come and get me, but Beck and Alec told him he’s not allowed around me for a while.”

“Ah, I see. That is very understandable. I can come and get you, are you ready now? I mean I cannot be there for a few hours though.”

He chuckled, “Of course. I know the hospital is far from where we live. That's just how it is when you live all the way out here. I am in no rush honestly. I am not really prepared for meeting up with him right now, but I know it needs to be done to try and just get this all done with.”

“I get that for sure Louie. I will be there as soon as possible though and we can talk over what you want to do before we leave for that place.”

“I greatly appreciate you Corey. You have been a lifesaver.”

“Don’t worry about it man. Everyone needs someone to lean on every once in a while and I am glad to be that person for someone. I never had someone when I was in a bad situation and I do not wish that on anyone. It is lonely and can be very scary.”

He chuckled slightly and sighed, “I know what you mean. I hope to see you soon.”

(...)

By the time I made it to the hospital it was after 4pm. Louie was outside the lobby doors pacing back and forth, dragging on a cigarette. I jogged over to him, “Hey Louie! Are you okay?”

He jumped, clearly startled and turned around, “Oh my gosh Corey! You about gave me a dang heart attack!” He put his hand over his heart and half doubled over panting.

I put my hand on his back and rubbed it softly, “Oh man I am so sorry. I wasn’t trying to startle you. But you are pacing. Is everything okay? Did something happen before I got here?”

“No, nothing happened,” he righted himself and looked at me, “Nothing happened,” he said just above a whisper.”

I shook my head at him and grabbed his hand and patted it, “If you say so. But how about we get out of here and maybe get something to eat? Are you hungry?” He nodded his head. “Well then do you know anywhere we can go? I haven’t eaten anything other than frozen pizza and burritos the last 3 days.”

He chuckled at me and smiled, “Yeah I know the best place. It’s not even that far from here. Like a 10 minute drive.”

The place he had me take us to just looked like a regular house. Is he really sure this is the right place? I parked the car but was hesitant to get out, “I-are you sure this is the right place? This is a house.” I looked around as he got out of the car, “And is that-is that a cow?”

Crossing out from behind the house were two or three cows that stopped and stared at us for a few seconds before they continued on their way to lord knows where.

He chuckled as he came over to my side of the car and opened the door, “Trust me, this place has the best food.” He smiled a big toothy grin as he held his hand out to me. I took his hand and he helped me out of the car, “Just don’t mind the animals. The owner has a small barn out back and likes to let them all run around.”

As he said that a chicken came clucking over to us followed by some baby chicks, “Man you don’t see this back in the city.” They pecked around the ground in the driveway before waddling back off behind the house.

“I think that is what makes this place so nice. You get to have a good meal and see a lot of animals. She even has baby sheep in little pajamas!”

He guided me up the driveway and onto the front porch where there was a huge fat cat laying in a rocking chair, belly up and snoring. He knocked on the door and we waited. We could hear some stumbling around and muffled hollering from somewhere further in the house then a few very loud deep barks. “Oh yeah, she has some dogs too. I hope you aren’t afraid of dogs.”

I looked at him slightly worried, “N-not really. But that sounded like a rather large dog.

He chuckled and slapped my back lightly, “Don’t worry, Danny and Mathias are really friendly dobermans.”

The noises behind the door settled down and a larger older lady in her 70’s opened the door with a rolling pin in her hand and flour all over her apron and in her hair. “Sorry for the wait but these dang cakes are being rather touchy today. Must be some in the air cuz these dogs been awful rowdy.” 

She put down her rolling pin on a side table and brushed her hands off on her dress and gave Louie a big tight hug. He let out a slight groan as he set him down, “It's okay Nanna Lena. I just got out the hospital and my new friend Corey and I were looking to get some of your delicious home cookin.”

She stepped back and looked me up and down with her hands on her hips, “New friend ya say?” 

I reached my hand out to shake hers, “I am Corey Kennedy, I’m new here.” 

She clicked her tongue at me and shook her head, “round ‘ere we don't do that.” She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me as tight as she could, “Hugs are better than handshakes.”

She caught me off guard and I choked on air, “Oh.” cough cough “Of course they are.” She laughed heartily and slapped my back and let go. “It's nice to meet you ma'am”

She gave me a stern look, “That’s nanna Lena to you.”

“Yes ma'am- I mean nanna Lena.”

Behind me I could hear Louie snickering, “She’s a lovely woman innit she,” he whispered, poking me in the side, wide smile on his face.

I nodded my head and cleared my throat, “I look forward to your cooking. Louie was singing many praises on our way over here.”

She smiled proudly, “As he should. I have the best food this side the Mason Dixion line iffin ya ask me.” She spun around on her heels and beckoned us to follow her into the dimly lit home.