Uf, here we go again.
I apologize for the three-month delay; this time it was indeed my fault. I preferred being happy reading rather than writing. What can I say? We all know that reading is less difficult than writing.
Okay, first let me clarify a few things. I did not reach my word count goal, so this chapter will be shorter than usual.
A reference that you will notice if you are Hispanic or Brazilian. A punch to those who do not notice it.
Originally, I was going to take an emotional path, but since the chapter is shorter, I had to cut that plan. Additionally, I removed another scene that would not contribute anything to the plot.
Bandit woke up slowly, the sunlight filtering through the curtains of the room. He blinked several times, trying to focus on the familiar details around him: the soft weight of Chilli still resting beside him and the aroma of coffee beginning to fill the house. Another morning. Another day. Another attempt to move forward, although sometimes it was hard to consider his existence as a true life.
He got up carefully so as not to wake Chilli, who seemed to need those extra minutes of rest. As he walked toward the bathroom, he noticed something strange. His slippers were in the wrong place, next to the window. He frowned, trying to remember why he had left them there, but his mind was a blank wall.
"Here we go again," he murmured to himself, with a mix of resignation and frustration.
In the kitchen, Bluey and Bingo were sitting at the table, still in their pajamas. Bingo was playing with a doll while Bluey flipped through an illustrated book. Both looked up when they saw Bandit enter.
"Dad!" Bingo shouted, running toward him and hugging him tightly. "Did you sleep well?"
Bandit smiled, hugging her back. "Yes, sweetheart. And you?"
"Super well! I and Bluey dreamed we were astronauts and went to the moon," she said, letting go of him to return to her chair.
"The donkey in front," Bluey said.
"Go ahead, Bluey," Bingo replied.
"No, Bingo, I meant that you must say the name of the other before yours," Bluey explained. "Also, you said it wrong from the start; I didn't dream the same thing you did."
Bandit chuckled a little. He wasn't going to put that kids' show back on in his house.
Bluey watched him closely, her eyes reflecting a mix of love and concern. Ever since they had that conversation, she had become more attentive to her father, noticing even the smallest changes.
"I dreamed I was a doctor and that I discovered the cure for Alzheimer's. That way, I can make sure you never forget me."
Bandit froze. That hit him unexpectedly. Moreover, thanks to that commitment, he remembered he needed to take his memory pills. He had to delay his forgetfulness as much as possible. There was still a way to fight back. Everything would be over when he forgot to take his pills.
In that moment, he grabbed his phone to set an alarm to keep track of his pill time. However, when he was about to unlock it, for some reason, he couldn't remember the password.
"Darn, I forgot the password to my phone," Bandit grumbled, frustrated. But he preferred to take his pill first before he forgot about that too.
He headed to the drawer where they had stored the memory pills. He opened the box and quickly took out the bottle. With some force, he proceeded to open the bottle and then took out a pill. He turned on the tap and filled a glass with a little water. He took the pill and then took a big gulp of water to help it go down his throat.
"Dad, do you remember that today is the moms' meeting at school?" she asked.
Bandit froze for a second. He knew Chilli had mentioned something about it the night before, but he couldn't remember the details. Was it today? And what was his role in that?
"Of course," he replied automatically, although nervousness seeped into his tone.
Bluey stared at him intently but said nothing more. She knew he was making an effort not to show his forgetfulness, and she didn't want to make him feel bad.
Chilli entered at that moment. Seeing Bandit next to the table, she smiled and walked over to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, guys. Have you eaten anything yet?"
"Dad hasn't served himself anything yet," Bluey said, nodding toward the toaster.
Chilli nodded and started preparing breakfast, but kept an eye on Bandit. She noticed the way he was looking at the coffee maker as if he didn't know what to do with it.
"Sweetheart, do you want coffee?" she asked gently.
Bandit nodded slowly, relieved that she was offering to make it.
Breakfast went on with a certain normality, although everyone seemed aware of Bandit's small pauses while speaking, as if he were searching for the right words or trying to remember simple details.
At one point, Bingo dropped his spoon on the floor, and Bandit automatically bent down to pick it up. "Here you go, sweetheart," he said, handing it to him.
"Thank you, Dad. You're the best!"
