For Neal

by John Faina

Very short snippet. Not quite certain if it will be continued, because it is possibly fine as it is. Sort of tells a story without actually telling the whole story.

There was not a day that went by that Todd Anderson did not think of Neal Perry. The young man who had changed his life.

"Ever since I can remember I've wanted to try this!"

Little snippets of memories from his days at Weston often entered his mind. Particularly if he happened to be having a bad day. Thoughts of Neal's bright, eager face as he lived life to the fullest served well to cheering him up. Then, he would remember what Neal had done to himself and sink in even deeper than before.

Here he was, twenty years old, nearly three years since the tragedy had struck, and still, he wasn't over it. He doubted he ever would be. Because it was Neal who had seen in him what others had never taken the time to see. He had cared. He had shown him that it was okay to speak up for yourself, to defend your friends, to believe that you actually matter in the world, and that it was important to take advantage of life. The situation was ironic really. In the most horrible way any situation can possibly be.

His classes at Harvard were challenging. He didn't care. He didn't give a damn about any of it. He was going to be an actor.

"I'm gonna act."

Todd knew this was what he was meant to do. Of course, poetry was what he really loved the most, but he knew that he wanted to try out for the play the moment he heard the words, "Open try-outs." He was going to do it for Neal. He was going to show the world what Neal had done for him. Years ago, he'd been quiet, nervous, stuttering. Worthless. But then he was shown that he was worth something. To at least one person. Now, you could not meet a more out-going and friendly boy if you tried. He was Neal's legacy, and he intended to share it.