“Kit, I’m serious. Is something going on? Is there something that started while I was gone?â€? Trey asked me. He looked really concerned.

“No.â€? I lied again. This was becoming a habit of mine.

“It’s okay. You just seem so … different. Different than the first different that I thought you were.â€? He laughed at his confusing sentence. “Different like you changed in less than a week, Kit.â€?

But he glanced at me all serious again and I just wished that sad, sincere expression would go away forever.

Though it was just what I needed.

“Just quit worrying.â€? I told him, forcing a smile that could pass for real.

“So, would you like to hang out tomorrow?â€? he asked, changing the subject. And old Trey is back. The one I can depend on for anything, even in times of crisis and even when the crisis is about him.

“Yeah. See you then.â€?

“Great. I’ll meet you at the park.”

Then, just to make sure he was really back. “You promise?”

“I promise.” Of course, of course. The hero Trey is back for good. Just when I need him.