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The day seemed to drag on as Evan lay along the couch trying to take a nap to pass the time. The summer was already half over and he had rarely left the house. His friends were in other states camping or visiting families for the summer leaving Evan behind in their sleepy town. With both his parents working long hours he spent most days napping or playing the gaming console he received for Christmas. It had been an amazing gift that took much of his Christmas break, but Evan only had an RPJ, Coil's Adventure and a racing game, Happy Tree Racers. Coil's Adventure had been a really challenging game with an amazing story but having saved the shore's Cove Bay the game felt kind of over. Happy Tree Racers was also fun but racing computers players wasn't as fun compared to playing against friends. They all had favorite characters and different ways of playing that made each track exciting.

Huffing at his boredom Evan closed eyes and turned to side to sleep and forget about his friends. Knock, Knock, Knock. The sudden knock of front door made Evan stumble of the couch in surprise. "Ouch, again?" The teen was very accident prone and used to falling of the couch. Knock, Knock. "Uh, I'm...coming." Evan pulled himself up and put on his glasses resting on the coffee table. He briefly wondered who was at the door as he wasn't expecting anyone over today and there weren't many traveling salesmen in Whistle, Virginia.

Slightly cracking the door open Evan was met with a large pair boobs in his face making him nearly fall over. The teen boy was used to seeing boobs from far away but having them that close to face made is face hot and body warm. "Hello, Evan dear." With all his strength Evan forced his eyes up to the towering Mrs. Hazel from down street. A very beautiful women who often talked to his mother when outside in her garden. Evan opened the door fully to see her normally rose red eyes and perky ears seemed off as she stood fidgeting. "Evan, is your mother home by chance? I really need to ask her important favor." The tall wolf seemed to scan the room behind Evan for his mother.

"Uhmm...she's actually working until 7pm today Mrs. Hazel." Evan tried to not to react as Mrs. Hazel's eyes dimmed and her ears flopped down.

"OH, is that so? That's...that's okay dear." Seeing her like this made Evan feel like he just kicked a puppy in front of her. Evan felt even worse as Mrs. Hazel tried to cover up her disappointment with a strained smile having seen Evan's own anxious face. "Mommy. Mommy can I have my juice now?" The child's voice caught Evan off guard as he looked down to find a small wolf cub wrapped around Mrs. Hazel's leg. "Of course, sweetie! Let mommy dig it out." The boy stared up to Evan as Mrs. Hazel pulled an apple juice box from her large purse. She carefully pierced the straw before leaning to the right to hand it the boy. He had the same rose red eyes as Mrs. Hazel but his fur was soft black instead of light grey.

"Is there anything that I could help with you instead?" Mrs. Hazel looked surprised and opened her mouth to speak before the boy tugged on her blue dress. Her eyes seemed to soften as smiled to her son taking the empty box from outstretched paw. "Good job, Caleb. Your growing up so big and strong." The boy smiled wide as he let go of the Mrs. Hazel's leg to flex for her. It made Mrs. Hazel form a real smile and clap before turning back to Evan with a pleading look in her eyes.

"You see Evan, I was offered an interview for a promotion at workplace. But unfortunately, the only time they could these interviews were after Caleb's daycare closed. So, I had hoped that your mother would be able to watch Caleb for a little bit while did my interview." That had explained why Mrs. Hazel had come over so dressed up then. Evan understood the importance and rarity of promotion as his parents also talked about the possibility of getting one with each other. "If that's all then I can watch Caleb for you Mrs. Hazel." Evan had spoken with the greatest confidence he could muster to convince Mrs. Hazel and himself. She bit her bottom lip in hesitation wondering if that would be alright.

"It'll be okay Mrs. Hazel I'm 15 now and have a temporary license and I plenty of experience of watching my niece at family BBQ's and gatherings. Besides I'm sure that you'll nail that interview and get promoted for sure." The wolf smiled wide at Evan gesture and reasoned the interview process would be an hour and half at most.

"Okay Evan, I really appreciate this dear." Evan waved the two wolves inside with Caleb climbing on the couch while Mrs. Hazel spoke with Evan to the side. "Caleb's already had dinner, but sometimes he likes to have a night snack." The wolf opened her purse and pulled out a medium plastic container of chicken poppers. She also took a folded piece of paper from her bag and handed that to Evan as well. "The poppers just need to be heated of 2 mins for every 3 poppers and Caleb isn't allowed to drink soda anymore after his last sugar rush broke a chair. On the note I wrote down the office after hours line and extension in case you need to reach me. Caleb doesn't have any know allergies, but don't hesitate to call for anything okay Evan."

