Times of Trouble
Chapter 12
A huge German shepherd was running out of the house, followed by 14-year-old Jeffrey and his parents. , the boy shouted, wait for me! The dog obediently stood next to the car til his friend was close enough to touch him, then playfully jumped a few metres away and barked. The boy laughed and ran after him, but of course never caught the dog.
Jeff, Tramp, come here, we want to leave. His mother cheerfully called after them, while his dad was already putting the camping equipment into the car. They returned quickly and took their places on the backseats.
This was the best camping trip ever, Jeff thought, too many mosquitos, not enough blankets and some of the darkest steaks I have ever eaten. But we had shared all this and had a great time anyway.
And then, only 5 weeks later, he went over to Tom´s house for a sleepover. Tom´s parents didn´t like dogs, so he wasn´t allowed to take Tramp with him as he sometimes did when staying with other friends. He usually spent most of the day with Tramp anyway. After school the shepherd stood in front of the iron gates waiting for him to walk home together and at night he slept in Jeff´s room, next to his bed. He could hardly remember a time without the dog. They shared practically everything: food, toys, fun and also the times of trouble, as his mother had put it, times, when problems and dark thoughts bothered him and he just wanted to leave everything behind and become an eremite in some cave far away, with only his barking pal for company.
Reality had always hit him again after a while, but when it did last time there was no chance for an easy recover.
Simon told me you were good at solving
problems. The boy said slowly while staring at the floor.
But I know you won´t be able to help me.
Before Eric could say a word, Jeff firmly went on.
But that´s okay, I can take care of myself.
Gently the Rev. touched his shoulder.
Jeff, before you say anything, there´s something I have to
tell you He began, hoping that this was the right
thing to do.
I went to the police station this morning to find your file
– and I did.
For a moment there was panic in the kid´s eyes and Eric prepared
to grab him before he could race out of the room. But after a few
seconds Jeff relaxed, sat back and shrugged.
There is no point in telling you what
you already know. was his simple reply.
Eric shook his head.
There are many things I don´t know yet. And I´m sure it
would be good if you finally talked about it.
There was another long moment of silence and Eric wondered if the
boy had lost the will to talk after all.
Then Jeff looked up shy, meeting his searching gaze.
I don´t know where to start.
His voice sounded low and uncertain.
Why don´t you start right at the beginning? Eric
asked softly.
For a few seconds Jeff tried to get the mess in his mind under
control, then gave up and began to tell his story.
Tom´s mom hang up the phone for the 5th
time, looking very confused.
Jeffrey, dear, are you sure, your parents said they would
be at home this morning?
Yes, I am. We´ll go to the lake for a swim and a picknick
together – mom talked us into doing that for weeks
now.
But nobody´s picking up the phone.
Oh, that´s okay, they´re probably just getting some food
from the supermarket right now. I bet they´ll be back
soon.
Well, I can´t bring you home, I have an appointment in
half an hour and I´m late already.
No problem, I can walk. It´s just a few blocks from here.
I have a key.
Are you sure? And you promise me to go straight home?
He nodded.
Okay then, have a nice picknick. I´ll see you next
week.
While she hurried back into the bedroom Tom walked his friend to
the front door.
You think I can come for a sleepover next Saturday?
Tom asked hopefully. We could play Galactic
Forces with Tramp again.
Jeff grinned. But next time we´d better
not take my mom´s curling irons for phaser weapons
Tom laughed. They waved goodbye and Jeff started walking home
quickly.
Jeff shifted in a more comfortable position.
Eric felt his legs falling asleep and streched them out
carefully.
Maybe we should go downstairs into the study? he
suggested.
The boy shook his head and hugged his knees again.
Then he went on.