Bluey, however, seemed to be watching him more intently. When he sat back down, she finally spoke.
"Dad… are you okay?"
The question hung in the air like a feather, feeling much heavier than it should have. Bandit took a moment before responding, first looking at Chilli, who gave him a supportive glance.
"I'm fine, Bluey," he finally said. "It's just… sometimes I have trouble remembering some things, but that doesn't mean I don't want to be here for you."
Bluey got up from her chair and walked towards him, wrapping her little arms around his neck. "We're going to help you, Dad. Always. Right, Bingo?"
Bingo joined the hug with enthusiasm. "Yes! We can always remind you of things! Like… how to make the best breakfast!"
Bandit let out a soft laugh, squeezing them tightly. "Thank you, girls. You are my life, you know that? My life."
Chilli watched the scene from the kitchen, feeling a lump in her throat. It was painful to see the effects of the illness on Bandit, but for now, everything was fine.
After finishing breakfast, Chilli gathered the girls and helped buckle them into the car.
The car purred softly to life as it started, and Chilli adjusted the mirrors before glancing at the passenger seat, where Bandit sat, his gaze lost momentarily in the landscape through the window.
In the backseat, Bluey and Bingo chatted animatedly about what they would do at school that day, their voices filled with the carefree energy of childhood, bringing life to the car.
"Is Dad coming to the meeting too?" Bingo suddenly asked, looking at Bandit through the rearview mirror.
Bandit turned his head toward her, smiling. "Of course, Bingo."
Chilli stole a quick glance at Bandit but didn't say anything. She knew he was trying hard, and although he didn't always remember the details, she appreciated that he was making an effort to stay present for the girls.
The drive to school was quiet, but Bluey kept casting small glances at her dad, carefully observing how he remained silent, which was something unusual for him during these moments.
Upon arrival, Chilli parked in front of the school, and the girls quickly unbuckled their seatbelts, eager to get out. "Wait for me!" said Bandit, stepping out of the car to open the door for them.
"Thank you, Dad," said Bluey with a smile, and then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she added, "Don't forget where we parked, okay?"
Bandit stood still for a moment, surprised by the comment, but then smiled and nodded. "I won't forget, Bluey. I promise."
Chilli watched as the girls ran towards the entrance, and when Bandit got back into the car, she looked at him softly. "You're doing great, Bandit," she said quietly.
Bandit took a deep breath for a moment before Chilli drove off.
The school day went by like any other for most students, filled with laughter, games, and the typical noise of children. But for Bluey and Bingo, the day carried a different weight. Although they tried to participate in activities and smiled when necessary, their hearts were heavy with concern.
It seemed like a miracle to see Bluey calm. Everyone would obviously notice such a miraculous act, especially her classmates.
"Don't you think Bluey is acting differently?" asked Rusty, watching Bluey from afar.
Coco, deep in thought, observed the blue Heeler. "I don't think so. You know how sometimes it's a little hard for her when she has a bad day. Maybe she's just tired. Not every day is perfect."
Jack was with Bluey, curious. He couldn't believe a girl like Bluey could get tired. She had more energy than a Duracell battery. "But she doesn't just look tired. Something is really bothering her. Look at how she's sitting alone in the corner. She's usually running and jumping everywhere."
Getting a little closer to the conversation, Chloe tried to find a logical explanation. "I saw her before she hid there. She wasn't playing with anyone; she was just looking at the sky. It seems like she's thinking about something. Maybe something is bothering her."
"I noticed her too. Sometimes when something isn't right, Bluey doesn't say it, but her face shows it, as if she's been punished for something bad she did," suggested Honey, thinking that might be the reason.
"Bluey would never do something so bad to deserve that!" exclaimed Mackenzie, refusing to believe that it could be a possibility. "Bluey is a girl who wouldn't do something wrong to her dad. There has to be more to it."
Rubbing his head, Winton began to think about ideas regarding Bluey's unusually low spirits. "Maybe... or maybe she's just bored! Sometimes, when we don't have anything fun to do, we feel sad without knowing why. Like Indy when she's not playing with Rusty..."
Winton didn't finish his sentence, interrupted by Indy. "Shut up, Winton! The last time you did something like that, half the class thought Mackenzie was going to marry Bluey. So now, don't you dare talk if you don't want me to go into mom mode and take you down," Indy threatened seriously, causing Winton to retract in fear.
