...E, F, G, H, I, J....Chris Quantum stared at the broken apple stem in his hand then at the apple in his other and automatically glanced at the letter on his bedside table. It was from his best friend, Joy who had left for high school in Pennsylvania more than a year ago and Chris missed her like crazy. He rolled over on the bed and stared at the ceiling, feeling miserable. There was a knock on the door and Chris’s robot, Gizmo trotted in, carrying a stack of books and papers. “Chris, you left your schoolbooks and homework assignments downstairs again. Are you feeling well?” Gizmo asked, placing the books and papers on the nearby desk. “I’m fine” Chris replied. “Well you’ve been up here ever since school let out. Let me take your temperature just to be sure” Gizmo said, cheerfully as he handed Chris the thermometer. Chris pushed it away and got off the bed, slowly. “I told you, Giz. I’m okay and it wasn’t right after school. It was after the mail arrived” Chris said, hoping Gizmo would get the hint. Gizmo gave him a knowing look full of sympathy. “Right. Anyway, don’t forget that your science project is due next week and the math test is tomorrow. Please study.” Gizmo held out the school schedule. Chris reluctantly took it but only placed it on the table. “You know your parents will be upset if you get another D, Chris. That’s mostly what you’ve been getting for a while now. That’s why I’m reminding you to study.” Gizmo looked worried. Chris sighed. “You know that’s not the reason, Gizmo. I’m trying my best to study. It’s just not working”he said, softly. “I know but....” Gizmo trailed off and was silent, sitting on the bed beside Chris. They were so quiet that they both jumped when a voice downstairs called them for dinner. That night, while Gizmo was fast asleep, Chris stayed up, staring out his bedroom window and wondering if life would ever be the same again. The next morning Chris woke up too tired to be tired. He’d stayed up half the night with so much on his mind that he couldn’t fall asleep. Now that was all he wanted to do. Gizmo suddenly barged in with a cheerful smile. “Don’t even mention school, Giz” Chris pleaded with a yawn. “Chris, it’s the weekend” Gizmo said, looking annoyed. 

“You didn’t sleep at all last night, did you?” 

“No. I didn’t. Don’t ask why. You already know.” 

“This isn’t good, Chris. Your grades are dropping, your not yourself anymore and now your loosing sleep. Maybe I should call Joy” Gizmo suggested. Chris sat up in bed and gave Gizmo a threatening glare. “Don’t you dare! Knowing her, she’ll get overly worried over nothing”he explained. “Well she is the one you’re loosing sleep over. Probably the only one who can help” Gizmo continued. “Gizmo, stop. I’m fine. I told you that before.” Chris yawned again and got out of bed. As he left the room he turned and looked at Gizmo, seriously. “Don’t. Call. Joy. Understand? Good.” With that, Chris left leaving Gizmo standing in the doorway, staring after him.