Dan: I’m dying a slow death.

Andrew tried to stifle his snicker and peered behind him at the back row. Dan had snuck in late, and apparently hadn’t wanted to join Andrew in their usual spot in the third row. Andrew was a good student and tried hard to attend every class, sit close to the front, and participate when appropriate.

For this class, though, he might need to move to the back for the rest of the semester.

“Something funny, Mr. Bishop?”

Andrew straightened and dropped the smile, tucking his phone underneath his thigh. “No, sir.”

Professor Shaw’s lips thinned in a disapproving manner, but he moved on. Andrew studied the clock on the wall and tried his best to stay awake.

Only forty-five minutes to go.

…

The following week, freedom was finally within reach.

“I think that’s everything.” Andrew reached above his head to shut the back hatch of his mom’s Suburban. “I can’t believe you’re still driving this beast.”

His mom and sisters stood in the grass beside the driveway. Rhonda approached him first.

“You’ll call if you need something, right?”

“Sure,” he said with a wink.

She pursed her lips but didn’t argue, and turned around to say goodbye to Jeni.

Valerie came up next, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m sorry we can’t stay longer,” she said, her brow furrowed in concern.

“Val, you’ve got two kids who have been missing you these last few weeks. Even with his parents helping, I’m sure David’s ready for you to come home.”

“David’s fine,” Valerie said. “My children are angels.”

Andrew snorted. “I love my niece and nephew, but angel is not the word I’d use to describe Alva. She’s a terror.”

“I’m telling her you said that.”

“Don’t you dare. I’m her favorite uncle.”

“You’re her only uncle.”

“Doesn’t matter. I won’t have her knowing that she scares the living daylights out of me. I have to keep up the appearance I’m the one in control.”

Valerie cocked her head to the side. “I’ll think about it.”

“I have cancer,” he said.

Valerie narrowed her eyes. “Fine. But that’s the last time you get to use that on me. I love you, little brother.”

“Love you, too.”

The sound of sniffling alerted Andrew of his mom’s approach. Valerie gave him a look that said good luck and stepped aside.

“Mom…” he began, pulling her close. Her head came to his collarbone.

“Do you”—she sniffed—“want me to stay? I can send Valerie and Rhonda back with the car and rent another one to drive home when you don’t need me anymore.”

He winced above her head. “No, Mom. I’m fine. Really. You’ve seen for yourself, it’s not that bad.”

“But the doctor said it gets worse as you go.”