As promised, at 5 PM, Tim drove into Albert's yard. Albert had been waiting on the front porch for at least 45 minutes before Tim got there. He was so excited, he almost forgot to say goodbye to his folks. They asked him to bring his new friend in for introductions. So when Tim drove up, Albert asked him if he would mind meeting his folks. 'Sure, I'd love to!' said Tim. 'Well, they are about as introverted as I am so I was surprised when they said they wanted to meet you. We rarely go anywhere. My Dad's been disabled for as long as I can remember and it has been all my Mom can do to hang onto this place. It's been over 15 years since we did any farming ourselves. Got the place all rented out, but that doesn't pay all our bills. Oh my, how I ramble. Sorry for running on like that!' said Albert. 'Well, come on in. The folks are waiting.' Tim follows Albert into the house and sees the almost destitute conditions they live in. Half of the house has been shut off and it looks like they are living in only about half it it. Albert explains that they closed off half the house to save on electricity and heatling. Since it is only the three of them, they don't need much room. Albert's folks are very friendly and the four of them have a fine little visit before Tim and Albert leave for the movies. Albert's parents are pleased that he has found someone his own age to socialize with. He hasn't really had any friends growing up. They drive into town and check out the movie theatre. They wanted to see 'Green Lantern' and find out it won't show until 8 PM. They go to the pizza parlor and have supper while killing time. There is a bowling alley and pool hall adjoining the pizza parlor. Tim asks Albert if he bowls or plays pool. 'I've never had any interest in bowling, but I do find pool a rather fascinating past time. I haven't played it myself, but would like to try.' says Albert. So for the next hour or so, they play several games of pool and Albert finds out he is rather good at the game. Tim is pleasantly surprised as well, since he love playing pool and even has a table in the basement back home. He and his father have spent many happy hours shooting pool, he tells Albert. They look at the time and find it has been going by faster than they realized, so the quickly finish the last game and rush over to the movie theatre. They are almost too late to get in. The manager of the place runs a tight ship and closes the doors promptly when the movie starts, believeing his patrons should not be subjected to the distractions of late comers. The guys really enjoy the movie and have a lot to talk about afterward on the way home. They have learned a lot more about each other as well. They are equally hooked on science fiction and comic books. They share many more interests as well, but that can wait for another episode. It is almost 11 PM when they roll into Albert's yard. He gets out of the car and thanks Tim for the wonderful time. Tim says 'we aught to do this again sometime', and Albert agrees. Albert gets his confidence up and invites Tim out for dinner the next day, seeings as how his folks seem to have taken a shine to Tim. Since Tim didn't have any plans anyway, he accepts. 'Well, see you tomorrow then, Tim. Around 4 PM?' asks Albert. 'That will be perfect!' says Tim. 'I can finish my homework before I come out. I'll bring desert!' Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!