Hello, Readers! Just wanted you to know that the doctor's name in chapter two has been updated. It's no longer Dr. Wily. It has been changed to Dr. Renado. I hope you enjoy this next chapter. It's short but meaningful. Thank you for your kind reviews!
-DragonWing85
Once home, Vio dressed 'Blue' into his favorite striped red pajamas and tucked him into bed. Vio plopped down in the wheelchair and watched his brother sleep.
That's funny. I've never known Red to snore.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a smooth stone with a crumbly red bow tied around it. Rubbing the stone with his thumb, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back. A tear rolled down his cheek as the memory surfaced:
"Vio, this is for you," said Red. He placed the neatly wrapped stone in his hand. "I can't remember who I am or where I came from. But I don't want you to ever forget me! And I have one too. See." He pulled his out of his pocket. It was wrapped with a purple bow. "So I can remember you too! I…I know, I'm supposed to know you; I just can't remember. But I can feel it. I don't ever want to forget you again."
Vio sniffled and squeezed the rock in his hand. Red. You promised you wouldn't forget me. He tucked the stone back into his pocket. I need some air.
As he gently closed the door behind him, a voice shouted, "You're home early!"
Vio jumped. "Shadow! Don't do that!" He clutched his chest as if it would make his heart beat correctly. "Geez! And be quiet!"
"Sorry," whispered Shadow. "You have to admit though, I am good at sneaking up on people. Hey, why are we whispering?"
"It's Red. He's sleeping. Someone jumped him. Beat him up really bad. I found him in the ER while I was on my shift."
Shadow's eyes grew wide. "Is he okay?"
"He just needs some rest." Vio rubbed his own eyes.
Shadow tilted his head. "Looks like you could use some rest too. I'm off work and I'm usually up at night anyway. I'll keep an eye on him."
Vio looked hesitant.
"Vio, I promise, I'll come get you if anything happens. Okay?"
Vio nodded—reluctantly. "Okay. But if—"
"I'll wake you. Go," said Shadow shooing him away. "I got this. You forget who found you that day five years ago."
Vio's yawn turned into a smile. "If it hadn't been for you and your uncle…I don't know what would have happened to us. We never really thanked you."
Shadow shifted his feet uncomfortably. Don't think me yet. I wasn't exactly doing you two a favor. "You can thank me by getting some sleep…now!"
Vio stretched. "Thanks, Shadow. Goodnight."
"Night, Vio."
As soon as Vio entered his room, Shadow went in to check on Red. The boy lay snoozing, sound asleep. Shadow pulled his phone out of his pocket and scrolled down to Red's last text message: Shad b hom late. Missed the bus tell V not to worry if he beats me hom.
The soft light from the phone gave the room an eerie bluish glow. Shadow frowned. The message had been sent thirty minutes ago. But that couldn't be right. Unless…
Shadow walked over to the bed and pulled back the golden locks of hair from the sleeping teen's forehead. No scar. Just as I thought.
The sleeping teen's eyes shot open. He grabbed Shadow by the wrist and shouted, "You!"
Shadow smiled wickedly. "Hello, Blue."