In the story, Shadow has been feeling depressed for a while, and no one knows why.

Sonic: Good morning, everyone. How's everybody doing?

Tails: Morning, Sonic.

Silver: Hiya.

Sonic: Hey. Where's Shadow?

Knuckles: He's still sleeping, I guess.

Rouge: Hmm...I'll go see if I can wake him up.

So Rouge flew up to Shadow's bedroom and knocked on the door. When he didn't answer, she just opened the door and found Shadow still lying in bed.

Rouge: Shadow? You ok?

Shadow: Yeah. I'm alright.

Rouge: You sure? You've been staying in bed for days now. Are you sick?

Shadow: No. I'm fine. Besides, I'm The Ultimate Lifeform. I don't get sick.

Rouge: Well, would breakfast helped?

Shadow: I'm not hungry.

Rouge: Not hungry for pancakes?

Shadow: Just leave me alone, Rouge.

Rouge: Shadow...

Shadow [angry] I said leave me alone!

Rouge: Geez. Whatever you say, Mr.Grumphog.

Rouge immediately shut the door to give Shadow some space and went back downstairs.

Tails: Well?

Rouge: Nope. He's grumpier than usual this morning.

Sliver: Now that you mention it, he has been in his room for almost a week now.

Knuckles: And he's been crying all night non stop. Last night louder than usual.

Everyone looked at Knuckles in shocked. Shadow never cries.

Knuckles: What?

Amy: He was crying?

Thunder: But Shadow never cries. What could be bothering him?

Sonic: Hmm...I think I should go talk to him. If I'm alone with him, he might open up.

Rouge: Good luck, Blue.

Sonic: Don't worry. I got this.

Sonic walked up to Shadow's room and knocked on his door.

Sonic: Shadow? It's Sonic. Can I come in?

But Shadow didn't answer. That's when Sonic heard some light sobbing from behind the door. Along with some whispers from Shadow.

Shadow: [Sobbing] I miss you...I-I miss you...Maria...

That's when Sonic remembered something. Today was the anniversry of Maria's death, and that's why Shadow was so upset. Sonic immediately opened the door to find Shadow in bed sobbing into his knees. Sonic, then walked in locking the door behind him.

Sonic: Shads?

Shadow lifted his head up to look at Sonic. Sonic walked up to him and sat on the bed.

Sonic: How are you feeling?

Shadow didn't want Sonic to see him broken so he quickly wiped his tears away, but Sonic stopped him.

Sonic: Hey, I know you're sad because of your loss. But you can't hide your tears from everyone. it's good to let it out. it's ok to cry.

Shadow didn't say a word. He just burst into tears and leaned into Sonic's chest and starting sobbing. Sonic wrapped his arms around his ebony boyfriend and ran his hands through hiis quills. gently rocking him back and forth.

Sonic: There you go. That's it.

Shadow: [sobbing] It...I-It hurts.

Sonic: Sh Shhh...I know. Just let it all out, Shadow. I'm here.

With that, Shadow let out all the tears he had inside of him. Sonic held him tighter in the embrace still petting Shadow's quills. He really needed a good cry. After 5 minutes, Shadow calmed down a little to the point where he was just shaking still in Sonic's embrace.

Sonic: Are you ok, Shads?

Shadow: N-No. Not really.

Sonic: Listen, Shady. You don't have to wait a whole year to cry. Anytime you need to, just let it out. Also know that we're all here for you, alright?

Sonic wiped away Shadow's tears and rested his head on top of his. Shadow didn't say a word and just feel asleep.

Sonic: I love you, Shad. You're not alone.