Into The Future

LOAN REQUEST

George's gaze was drawn to the screen. It was unwavering. At the time, it was his favorite television show.

Ian walked into the room and took a seat next to him. In an attempt to get his attention, he dabbed him with a knee. He wanted to talk to George about some troubling issues, but George was too preoccupied with his television show.

Before entering the house, he had received a letter from the bank. It was a letter denying George's loan request.

"Uncle," he said. He came to a halt as he said, "Uncle I..."

He had a spur of the moment thought. George was not expecting to see such a notification, he knew. He made the decision not to reveal it to him. He stood up and walked to his room. He planned to find a solution to address the problem without notifying him.

Before he could close the door, Angie was in his room.

He asked, "What are you doing?"

She answered, "Nothing." Her brow furrowed. "Shouldn't I come to see you whenever I want anymore? Or do you think now that you've outgrown me?"

Ian kept his mouth shut. What she was saying caught him off guard. It didn't surprise him, though, because he knew she was insecure at times. He took a seat next to the table, which is where he typically studies. His hands were on the sides of his head, and his elbows were on the table. He was thinking.

Angie flashed a beaming grin. She assumed she had scared him with what she had said. She leaned on his back, as if cooing at him.

"Do you think you are ready to deal with everyone tomorrow?" Her voice was barely distinct from a coo as she queried.

Ian muttered something. "It hasn't even crossed my mind." He appeared to be uninterested. He was concerned with a slew of thoughts about his mother's illness and his foster father's loan request being denied. "Don't worry," Angie assured him. "It won't be as uncomfortable as you imagine. I've already answered thousands of queries about you after announcing your comeback on social media. The interrogators should not constitute a threat to you."

Ian was deafeningly quiet. Angie's face twisted in disbelief. She couldn't figure out why he was so distant. She figured he was apprehensive about going back to school, so she tried to cheer him up by saying something encouraging.

She commented, "You don't appear to be happy." "Everyone is ecstatic about your return and can't wait to see you, especially out in the field."

The previous year, Ian was a member of the college football team that advanced to the state championship tournament. He was their top player as well as their captain. When he went to see his mother, he and the team were already in the final. They had delivered some outstanding performances, propelling them to the cup final.

Just before the final, Ian received a call from his mother, saying she wanted to see him. He couldn't refuse or postpone her request. He adored her and missed her terribly.

He abruptly abandoned his studies, his foster family, his team, and everything else. He missed the championship tournament final, and the team lost. Unfortunately, when he arrived, he discovered that his mother's illness had worsened rather than improved.

"I'm not really into it anymore," Ian admitted. He stood up and sat down on the bed.

Angie followed him. "Is everything all right?" She inquired.

He fixed his gaze on her. "I just think it'll be better if the guys go on without me."

Angie sighed as she looked at him. "The team still needs you; the team is you; they can't get anywhere without you, and they'll welcome you with open arms."

Ian remained silent. She stood up and walked out. On her way, she noticed a letter on the table. She grabbed it and showed it to Ian.

"Who is this from?"

Ian dashed over to take it from her. "It doesn't matter."

"All right, but why were you so quick to take it away from me?"

Ian simply shook his head and remained silent. Angie smiled and stepped back.

She was well aware that she was making him uncomfortable.

Ian sighed, puffed his cheeks, and sat down.