Jim Stark lay in his bed with the blankets wrapped around his shivering body. It was a school day but he was kept home today because of his fever. His bedroom was dark and he had nothing to do except listen to the rain and thunder outside. Sitting up weakly, Jim picked up his cup of water and took a sip. He had to drink lots of liquids since he couldn't keep anything else down.
After a couple more sips of cool water, Jim settled himself back down and buried his face into the extra pillows that his mother had brought for him. As if being sick wasn't bad enough, he was also in a depressed state mind – haunted by the recent death of his beloved friend Plato.
A sad smile came to Jim's face as he fondly remembered his young, dark-haired companion. He closed his eyes and let his memory travel back…
Plato. Just thinking about him made Jim feel warm all over. He remembered this one time when Plato kissed him. It happened when the two were standing outside Jim's house one evening. There was nobody else around. The two friends were talking to each other when suddenly, Plato leaned forward and kissed Jim on the lips. Stunned, Jim ended their conversation and went back inside the house. But he wouldn't forget that kiss in a million years.
Jim was straight. No doubt about that. He loved Judy very much. Dear, sweet Judy. But he knew that Plato had a massive crush on him, and Jim was flattered by that. Who wouldn't be? Plato was certainly a very, very handsome boy.
Oh God, his eyes…those big, beautiful, Sicilian brown eyes! The way those eyes would get so adorably big when he opened them wide. And the way they crinkled warmly at the edges when he smiled.
And Plato's lips were uber warm and incredibly soft. Even softer than Judy's lips. Jim couldn't believe how delectable that boy's lips were. In only that quick smooth, Jim tasted a delicious sweetness and all the spices of Sicily. Those were lips to melt in your mouth.
And that gorgeous, dark hair…Jim loved everything about it. He loved how soft it felt and how good it smelled.
"Rest in Peace, my friend," Jim said suddenly, his voice sickly and feeble. "I hope you know that, no matter what …I will always love you."
The End