When Riley told everyone that she needed to leave again there was a few different reactions. Her mother and father brought her into a hug and said that they would stand by her no matter what, her uncles patted her on the back and told her that if it was what she needed then she should do it. Maya had cried into her arms, Zay didn't say anything, he just kissed the top of her head and Farkle gave her a kiss, promising he would be there when she got back. All in all everyone had good reactions, even her grandparents who had been coming over for Christmas The only one who didn't was Auggie, he had yelled at her and ran to his room. Topanga went after him but Riley stopped her
"I got this" she said.
When she got to Auggie's rom she heard him wailing into his pillow, so she sat next to him and wrapped her arms around his tiny frame, he tried to wriggle away but she just pulled him closer. He relaxes eventually and fell into her.
"Why are you leaving me again?" his asked, his voice strained from crying. Riley felt bile rise in the back of her throat. Her little brother was breaking because he wanted her to stay and she couldn't.
"I'm sick Auggie"
"Well mummy had calpol, will you stay if I give you some" Riley laughed at how innocent he was.
"My illness can't be fixed with medicine Auggie" she replied. He looked at her funnily and pointed to his tummy.
"But calpol helps my tummy when I feel sick and it solves my achy head" Riley kissed him on the forehead and for once he didn't pull away.
"My illness is inside my head Auggie"
"That doesn't make any sense Riley" he said, confused. She sighed, unsure of how to tell him she was messed up.
"Auggie you know when you're sad?" he nodded
"Well my illness is like that but worse because it's all the time, and it's not just sadness, sometimes it's being lonely or constantly scared and confused and I need people who understand my illness to help me" suddenly he wrapped his arms around Riley's middle.
"There, now you won't be sad you're cured I just need to hug you all the time and make sure I'm always by your side so you're never lonely" Riley smiled sadly.
"I wish it was that simple but not even you're hugs can help."
His face fell and became shocked as he pulled away.
"Surely it can't be that bad, mummy said my hugs can solve anything"
"I'm afraid it is that bad Aug"
"Ok, I guess I understand now" she smiled and nodded, tucking him into bed. As she turned to leave he grabbed her wrist.
"Riley since you're leaving again can you stay with me tonight?" his eyes shone with so much innocence that she couldn't say no and climbed into bed with him. Together the siblings fell asleep.