count on me | sbm

9

;1959

Gordie lachance sat in his living room reading a newly released comic, his father fiddling with the TV and his mother preparing dinner in the kitchen. Dennis, Gordie's adored older brother, had recently gone out with some friends for the afternoon. A radio sat in it's normal spot on the kitchen bench, tuned into KLAM, as usual. 'Sorry' by The Impalas played quietly, when the song was interrupted by a newsbreak.

"We bring you a KLAM newsbreak, 3 teengage boys have been tragically killed in a jeep accident just outside of Castle Rock. No further details are known at this stage."

Gordie and his mother and father all vaguely heard Bob Cormier's voice announce the news, but didn't take much notice of the words. They were all too busy with what they were currently doing to care. That was, until Dennis didn't return home for dinner later that night.

"God, where is that boy?" Gordie's father said madly, pacing up and down the kitchen. He glanced at his watch.

"A half past five!" He said to himself. "He's got a game tomorrow!"

"Give the boy a break, he's a teenager! We won't be like this for much longer, and I'm sure he'll be back soon." Gordie's mother responded. Gordie's father scowled, but didn't reply. Gordie slipped into a seat at the dining table, eagerly eyeing the roast chicken and potatoes that were on his plate.

There was a firm knock at the door.

"Look! That's him now." Gordie's mother said, walking to the door. There were some muffled voices, an "I'm sorry," and a small 'thankyou,' and a door slam before Gordie's mother returned to the kitchen, eyes bloodshot and blurry. But Gordie and his father didn't have to ask what the matter was, because they'd already heard.

"We interrupt your night to bring you more information on the tragedy that occurred earlier today. The three boys that were killed in the Jeep accident outside of Castle Rock were Randall Marsh, Walter Davis and Dennis Lachance. More news later tonight."

Gordie's mother fell into his father's arms, sobbing hysterically.

"Dennis! Oh Dennis!" She said repeatedly, stuttering and whimpering. Gordie suddenly didn't feel like eating anymore, his breathing slowed and his brain felt like it wasn't functioning. This couldn't be right. This had to be a mistake. He felt his stomach churn and his head pound. Tears welled up on the surface of his eyes but they wouldn't fall out. He stared blankly at the cream coloured wall, swallowing repeatedly and shaking. His brother. His best friend. The only person who he knew truly cared about him. He was gone.

[2 days later]

Gordie was at school, sitting alone under the tree he sat at in his first week at that school. He wasn't interested in finding Chris or Teddy or Vern. He just wanted to be alone.

"Gordo!" He heard someone call out. Gordie looked up to see Chris running towards him.

"I...I heard," He said, placing a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "I'm really sorry, man."

"It's not your fault." Gordie muttered, staring to shake. He felt anger well up inside of him. Why did it have to be Denny?

"I know, but I'm still sorry. I mean, I couldn't imagine what it'd be like losing Richard, even though I know he doesn't really like me that much." Chris said.

Gordie just nodded his head sadly and burst out in tears. It was the first time he'd properly cried since the news broke, he'd been in too much shock beforehand.

Chris knelt down and put an arm around his friend's shoulder, whispering things like,

"It's okay man, it's okay." and "I'm right here."