Free Suffer II by E.E. Borton

bike for the two-mile ride to school. He didn’t like taking the bus that was full of other teenagers.
    His dad had not laid another a hand on him since that first time, but he never climbed out of the bottle. Hank tried several times to get Barry some help for his excessive drinking. He stopped trying after a year when he realized that Barry didn’t want help.
    Dawson wasn’t considered social at school, but he had the attention of several girls. The more he ignored them, the harder they worked for his attention. He didn’t participate in school sports, but because of his height and build, many of the coaches encouraged him to play.
    He was distant and aloof at school, but started interacting and spending more time with Hank and Emily. They gave him the time and space to deal with his mother’s death on his own terms. They were supportive when he needed them and understanding when he didn’t. His connection with Emily was emotional. His connection with Hank was mechanical.
    They both had an affinity for old trucks. Hank found a 1974 Ford F-100 rusting in a neighbor’s barn. Two hundred dollars and a tow later, it was sitting in Hank’s garage. From the first day, he didn’t have to ask Dawson for help bringing it back to life. The boy just showed up after school and rolled up his sleeves. Hank enjoyed his company. Dawson enjoyed the distraction.
    They worked on it together for four months. Other than having a few rust spots, the body was in great condition. The engine and interior were different stories. Most of the parts had been cannibalized, and the broken windows allowed the elements to take over the cab. The tires were bald, and most of the wiring had disintegrated. On the day the engine roared back to life, so did Dawson.
    He was disappointed when Hank told him he found a buyer for the restored truck. Not because the truck was gone and their work was finished, but because he didn’t get to see it after it was sent to the body shop. The only two things he and Hank couldn’t do in the garage were metalwork and painting.
    The disappointment was short lived when Hank told him that he found another project and it would arrive later that day. There was more speed in his legs as he pedaled towards Hank’s garage after school. Dawson was surprised to find him home early from work.
    “Hey, buddy,” said Hank, washing his hands in the kitchen sink.
    “Well?”
    “Well, what?”
    “Oh, come on, Mr. Hank, you’re killing me,” said Dawson, leaning against the wall. “Where is it?”
    “Where’s what, boy?”
    “Stop it, Hank,” said Karla, walking into the room. “Just tell him and get it over with.”
    “Get what over with?” asked Dawson, standing up straight.
    “Oh, man, she was a beauty,” said Hank, drying his hands. “A ‘68 Chevy C-10. She was in great condition, and the engine was in pretty good shape too. We would’ve had that thing running like it just came off the assembly line.”
    “Had?”
    “I’m afraid so, son. I went to pick it up, and the old man just couldn’t part ways with it. I’m sorry I got your hopes up.”
    “Aw, that’s okay, Mr. Hank,” said Dawson, slumping down into a chair. “We’ll find another one. I was just kind of excited about seeing it because it’s my…”
    “It’s your what?” said Hank, cocking his head.
    “Is Emily home?”
    “Yep, she’s on the patio doing homework, I think.”
    “We’re eating dinner early, so don’t stray too far,” said Karla. “We’re having fried chicken.”
    “You know that’s my favorite, Ms. Karla,” said Dawson, standing and then walking over to give her a hug. “You just made my day much better.”
    He left Karla and Hank in the kitchen and made his way to the patio. Emily looked up with a wide smile as he came through the door. Seeing him always made her day much better.
    “Where’s Tyler?” asked Dawson, taking a seat beside her.
    “He’s in the playhouse making out with Brittany,” said Emily,