"Yeah don't worry. I'm sure everything will be fine." Evan walked into the kitchen to put the way Caleb's snack while Mrs. Hazel gave her son a hug on the couch. "Mommy has to go to work now sweetie, so that means you get to spend with Evan. It won't be long this time so please be a good boy for Evan okay?" Caleb nodded with large watery eyes making Mrs. Hazel bend down to hug again before giving his forehead a kiss. "That's my strong boy. Mommy promises see you soon Caleb." Evan rejoined the Hazels in time to wave goodbye to Mrs. Hazel with Caleb.

Evan frowned to couch as Caleb stared crying at the closed door. "Mommy...mom..hng." The little wolf sobbed at the door quietly. Had he ever met Caleb before today? Evan walked over to the sad wolf and took a seat next to him. "Hey Buddy, it'll be okay your mom will be back soon." Caleb either didn't hear Evan or ignored him as he looked straight to the door still. Evan tried to think of something to do that would cheer Caleb up, something fun that any kid would like. Evan slapped his left knee remembering the Dream Could console he had in his room. Evan turned to a startled Caleb looking up to him with watery, red eyes. "Sorry to scare Caleb but how would you like a game with me?" Caleb sniffled and wiped his eyes using his paws. Before continuing Evan went to the kitchen to wet a paper towel.

Kneeling in front on the wolf Evan gently wiped the matted fur under his eyes and runny nose. "A...game?" "Yeah I have a video game that really fun." The wolf's ears twitched with interest having only played a few video games at the mall with his Mom. "Wait right here and I'll go set up really quick." Evan made a detour through the kitchen to throw away the soiled towel before rushing to his room. Being extra careful not to trip Evan slowly carried the console, game cases, and controllers stacked against his chest. Each step down the stairs felt like a gamble as cables brushed against his legs threatening to send him down tumbling.

"Wooah! That's the Dream Cloud!!" Caleb was practically bouncing on the couch as Evan breathed a sigh of relief making it past the last step. "Yeah, I have this racing game that is awesome." Caleb had seen commercials for the Dream Cloud on tv, but none of his friend had one yet. The wolf's tail thumped against the couch as Evan carefully connected the system to the family tv resting the console on the coffee table. Once the game disc was loaded Evan slowly explained to Caleb how the buttons on the controller worked and how to steer with side toggle. The wolf watched in silent amazement as Evan turned on the game console and the system's music and animation played. Caleb leaned in closer as the Happy Tree Racers intro played afterwards with racing animation and more energetic music.

"Let's play some practice rounds to get used to playing okay?" Caleb bobbed his but his face still stared happily at the title menu. Evan chuckled remembering being the same way when had first played on Christmas. To keep things fun Evan, choose the simplest round course and played as Naomi Dolphin. A fast racer with bad turning and only water course advantages. However, Evan was able to convince Caleb to pick Tommy Oak the game's mascot and best overall racer. Tommy seemed like the best choice for Caleb to start off with having the best controls and special combos.

But within a few minutes of racing later and frequent wall crashing Caleb's excited awes soon turned to low growls. With the NPC Barry Bear crossing ninth and Tommy Oak being forced in tenth Caleb throw his controller against the couch gritting his teeth. "Stupid Game! Stupid Controller!" the wolf angrily sopped with crossed arms glaring at the TV. Evan took a deep breath before picking up the thrown controller and scooting closer to Caleb. He reminded himself to be patient with Caleb after making his niece cry.

They had been playing the same game on Easter when Hannah got angry for losing and thrown her controller onto the floor. That made him mad and he yelled at her to stop acting like cry baby. She ran to the backyard crying and wouldn't tell their family why as to not be a cry baby. Evan still felt guilty when they played together again.

"It's okay Buddy, no one likes losing. But do you know the great thing about games?" Evan smiled patiently waiting until Caleb finally turned to face him. "It's getting to become a little better from each loss again and again. This time I came in eighth, but maybe next time it'll be seventh!" Caleb huffed still crossing his arms, but a slight smile gave Evan hope. "You know? I might have a few tricks that could with Tommy Oak. Want me to show you?" Evan put his controller down before starting a new race. Caleb closely watched how Evan moved the toggle and pushed two top buttons to zoom past two racers. "How did you do that?" the wolf was pressed to Evan side as the race finished with Tommy Oak in first place. "A lot of crashing and a lot of practicing after each crash. Do you want to take your turn Caleb?" Evan reached out the controller to Caleb who slowly took it. "Just keep in mind though, Games are all about having fun. It you had fun then you win no matter what." Caleb tried to do everything Evan had done and messed up a few times during the race. But with great joy he slowly passed other racers until the race end with fifth place shining in eyes. Evan slightly cursed Nomia dolphin's inability to turn, but still laughed at his eighth place. "That's awesome Caleb! You're such a fast learner you even passed me this time."