Mackenzie had also grown serious, watching Bluey intently. "I don't think it's just boredom. Bluey always has a smile for everyone, even when she's tired. If she's not smiling today, it's because something is really worrying her. Maybe it's something she can't tell us all. But who knows? If we really want to help her, we have to be good friends and talk to her."
"Yes, you're right, Mackenzie. We should all approach Bluey and ask her if she wants to talk. Sometimes, she just needs to know we're here for her," said Coco, nodding her head slowly.
"Children, I remind you that it is rude to chat in class," interrupted teacher Calypso.
The kids paid attention to Teacher Calypso. They had forgotten that they were still in class. The concentration they had put on their blue friend had distracted everyone from their lessons.
Teacher Calypso observed her students with a mix of understanding and concern. Although she had called their attention for talking, she had also noticed the change in Bluey throughout the morning.
As she explained the lesson on multiplying the times table of 4, she couldn't help but notice how the little blue Heeler was absentmindedly doodling in her notebook, something completely unusual for her.
"Bluey," she called softly, "could you tell us what happens when water heats up in the oceans?"
Bluey looked up, surprised. "Oh... um... it evaporates?"
"Correct," smiled Calypso, "but right now we're in math class. So this confirms that you're distracted and not paying attention to my lesson. Is there something you'd like to share with the class?"
The kids paid attention to Teacher Calypso. They had forgotten that they were still in class. The concentration they had put on their blue friend had distracted everyone from their lessons.
Teacher Calypso observed her students with a mix of understanding and concern. Although she had called their attention for talking, she had also noticed the change in Bluey throughout the morning.
As she explained the lesson on multiplying the times table of 4, she couldn't help but notice how the little blue Heeler was absentmindedly doodling in her notebook, something completely unusual for her.
"Bluey," she called softly, "could you tell us what happens when water heats up in the oceans?"
Bluey looked up, surprised. "Oh... um... it evaporates?"
"Correct," smiled Calypso, "but right now we're in math class. So this confirms that you're distracted and not paying attention to my lesson. Is there something you'd like to share with the class?"
"I'll start," offered Rusty. "Sometimes I'm worried that my dad is away in the army. Since I saw that video about our war against that bird, it has scared me to think that my dad might not come back," Rusty said, as his calming voice began to turn into a sad one.
"That was a pretty dark start for this activity," thought Calypso, but she began to watch who else wanted to unburden themselves. "That must be tough for you, Rusty," commented Calypso gently. "Anyone else?"
"I worry when my mom is sick," shared Honey.
One by one, the children began sharing their concerns. Each one had a different story to tell. The sad stories told by some about their family members' illnesses were very different from those of others who simply started to cry because they hadn't received the gift they wanted for Christmas.
Everything was going well until they came to see Bluey. She had been the reason this activity was organized in the first place. Calypso now thought she had the perfect opportunity to find out what was troubling her.
"And what about you, Bluey? Is there something important you want to tell us?" Calypso asked in an angelic voice.
Bluey started to stutter as she thought about whether it was a good idea to say it or not. "I... I..." Bluey began, but her eyes filled with tears. "I can't say it."
"That's okay, Bluey," Calypso intervened gently. "You don't have to say it if you don't want to. But remember, we are all your friends here."
Chloe hugged her. "They say a hug can make people stop crying," she said as she embraced the blue Heeler. Instantly, Rusty also joined the hug with the two of them. Mackenzie, Coco, Indy, and everyone else joined the embrace.
Calypso watched the scene with great happiness. "At least I know the future of this country is secure with such big hearts," she thought as she put away her things.
Bluey looked at her friends, moved by their words but still unable to share what tormented her. How could she explain to them that her dad was forgetting things?
Suddenly, a new and melodious sound interrupted the moment. It was a soft yet clear tinkling that resonated throughout the school.
"Oh!" exclaimed Calypso with a smile. "That must be our new bell. They installed it this morning. Isn't it beautiful? It sounds like wind chimes."
The children stood listening, fascinated by the new sound that marked the start of recess. It was very different from the old, jarring bell they used to have.
