And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
-Gary Jules, Mad World
Chapter 1
Hammy slowly wandered through the night. The vast forest spread all around him, and the dark shadows made the trees seem alive. In the distance, he could still hear his friends, calling out for him.
I can't let them see me like this…Especially not RJ…
He didn't know where he was going, just that it was far away from everyone else. He had finally stopped crying, but his heart still pounded painfully inside of his chest. Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Hammy?"
Hammy turned around. RJ was standing there staring at him, a look of honest concern on his face.
"Are you okay, Hamsquad?"
"Just leave me alone…"
"…I know, Hammy."
Hammy jerked around, surprised.
"Wh…What?"
"I've known for a while now, Hammy."
"How?"
"You're my best friend. I could just tell."
"Do you-"
"Hammy, we're just friends. You're a friend of mine."
Hammy had been starting to feel better, but at that moment even more pain filled both his heart and his head.
RJ held out his hand to Hammy.
"Come on, buddy. Let's go back. The others are worried about you."
Hammy paused for a moment, and then reluctantly took RJ's hand. They both walked back to the hedge together.