Raph stood outside Donatello's room angrily spinning his sai. His brother was hurting and he could do nothing about it. Mikey glanced anxiously at the door.
"Dudes, can you hear that?" he whispered.
Donnie's sobs hadn't stopped since Master Splinter had entered. Leo paced back and forth. How hadn't he noticed his brother's pain? Was he so wrapped up in his own head that he had neglected his duty as leader? Each sob tore at him as he continued to pace.
Finally the sounds of Donnie's crying stopped. The three brothers stared at the door. It seemed like forever before Master Splinter came out. He looked at the worried faces of his sons silently motioning them to follow him. The three turtles glanced at each other before quickly following.
When they reached the dojo, Master Splinter walked to his tatami mat and sat down.
"My sons please sit down. I have found the source of your brother's pain. We have much to discuss."
Blue, red, and orange bandanas joined him on the floor as he began to tell Don's tragic story.
*******
The three brothers sat back in horror as Master Splinter finished speaking. How had Donnie kept all this inside him?
Raphael's fists clenched at his sides. How could he have known Don was suffering like this? Why didn't his brother let him help? He punched the ground in frustration.
"Poor Donnie…" Mikey said quietly.
Leo could only stare at the floor. His brother had needed his help. Donnie had needed his older brother, and he had failed him. Leo grit his teeth. No matter what happens, he would be there for his brother now. He wouldn't fail him again.
Master Splinter rose to his feet.
"I know each of you are battling with this information, but we must not forget that Donatello needs every one of us. This kind of pain is not one to heal on its own."
As the four left the dojo, there was only one thing on their mind. How could they help Donatello?
*******
It was the first restful bit of sleep Don had had in months. Finally having someone know what he had endured and seen seemed to ease his mind almost as if poison was being drawn from a wound.
With renewed purpose, Donatello rose from his bed and opened his door. Three sets of eyes lifted to his.
"Hey guys," he said a bit bashfully. "I'm sorry I-oof!"
Mikey had all but tackled Donnie in a crushing hug.
"Don't worry about it dude," Mikey said burying his face in Donnie's plastron. "You don't have to be sorry."
Don smiled down at his younger brother as he returned the hug. He had made them worry. The wall between them had fallen, and Don could finally open up to his brothers.
Raph walked over and lightly smacked the back of Donnie's head.
"Ow! What was that for?" Don asked gingerly rubbing his head.
"Fer tryin' ta do all this ya'self ya big lunk," Raph said.
Leo too came over and placed a hand on Donnie's shoulder.
"Don, you are not alone. We love you, and will help you in any way we can."
Don's eyes pricked with tears. And while the sensation was familiar, the reason behind them was new. The joy he felt in being connected with his brothers was more than he could take. Silently crying he hugged Mikey tighter.
"Thank you," he whispered.