Meanwhile, in another part of the school, Bingo was with Lila in a corner of the classroom, where she always played while the teacher was not present. But that day, Bingo did not seem interested in any of that, much less in being in class.
Lila noticed it immediately. "Are you okay, Bingo? You're very quiet."
Bingo looked up, her big eyes reflecting a sadness that Lila had never seen before. "My dad is sick," she said softly, as if she were still struggling to process those words.
"And what does he have?" Lila asked.
Bingo looked her in the eyes. "My dad has Alzheimer's."
Lila tilted her head. "What is that?"
Bingo took a moment, nervously playing with a twig in her hands. "It's something that makes him forget things… important things. My mom says it's a disease, and that we have to help him a lot. But…" her voice broke a little. "What if he forgets me, Lila?"
Lila, always wanting to console her, gave her a quick hug. "That won't happen! You are his daughter, Bingo. He will always remember you."
Bingo smiled weakly but still seemed worried. Then Lila remembered something she had heard at home. "My grandpa had Alzheimer's," she began, trying to sound optimistic. "At first, he forgot little things… but one day…" Her voice lowered, and her words came out with an unexpected rawness. "He didn't recognize anyone. Not even my mom. What if that happens to your dad?"
Bingo froze completely, her eyes filling with terror at the thought. In her mind, she began to visualize Bandit looking at her like a stranger, not knowing who she was or remembering the moments they had shared. The idea was too overwhelming.
"No… no… I don't want that to happen," she murmured, starting to hyperventilate. "What if my dad looks at me and doesn't know my name? What if he calls me something else?"
Lila, realizing that her words had scared Bingo, tried to calm her down. "No, no, no! I didn't mean to say that, Bingo. I'm sure your dad will always remember you. I said it wrong."
But the damage was already done. Bingo, with tears in her eyes, mumbled things to herself, imagining all the worst possible scenarios.
"Lila, what do I do if one day he forgets me? Or how I like him to read me stories before bed? What if one day he calls me Bluey and doesn't know who I am?"
Lila felt guilty and hugged her tightly again. "I'm sorry, Bingo. I didn't mean to scare you. That won't happen. You are very special to your dad. I'm sure he will always carry you in his heart."
Although Lila's words were sweet, Bingo could not shake off the fear that had settled in her chest.
Lila, for her part, silently promised not to mention what she had heard again. For now, she just wanted to make sure Bingo felt she wasn't alone in her fear. Even though they were just kids, Lila knew that sometimes, being there for someone was all you could do.
"You know I didn't mean to make you cry, you know," Lila said while gently stroking Bingo's head.
"Yes, I know," replied the reddish Heeler with a trembling sigh. "Thank you for being here, Lila. Sometimes I just need someone to listen to me. Although right now, I prefer that you don't tell me the truth."
Lila smiled tenderly, feeling her heart fill with warmth. "I will always be here, Bingo. And if you ever need to talk or just want to play to distract yourself, just let me know. After all, we're best friends."
Bingo let out a small laugh, and little by little, her sadness began to fade away, as if the sun had started shining again in her heart. "I like hearing that!"
"Exactly! And we can include a spot for picnics with cookies and juice," Lila added excitedly.
As the two friends planned their camping trip, the bell suddenly rang, echoing throughout the school and pulling them out of their bubble of fantasy. The sound was like a magical bell announcing the arrival of recess.
"It's time to go out!" Lila shouted, jumping out of her seat and pulling Bingo's hand. "Let's go find the best hiding spot in the world. That way, no one will see that you were crying."
Bingo quickly got up, feeling how excitement replaced the sadness she had felt before. Together, they ran towards the classroom door, laughing and gently pushing each other as they made their way through their classmates.
As they stepped out into the yard, the fresh air enveloped them, and the chatter of other children filled the atmosphere. Bingo looked around and felt her heart racing with excitement at the moment. She felt light, as if her worries had vanished into the air.
"Look! There's the big tree," Lila pointed out enthusiastically. "We can hide behind it and have our alone time "
"Yes! Let's go!" Bingo responded, running toward the tree with Lila by her side.
The recess had started for the kids of Glasshouse Primary. Rusty, Coco, Jack, and the others began organizing a game of tag. Laughter and noise filled the air, but Bluey felt a bit out of place. She stayed on the sidelines, watching her friends run and play.