"Yeah! Tommy's the best." The pair played through two tournaments smiling whatever their ranks were. To Evans surprise Caleb had managed to finish the Maple Cup in third when the front door creaked open. Evan's mother came inside with Mrs. Hazel following behind her laughing about something. "MOMMY!" Caleb launched off the couch forgetting the game to wrap himself around his mother. "Mommy I missed you." The force of Caleb's jump made Mrs. Hazel bend back a little. "Oof, I'm happy to see you to sweetie." The Hazels embraced while Evan paused the game and walked over to his own mother. "I thought you were working late again?" His mother made an over the top shocked faced. "WHAT, you don't want to see your mother?" Evan palmed his face as his mother laughed at her own type of joke. "Mommy guess what?" Caleb let go of Mrs. Hazel to look up with bright eyes. "What Sweet pea?" "I got to play the Dream Cloud like in the commercials and then I raced Evan, but I lost. But then Evan taught me how to race and I won!" "Awe, that great Caleb."

Mrs. Hazel picked up a now sleepy Caleb yawning into her shoulders. "Looks like you did great Kido. I'm so proud of you." Evan's mother beamed with pride that embarrassed the teen as Mrs. Hazel walked closer to them. "Thank you so much for looking after Caleb. And again, Betty I'm really sorry for any trouble I caused you." Evan's mother happily waved her arms in protest. "Sally, you know that I'm always happy to help you with anything. Form watching Caleb, pulling weeds, or listening about the sexy new Dentist you met today? Haha." Mrs. Hazel's cheek burned red as Evan could stop from looking to her. "Betty, please?" Evan's mother had no concept of secrets and it seemed it wasn't just him she embarrassed. "I'm sorry Sally but remember you could pass for model you know. Anyway, my son's the one that did all the hard work." Evan winced at her too hard clap on the back. "They grow up too fast. Just yesterday I was fighting him to wear pants and now he's babysitting." His mother and Mrs. Hazel laughed at the young Evan's dislike of starchy pants.

Still Mrs. Hazel seemed to lighten up, so Evan didn't fight back. "Of course, your right. Thank you again Evan and as I told your mother I did pass the interview. I'm so thankful to have been promoted to assistant hygienist for Dr. Whales." Evan and his mom both clapped hearing the great news. "As such though, there might be times when I need a babysitter for Caleb again for any late workdays or meetings. I had asked Betty, but she had another suggestion." Evan's mother handed a twenty-dollar bill to the surprised teen. "Since today was a surprise and a bit chaotic it's a little more than what I can pay regularly. But do you think you could be Caleb's babysitter Evan?" Evan stared dumbfound a little before accepting the money with great appreciation. "I...uh, I'm more than happy to look after Caleb anytime. You don't have to worry so much about the payment thought. It was fun getting to spend with Caleb, he's a really smart kid."

Mrs. Hazel mouthed a thank you as Caleb slung an arm around her neck. "I'll see you two out then Sally. And don't forget about coffee this Friday afternoon." Evan's mother walked the pair out to help Mrs. Hazel with a sleeping Caleb. Evan felt slightly lightheaded as he unhooked the gaming system from the living room tv. It wasn't a bad feeling though his body felt pleasantly tingly like he just eaten a bucket of Halloween candy. It was too bad it didn't last as he tripped on the coffee table and dropped his console on the floor a few second later. "Maybe you shouldn't watch other people's children?" Evan put his glass back on to look up at his mother grimace at his spill. "Then again, I told the same thing to your dad when he tripped with you." She covered her mouth with a hand, but Evan could still see the muffled laughing on her face. How had he survived his childhood? With slight aches Evan picked up his spilled equipment and dragged it upstairs.

It's was there in his room that weight of his newfound responsibility hit him. He would have to be the adult whenever he watched Caleb. Evan had thought to night had been easy, but what if Caleb was as accident prone as him? What if Evan need to cook his dinner? Had he ever cooked anything beside toast? All the possible random disasters made his head hurt and the teen dropped onto his bed to scream into the mattress. "RRAHGH!" Evan felt slightly better pulling the comforter around him like a cocoon.

