9. ABSENT.

Jonathan entered the sitting room carrying a small bowl of popcorn that he had made that evening by himself. He gave some to Alex but the latter rejected it as he had no interest in eating. He brought out the children's books that Ashley had given him and set on working on them. This got Jonathan curious and amused at the same time. He looked at Alex.

"What is going on?" He asked him.

"I am reading," Alex replied bluntly.

"A child's book?"

"She said that it's good if I start from here." He answered.

"Wow. She's a great observer and a good friend to be with. Don't you agree?"

Alex was mute. He picked up his pen and started working on the exercises. Jonathan seemed pleased to have seen this because he had tried finding ways to make him study even though he really wanted to but unfortunately, he lacked the clues and ways to do so.

"I told you that there will be someone out there who is gonna care about your state of living," Jonathan said proudly. Alex