"I'll get them!" shouted Rusty, sprinting after Coco, who let out a squeal of excitement.
"You won't catch me!" Coco shouted back, laughing as she skillfully dodged Jack, who was trying to block her path.
"Watch out for the little ones!" warned Calypso from her watchful spot, smiling at the children's enthusiasm.
Honey and Chloe formed a team, running together and protecting each other from being tagged. Indy bounced back and forth, while others searched for places to hide.
Winton, a bit flustered, paused for a moment to catch his breath. "This is harder than I thought! No doubt this is due to me not eating my fruits and vegetables to grow."
But Bluey remained apart, sitting on a nearby bench. Her eyes followed her friends' movements, but her mind seemed to be elsewhere. Her hands distractedly played with the hem of her dress, and every now and then, she let out a small sigh.
Mackenzie, who had been keeping an eye on her throughout the game, noticed her absence from the fun. After dodging one last attempt by Rusty to tag him, he broke away from the group and approached where Bluey was sitting.
"Do you want to play, Bluey? You don't have to stay alone," Mackenzie said softly, extending his hand toward her in a silent invitation.
Bluey looked at Mackenzie and then at her friends. "I don't know... I don't feel like playing right now," she replied in a whisper.
"Are you okay?" Mackenzie asked, noticing that his friend seemed quieter than usual.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah... can't you see? I'm fine, Mackenzie. I just got some rubbish in my eye," Bluey answered, trying to wipe away tears with her hands.
"You aren't fooling me. You were really distracted and distant all through class. Even Teacher Calypso noticed. Otherwise, she wouldn't have made that game to try and get you to open up," Mackenzie mentioned, moving closer to the blue Heeler.
Bluey looked at Mackenzie for a moment, her eyes shimmering with held-back tears.
She didn't want to cry anymore. Not anymore. She felt her heart tightening just a little more. She could no longer stay silent.
"It's my dad," she finally whispered, sitting down in a corner of the playground. Mackenzie sat beside her, waiting patiently. "He has something called Alzheimer's. It makes him... forget things."
Mackenzie tilted his head, trying to understand. "Like when I forget to do my homework?"
"No," Bluey shook her head softly. "It's different. Sometimes he forgets where he put his keys or the password to his phone. This morning, he didn't remember where he left his slippers." Her voice cracked a bit. "And Mom says that... over time, he might forget more things."
Mackenzie stayed quiet for a moment, processing what Bluey was telling him. "And that scares you?"
Bluey nodded, a tear escaping down her cheek. "I'm afraid that one day he will forget to play with me. Or our favorite games. Or..." her voice became very small, "me."
Without thinking twice, Mackenzie took Bluey's hand and squeezed it gently. "That's not going to happen, Bluey. You are his favorite daughter. No offense to Bingo."
"Don't be like that with Bingo," the blue Heeler grumbled.
"Well, then you're one of his two favorite daughters," Mackenzie corrected, causing Bluey to let out a giggle.
"At least you didn't hurt my feelings. That would hurt a lot," Bluey replied, composing herself a bit from her sadness.
"Does it hurt Mr. Bandit?" Mackenzie asked, genuinely concerned.
"I don't know if it hurts him physically," Bluey replied. "But he looks sad when he realizes he can't remember something important."
Mackenzie thought for a moment. "And is there no way to help him remember?"
Bluey's eyes lit up a bit. That was a question that gave her hope. "Do you think we can help him?"
"Of course," Mackenzie said with enthusiasm. "My grandma always says that there are things that can help."
"Like what things?" Bluey asked, leaning closer to Mackenzie, curiosity creeping into her voice.
"Well..." Mackenzie thought for a moment, scratching his head with his paw. "My grandma always says that the best thing you can do for someone feeling this way is to make them laugh. She says that laughter is stronger than any bad thing."
Bluey furrowed her brows, reflecting. "Do you think laughter can help my dad not forget?"
"Maybe not everything," Mackenzie replied honestly, "but I think if you make someone have a good time, no matter what they forget, they will always feel happy with you. And that's what matters, right?"
