The phone call to his mother was a great relief for Henry.

He decided to head over to Ben Affleck's place for the day. After sending a quick text informing Ben of his visit, Henry got up, had a shower and grabbed an apple.

Munching the fruit on the way to Ben's wasn't the best sort of breakfast, but it was better than nothing.
Henry met a few people along the way, and stopped to talk with them occasionally.

By the time he got to Ben's door, it was 11:15.

"Hey, Henry! Come on in."

He stepped in and wiped his feet on the mat in the hall.

"Nice place."

"Thanks! It's does nicely for London."

Henry nodded.

After they had watched a few football games on the TV, Henry told Ben about his problems.

"Well, next time just say to the girl what you're hoping for."

Ben's advice is good. But I'm not sure I want there to be a next time...

They talked, messed around, ate a take away for lunch and then realised the time. It was late afternoon, almost evening.

"Do you want me to go home now, or... What?"

Why and my even asking this? Think straight Henry.

"Nah, let's go to the pub, have a couple of pints and a meal."

Henry grinned, "I could do with a drinking partner."

I need to just forget all this stress for once, and who better to do that with?