Spongebob awoke the next morning to realize he'd overslept. Sluggishly he got up, showering then putting on his clothes. He made his way to the Krusty Krab, knowing that he was going to get chewed out by Mr. Krabs, as he had walked out yesterday. As soon as he stepped through the doors, Squidward pointed towards Mr. Krabs' office. Mr. Krabs was going to have a private talk with him.

Sighing, Spongebob slowly opened the door to his office, and Mr. Krabs motioned for him to take a seat. He did, but slowly, looking Mr. Krabs straight in the eye. There was an awkward silence between the two of them for a few minutes, then Mr. Krabs finally spoke. "Spongebob, I know this whole Sandy thing is tragic for you, but you are at your job, and it is your responsibility to pull yourself together. Walking out on us is unnaceptable behavior, lad. So I've arranged for you to have a private meeting with a guidance counselor. Maybe getting your feelings out will help improve your current performance here at the Krusty Krab."

Spongebob cleared his throat. Mr. Krabs had left no room for choice or objection. It was apparent he would have to see that counselor. He moved closer so he was not even an inch from the face of the red crustacean. "Look...Mr. Krabs..I appreciate what you're trying to do here, but I have my doubts about that guidance counselor. I doubt whoever it is will help. In fact, I'm almost sure that seeing the counselor will only stress me out more," he said firmly.

Raising an eyebrow, Mr. Krabs snapped back a reply, "Whatever you say boy. You're still going to see that counselor. Now go back in there and cook some money--err..I mean Krabby Patties." Without so much as a word, Spongebob stormed out, ignoring the smirk on Squidward's face. Squiddy had probably been eavesdropping. The poor yellow sponge was quite angry at the time and merely went back to flipping patties.

After a horde of unsatisfied customers complained about soggy burgers, Squidward stomped in to talk to Spongebob. "What are you bloody putting in these burgers Spongebob?!" He gasped as he saw a single teardrop drip onto another patty the fry cook was preparing. "What are you talking about, Squidward?" Spongebob asked with fake calmness, swallowing the huge lump in his throat.

Sighing and muttering some curses under his breath, Squidward pointed at the door, practically growling, "OUT, Spongebob, OUT. If that's how you're going to cook then you surely don't need to be here." Head sagging, Spongebob left, handing Squidward his spatula and his Krusty Krab Employee hat. He'd had enough of the K. K. anyway. Maybe he just needed a vacation to clear his head and fight off his emotions. Clearly right then if he worked his feelings would come back and bite him in the butt.

Once home, he dialed his parents.

"You've reached the Squarepants residence. Sorry, we're not in right now, but if you leave us a message we'll dial you back as soon as we receive it. Thanks, bye."

BEEP

"Hey mom, hey dad. Uhh, this is Spongebob. I feel like I'm about to croak, and I was hoping you guys would talk to me, y'know, give me some pointers. It's about Sandy. She's leaving, I love her, and I'm not sure of what to do. I thought since you guys have been through this stuff, you would help. Um, give me a call back A.S.A.P. Love you guys. Bye." Spongebob pressed the end button on his shellphone, put it down, and sighed.

DING

Who would be at the door this time of day, when he was usually at work? Slowly he got up from his chair, walked over, cracked the door open, and peeked out.

...It was Sandy.