Bluey nodded slowly, allowing Mackenzie's words to sink into her heart. She let herself smile a bit. "That makes sense... I think."
"Besides," Mackenzie continued, giving her a light nudge on the arm, "you make everyone laugh. Especially me. Do you remember that time you pretended to be a mummy with toilet paper in the library? I still can't walk by there without bursting into laughter?"
Bluey let out a small chuckle, her sadness fading away for a moment. "It was your idea to hide in the book cart!"
"And it was your idea to tell the librarian it was a school project," Mackenzie replied, now laughing along with her.
The two fell silent for a moment, their laughter slowly quieting until all that remained was the sound of children playing in the distance. Mackenzie looked at Bluey with a sincere smile and said, "Your dad is lucky to have you as a daughter. And I'm lucky to have you as a friend, too."
Before Bluey could respond, Mackenzie pulled her into a hug. It wasn't a quick or awkward hug, but a firm one, filled with warmth, as if he wanted to ensure Bluey felt how much he cared. Bluey let herself sink into the embrace, allowing the tears that still lingered in her heart to transform into a quiet relief.
"Thank you, Mackenzie," she murmured against his shoulder. "You're the best friend in the world."
"You don't have to thank me," he said softly. "That's what friends are for."
Before they could pull apart, a shout interrupted the moment. "There they are! Stop being boring and come play!"
It was Rusty, followed by Coco, Jack, and Honey, who rushed towards them with broad smiles. "Mackenzie, it's your turn to tag now!" shouted Coco as she hid behind a bush.
"Not right now, guys. Bluey isn't in the mood to play. And I think I'll sit this one out too," the Border Collie replied, letting go of Bluey.
Rusty stopped in his tracks, frowning as he glanced between Mackenzie and Bluey. "You're not in the mood to play? You, Bluey? That's pretty strange. In fact, you've been acting weird today."
Bluey looked down, avoiding eye contact. "I'm just tired, Rusty," she replied quietly, lacking enthusiasm.
Coco, hearing the conversation, emerged from her hiding spot, tilting her head in curiosity. "Tired? Tired of what? We haven't done anything hard all day."
"Coco," Jack whispered, giving her a gentle nudge on the arm. "Leave her alone."
Honey, who had also approached the group, observed Bluey with her eyes brimming with sweetness. "Bluey, if you don't want to play, that's okay. We can sit here with you. You don't have to say anything."
"Sit here?" Rusty repeated, crossing his arms. "Doesn't that ruin the game?"
"Rusty," Coco scolded, shooting him a stern look. "Sometimes friends need something else. Not everything has to be a game."
Rusty huffed but sat down with them anyway, making it clear that even though he didn't quite understand what was going on, he would stay with his friends. "Okay, fine. But if anyone comes for me, I wasn't tagged. Just so we're clear."
Bluey looked up, gazing at all her friends who had, without hesitation, chosen to stay by her side instead of running off to play. Even Mackenzie remained beside her, giving her a gentle nudge to encourage her. She was already considering telling them about her dad.
"Thank you, guys," Bluey said after a moment of silence. Her voice trembled slightly, but there was a touch of gratitude in it. "You don't have to stay here just because I don't want to play."
"Of course we do," Mackenzie replied, smiling. "Because that's what friends do."
Coco nodded enthusiastically. "And if you don't want to play, we can talk about anything. Or just look at the clouds. What do you say?"
Bluey finally smiled, feeling a bit of the weight on her chest lift. "We can look at the clouds. That sounds nice."
The group sprawled on the grass, watching as the white clouds slowly drifted across the blue sky. Occasionally, someone would point out a cloud with a strange shape, and they would all laugh or debate what it looked like.
"That one looks like a rabbit," Jack said, pointing to an elongated cloud.
"No, it looks like a dinosaur!" Rusty corrected, clearly excited.
"It's a pirate ship," Mackenzie murmured, smiling as he glanced at Bluey.
"It's just a cloud," Honey replied with a little laugh.
Bluey, lying among her friends, felt the warmth of their company gradually returning some of the joy she had lost. "Guys, I have to tell you about today."
The others turned to look at Bluey, their faces filled with curiosity. They had been so focused on pointing out shapes in the clouds that they hadn't noticed the change in her tone. Mackenzie, who was lying beside her, gave her a gentle nudge on the shoulder.
