The sky was overcast, advertising a melancholy future with grim satisfaction. Nick glanced up, smiled cheerfully at the clouds and looked back down to the uneven sidewalk. He thrust his hands into the pockets of his light windbreaker and nudged a chunk of concrete with his foot as he walked by. A breeze picked up, lifting the small piles of dead leaves and tumbling them across the road with a scraping, rattling sound that made Nick look up again.
Homes was coming at him from the other direction, and Nick brightened, waving to his friend.
“What are you doing here, Homes?” Nick asked once they were close enough for their voices to be heard over the breeze and scattering leaves.
“Coming to check up on you,” Homes said, giving Nick a smile that wasn't nearly as exuberant as Nick's had been.
“Well, I'm doing fine,” Nick said, looking away from his friend, his smile fading.
They didn't say anything for a few minutes. Leaves dragged across the concrete and asphalt like nails on a chalkboard.
“I didn't think I'd see you again,” Nick said finally.
“I—” Homes started slowly, but couldn't seem to think of anything to finish the statement.
They walked along in silence, the cross around Homes's neck glinting dully in the faded light.
Inspiration: Leaves scraping across the road towards me.
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