Falling asleep from stress and exhaustion had given a nightmare of Caleb getting stuck in the tree backyard and Evan was trying to call for help. But the scariest part when Caleb fell of the branch thankfully Evan's Dad popped out of nowhere and caught Caleb mid fall. Evan snapped up in relief that his Father had saved Caleb. He blinked around to find himself in his darkened bedroom. Judging by the lack of sun he must have slept close to three hours or so.

With a rumbling stomach Evan made his way downstairs to find his father watching the news on the couch and his mother cooking lasagna. "Oh, hey Champ. Mom said you got big news to tell me?" His father patted the seat by him while keep his eyes glued to the screen. Evan stole a glance at the kitchen where his mother cheerily continued her cooking. "Uhm, well Mrs. Hazel came over today with her son."

"Yeah, your mother said that Sally got a promotion today! How awesome is that." His father seemed happy for his friend's success smiling at the boring windchill charts. "Yeah she really deserves it." Evan struggled with telling his dad the rest as if telling him would be some final point of no return. Was he ready to babysit Caleb regularly? Just when Evan felt like dropping the subject the loud boom of his mother's voice called from the kitchen. "But that's not all honey. Evan watched Caleb by himself while Sally did her interview!" Evan's father beamed with pride at the squirming teen before pulling him into a bear hug. "You did! That's awesome Evan. I can't believe how fast your growing up." Once his father let go Evan readjusted his glasses filling with the confidence from his parent's pride.

"Yeah, Mrs. Hazel asked if I could be Caleb's babysitter from now on." His father looked surprised but that slowly turned to even more pride as he ruffled Evan's brown hair. "I guess you grown up over middle school. Just don't grow up too fast behind my back champ."

"Don't worry dear, no matter how big he gets Evan will always be our underwear superhero Evan Mighty." Both his parents laughed while Evan turned beat red with a mix of anger and embarrassment. Even still he knew that he was lucky to have them as parents and hoped to be as great as them someday.

After dinner Evan confessed his worries about babysitting to his parents who agreed that he could handle most things but could teach him a few adult skills early. Evan's mother taught him to use the oven to heat frozen food and cook pastas mostly without setting off the smoke alarm. Evan's father gave him a mini pocket tool and explained how and when to use each tool. He also explained how to safely replace burnt bulbs and flat bike tires. His mother and father had different ideas on how to get candy out of hair disagreeing between peanut butter or canola oil. "NO, I'm telling you Hun you have to comb with oil upwards." His father made the pulling motions with hands as his mother shook her head vigorously.

"THAT'S NOT IT DEAR, blotch with peanut butter and then rinse out!" It was weird for Evan to see how strangely aggressive his parents got with this topic.

The summer went by with many races and Caleb even learning to like Coil's Adventure if not fully understanding the story. Evan grew confident heating chicken poppers in the oven and finding out that Caleb's current favorite food was meatball subs. The more time Evan spent with Caleb the more like an adult Evan felt answering the young boy's questions and the rare calls from friends saying he sounded different. Evan would babysit on weekends occasionally as his parents went on double dates with Mrs. Hazel and a handsome white tiger named Thomas Leer. Tom was very polite to Evan and Caleb spoke a lot about how cool Tom was teaching him to fish and how swim better.

It was after those weekends that Caleb forced Evan down to the nearby park to play basketball, soccer, or baseball depending on his mood. Each time though without fail Evan would either trip over a ball, miss an easy pass, or fall on his back for no reason. He made sure to laugh at himself each time so Caleb wouldn't make them go home early out of worry for him. It was really kind of sad having a small kid trying to take pity on him. Thankfully when by some miracle Evan did make a basket, score a goal, or hit an out Caleb would genuinely cheer.

With summer coming to an end soon Evan's parent hosted a neighborhood barbecue with Mrs. Hazel and Mr. Leer. Evan mostly kept to himself as most of the neighbors were all adults. He smiled to see Caleb playing with two twin polar bear girls he didn't recognize from the neighborhood.

"Attention, Attention please!" Evan looked towards the grill to see his father standing with a middle-aged polar bear couple awkwardly waving at the crowd. "Friends and Neighbors, I like to introduce our newest neighbors who will be moving into their first house soon." Evan and the rest of the party goers gave confused claps as they questioned what house had been built or sold? "The Snows are a lovely couple with two adorable girls moving all the way from Alaska. I hope all of you get the chance to speak with them like I have, and pro tip ask Cain about his sledding days." His father's laugh made the rest of the neighbors join in the on inside joke. Evan was winching for the slumping bear begging his father to change subjects when a soft hand tapped his shoulder. Turning right Evan saw a nervous Mrs. Hazel motioning to speak inside the house.