"What's wrong, Bluey?" he asked softly, giving her space to speak if she wanted.
Bluey took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on a cloud that seemed to crumble in the wind.
"It's about my dad," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "He has something called Alzheimer's."
For a moment, the group fell silent. None of them knew exactly what that meant, but the way Bluey said it made it clear that it was not a good thing.
"What is that?" Jack asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"It's a disease," Bluey explained, feeling a lump in her throat as the words spilled from her mouth. "It makes him forget things… important things. And Mom says it could get worse over time."
Rusty furrowed his brow. "Will he forget you?"
That question hit Bluey like a slap in the face. Her eyes filled with tears, but she held them back as she clenched her fists. "I don't know," she replied quietly. "That's what scares me the most."
"Yeah, he will," Honey chimed in, moving closer to Bluey. "My dad knew someone who had that disease. As far as we know, he died without remembering his children or his wife."
Honey's words fell like a bucket of cold water on Bluey. Her eyes filled with tears again as she shot up suddenly.
"Don't say that!" she shouted, her voice trembling. "My dad isn't like that! He's not going to forget everything!"
Mackenzie stood up, placing herself between Honey and Bluey. "Honey, that's not helping..."
"But it's true," Honey insisted, unaware of the damage her words were causing. "My mom says it's an illness that gets worse and..."
"SHUT UP!" Bluey yelled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I don't want to hear you!"
Calypso, having noticed the commotion, rushed over. "What's going on here?"
Honey, realizing too late what she had caused, began sobbing as well. "I'm sorry, Bluey. I didn't mean to make you feel bad..."
Bluey ran off, ignoring Calypso and Mackenzie's calls. She hid behind a bush, where she finally let out all the fear and sadness she had been holding back.
She didn't want to remember Honey's words—those damned words. She couldn't get them out of her head. The name of that illness was already affecting her. And worst of all, it was only the beginning.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Honey, with red eyes from so much crying.
"I'm sorry, Bluey," she whispered. "I didn't think before I spoke. Everyone is different, and... your dad is good at remembering things."
Bluey looked at her for a moment before slowly nodding. "It's okay, Honey. I know you didn't mean to hurt me."
The two hugged, simply to let out that thorn, nail, or whatever it was that could get stuck in their friendship.
Honey released her just enough to look her in the eyes, tears still welling in her own. "I didn't want you to feel this way, Bluey. I just... I just wanted to help, but I'm terrible with words."
"I know; you don't have to keep repeating it," Bluey replied, giving her a small smile that didn't quite erase the sadness from her face. "I know it wasn't your intention."
Before Honey could say anything else, hurried footsteps approached. It was Mackenzie, who seemed to have run all over the yard to reach them. She was breathing heavily, but the concern on her face was evident.
"Bluey!" she exclaimed as she halted in front of them. Without saying anything more, she bent down and hugged her tightly.
Bluey blinked, surprised by her reaction, but soon felt a new wave of relief as she returned the hug.
"It doesn't matter," Mackenzie said, separating just enough to look at her. "Just... don't run off without saying anything. We're here for you, you know? You don't have to keep it all inside."
"Did you see that in the afternoon soap opera?" Honey asked, just to confirm if she could talk about that soap with someone from Glasshouse.
"I don't think that matters much right now," Mackenzie replied, a bit nervous because now the room would know she watched soap operas.
Bluey stared at her two friends, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you," she repeated, this time with a slightly firmer voice.
"Do you want to go back with the others?" Mackenzie asked, tilting her head.
Bluey took a deep breath, wiping away her last tears. "Not yet. Can we stay here a little longer?"
"Of course," Mackenzie replied, flopping down next to her on the ground. "We've got all recess."
The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, but for the first time all day, Bluey didn't feel sad.
"Wow, that hour of recess went by really fast," Mackenzie mentioned.
"Yeah, too bad I couldn't enjoy it today," Bluey said, disappointed that she hadn't played with her friends.
"It'll be for tomorrow; right now, we have to go back to class," Honey responded, starting to walk toward the school.
Bluey smiled along with Mackenzie as they headed to class. "I just hope Bingo didn't have as much trouble as I did today."