Curtain Call

Will wandered into the darkened room, his footsteps sounding heavy with each step. Stopping at the centre of the stage, Will looked out at the empty seats. He didn't think his heart could feel so heavy, especially in a place that held so much joy him.

Earlier that evening, the Glee kids, past and present, had all assembled in the room that had brought them together. They spoke fondly of their friend and shared stories of their time together. Will joined them but had to leave when the memories began to be too much.

So Will found himself in the auditorium alone. He shoved his hands in his pockets and mustered the strength to find a song to sing that would express how he was feeling. He searched his heart and couldn't find even a word that would help.

He truly felt like the world just stopped and everything was out of balance. He sighed, his heart heavy.

"Don't feel so down Mr. Shue. Especially not over me," came a voice from the darkness. Will turned at the sound, looking for whoever that was.

Finn sauntered out with his boyish smile.

"Hi Mr. Shue," Finn said awkwardly. Will felt tears tickle his eyes. Finn looked like the first time Will had met him years before. So young and innocent.

"You look good Finn," Will said with a smile. Finn grinned as he blushed.

"Thanks. You know Mr. Shue…there's so many things that I want to say. I'm not sure where to begin," Finn stated softly as he shoved his hands in his jeans.

"Take your time," Will replied, a tear falling down his cheek. Finn shook his head.

"I don't want you to beat yourself up over this. It's ok…I'm ok," Finn started. He walked to the edge of the stage and stared out at the empty room then turned to face Will.

"It'll be ok."

"How do you know that?" Will didn't believe that everything would ever be the same. Finn sighed.

"It's like…it's like a curtain call at the end of a show, you know? You're sad that it ends but you know that the curtains will go up again and you'll be happy all over again. You guys will be happy again."

Will was always amazed at Finn. How much of a man he turned into at such a young age. He laughed softly.

"Yeah…I know what you mean. You've become an amazing man, Finn. I am honored to have known you," Will said softly. Every word he said was true. He never knew a great man until he met Finn.

Finn just laughed self-consciously.

"I had a good teacher," Finn said with a crooked smile. "Thank you, Mr. Shue…for everything," He said with such sincerity Will was left speechless.

Finn then looked back out at the empty seats before he looked back at his teacher and smiled.

"Goodbye Mr. Shue."

Finn turned around and left the way he came. Will was left standing alone once again.

"Goodbye Finn," Will whispered. A tear ran down his cheek.

With one last look, Will turned and headed back for his class room.