Later that week

As Carlos walked out of his dorm room, Dude trotted up next to him.

"Carlos! Carlos! Carlos! Guess what man?"

"I'm not in the mood right now Dude," Carlos ran a hand through his black and white hair. It's been 3 and a half days since Mal was first injured. How much longer is she gonna be like this? He thought.

"I know, I know Carlos. But you gotta get your mind off her. Worrying and obsessing over her isn't going to wake her up any faster," Dude replied sympathetically.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know Dude. I can't help it though. The VKs won't be the same without Mal. I won't be the same. She's been there for me and a part of my life for a while now," Carlos sighed.

"Whenever my mom hit me or, um, did stuff, Mal was always the first one there. She was the one who cleaned my cuts, set my broken bone, and helped calm me down. There were times where it was really bad and I was lost and crazed and I was hid-seeking refuge in darkened abandoned hallways. Mal was always the first to find me and help me. Even if she had her problems to deal with. I don't know where I'd be without her. Probably lying around in waster somewhere on the Isle." Carlos sighed. He hardly ever spoke of his time on the Isle and he pretty much never talks about his and his mom's relationship to anyone outside the VKs. Dude was silent, which was a first.

"Dude, you good?" Carlos finally asked, concerned about the silence Dude's displaying.

"Yeah, I'm good. I just, I've ever heard much about your mom," Dude hesitantly spoke, not sure how Carlos would react. Carlos nodded.

"Yeah, okay..." The pair walked into the room Mal was currently in and froze.

"Dude, where's Mal?" Carlos asked, his voice shaking. Dude sighed.

"Carlos, it's not a big deal. Mal-" Carlos spun to face his dog.

"Not a big deal?! NOT a big DEAL!? Dude, Mal is- was- my best friend and-" Dude cut in.

"Carlos, you didn't let me finish. Mal was moved to another room. She's not dead!" Carlos blinked.

"C'mon, I'll show you. This is what I was trying to tell you earlier, but didn't get a chance to do so." Dude spun around and trotted out of the room, seemingly unconcerned about Carlos's near panic-attack.

Carlos shook his head, trying to calm himself down.

"She's okay. She's fine, Carlos. She's okay," he reassured himself. He took a deep breath and followed Dude out the door.