Evan passed by Mr. Leer who was playing tag with Caleb and the Snow twins. Once inside Evan and Mrs. Hazel took a seat at the kitchen table with Evan noticing a ruby ring on Mrs. Hazel right hand. "Is everything all right Mrs. Hazel?" The wolf held a conflicting smile as she gathered her thoughts. "It is. Better than alright even...Tom proposed yesterday, and I said yes." Evan's eyes went wide being surprised that his father hadn't announced that outside as well. "That's awesome Mrs. Hazel congratulations." Despite having every reason to be happy Mrs. Hazel still seemed sad biting her lip. "Evan dear...I want to thank you for all the help you given me and Caleb. I wouldn't have gotten my promotion or been able to meet my fiance at meetings without you pushing me to go that day." Mrs. Hazel eye's started to water and her voice became shakier. "I'm truly grateful to you and your parents. The three of you have been like a second family for me and Caleb. For the longest time if felt like we were alone after my husband's accident."

Evan swallowed hearing that, he had wondered about Caleb's father but never asked. "That's why it feels so hard to say goodbye." Evan was cannon balled from confusion to shock and back to confusion. "What?" The teen stared opened mouth to the wolf wiping her tears with a napkin. "Tom has been given the chance to be partner for a friend's practice in Illinois. It's a deal of a lifetime that he shouldn't pass up. So, I'm selling the house to the Snows to move with Tom to Illinois." Evan didn't understand why those words hurt to hear. He should be happy for all the great thing happening to Mrs. Hazel and Caleb, but it felt like something was be slowly pulled out of him as he remained silent.

"We'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon to close the deal on the new house. I've already spoke with your parents before the party, but please don't mention this to Caleb. He still doesn't know yet, I don't want him to blame Tom for us leaving Whistle." Evan nodded with a blank face not sure of what to say or if he should say anything. "Thank you again for everything Evan. Your family's kindness and help are something I'll never forget." Mrs. Hazel rose from her seat to give Evan a hug and kiss on the forehead. Evan couldn't feel her arms around him or notice her leave the kitchen as he sat frozen.

As the party went on outside Evan dragged himself back out but couldn't shake his sadness. When the party ended Evan helped his parents clean up the yard with the Hazels and Mr. Leer having slipped out unnoticed. "Are you okay Champ?" his father asked holding the trash bag as Evan weakly shoved plates into it. "Sure." That's was all Evan could muster to say. "Is it about the Hazels moving?" His father put down his bag and had Evan take a seat on one of the rented tables. "I don't know?" Evan was used to having a few classmates move away during middle school, but it never hurt like this. The teen cupped his chest feeling like it was caving in, but his brain kept bringing up memories of Mrs. Hazel and Caleb. The teen gritted his teeth knowing he wouldn't see them again but wanted to selfishly tell them to stay.

"It's okay to feel that way Evan. It's just means that your grieving their loss and that's important to do." His father slung his arm around the teen's neck pulling the shaking boy against his side. "I'm going to miss them too. They were like family we met over the summer, but just like real family we all must go our separate ways." His Father took deep sigh as the Evan finally cried out his loss. "Honestly, a part of me envies you for being able to express all this." Through foggy glasses and warm tears Evan turned to his father and for the first time really saw how weathered and tired he looked. Glossy brown eyes that stared into nothing and a tight mouth that had forgotten how to scream. "Maybe it's the curse of growing old or just something we do to cope? But despite feeling the way you do Evan my eyes won't cry the way I want to anymore." His father's-tired expression held as his rough hand gave Evan's arm a squeeze. "So, try to cry for the both of us while you still can." Evan did just that he shook with tears taking off his wet glass to let out all the pain and anger he felt.

It was only after his breathing calmed and his face felt puffy did Evan notice his mother to other side with the same red eyes and puffy face. It seemed both his parents had felt the same loss of family that he did but were trying to hide it for his sake. Even after crying out their loss the house still felt empty for some days after the party.

Evan would find himself thinking of Caleb when drove past the park on the way to the library. He could hear Mrs. Hazel and Tom's laughter walking by the Snow's house and still see the rose bushes they left behind near the corners.

High School was starting soon, and Evan hoped he would have forgotten about the Hazels by now. But in that moment Evan remember what his Dad had told him about growing up and growing used to moving on. Maybe he should be grateful to still be able to remember them so vividly, to still feel their absence. Because even if they weren't dead and just living in another state. Evan was practically dead to them as they started new life without him. Evan would have to do the same, trying to move forward feeling like he started and closed an important chapter in his life.