I don't know what to do.

I was unsure which forum I should put this in, so I chose sadness.

I have a wonderful friend whose father died unexpectedly Friday morning, but I have not had the opportunity to speak with him at all. The thing is, I have no clue what to say to him when I see him tomorrow at the Wake. His father was 48. He is 17.

I don't know what to do. I am scared to see him tomorrow because I don't know how to help. At all. I know that most of you will tell me to just leave him alone and give him his space. But I don't know if that's the right thing to do. He is the type of boy that closes up inside, doesn't let anyone know what he is thinking or feeling. It also won't help that he and his father did not often get along. It was not the normal angsty teen vs. loving parent, more like the responsible teen vs. the extremely strict parent.

The point is, I don't know what I should do. I know he will let it burn inside without telling anyone, and I know he will go into a silent mode...and I know he will be hurting, which is understandable. But there must be some way I can lend a hand, even if it is small, maybe insignificant. I just want him to know that I care.

How?

Just tell him you care. i've been through a similar situation and all you can do is let them know that you care and that you're there for them.