The next morning, Lyon, Rad, and Stripe were in the patient room as Lyon was still recovering from his short coma. Rad simply dozed off after exhaustible days of searching for his son. Lyon, however, did not felt tired; he was wide awake while still in recovery.
"You should get some sleep, mate. You're not feeling tired," asked Stripe, worryingly.
"I'm fine, Uncle Stripe. I'm just worried about dad; he looks too exhausted," explained Lyon with a nod. "I hope he gets enough sleep before we go back home."
"You're dad is strong. I'm sure he'll get enough sleep," said Stripe. He was simply scrolling down his phone. He volunteered to stay with his older brother while Bandit and Chilli went back to their home to Bluey and Bingo. "Do you need anything? Something to eat," asked Stripe.
"I guess something to eat would be alright," said Lyon. Stripe decided to call one of the nurses to request food from the hospital's café, and Lyon asked for an omelet with warm milk; he simply took small bites from the egg and sip through his cup of milk. Stripe just had dark coffee with two scoops of pure sugar. The wolf dog pup looked through the room's windows; the sun appears to be rising through the curtains as bits of lights shine through the room. He simply looked away, and tried to empty his thoughts.
"So, do you feel like talking about your little adventure," asked Stripe, somewhat awkwardly. Lyon nodded no, hoping to forget what has happened. "Oh, sorry. I thought maybe you wanted to talk about it, but I guess that's not something you want to talk about," said Stripe. "It's okay," stated Lyon bluntly. "Let's talk about my cousins. Did they know I ran away from home?"
"Well, no. I don't think they would want to know," said Stripe worryingly. "But do you think they should know," asked Lyon seriously. "Well…it's a bit of a hard topic to tell them, mate."
"But isn't it important to talk to these things to people, and not hide secrets?" Stripe was struggling to approach the subject lightly. "Well, look your cousins are still young, especially Bingo, Muffin, and Socks. I don't think they would understand this a lot at their age."
"But Bluey would probably want to know, and she's about my age," explained Lyon.
"That's true," agreed Stripe, not wanting to doubt the older heeler girl. "I don't know if I should explain to her. She's probably upset with me for running away from home." Lyon was unsure how to explain to his cousin about his disappearance as well as Stripe deciding what to say to the seven-year-old wolf pup.
Back at the Heeler house, the girls were eating breakfast with their parents at the table. Bingo nonchalantly ate her cereal while Bluey looked at her cereal somewhat unnerved about Lyon running away. "Did you had fun with Frisky last night," asked Chilli to both sisters.
"Yeah, it was great," said Bluey, trying to act cheerful. "Mum, dad. Where did you both go last night," asked Bingo.
"We had to help your uncle with your cousin last night. He's still recovering, but he's going to be fine now," said Bandit trying to hide the truth. "Will we go see him soon," asked Bingo.
"Soon, mate. He should be able to have visitors."
"Hooray," said Bingo happily. Bluey wasn't too sure about the whole sick thing as she finally found out the reason from Frisky. "Can we go play in the yard now," said Bingo. "Sure thing, help me clean up the dishes, and we should play now," said Bandit. The father, and daughters helped out cleaning up after breakfast; both Bingo and Bandit went to the yard, playing come here and go away, but Bluey didn't catch up to them. She wanted to talk to her mother about Lyon's absence.
"Is there something wrong, sweetheart," said Chilli, noticing her older daughter's silence.
"Mum, you and dad know something we don't know, but you didn't want to tell us," explained Bluey. Chilli let out a concerned frown by the statement, but she recalled how Frisky explained to her and Bandit about her finding out from the phone conversation last night.
Last evening:
"Thanks so much for offering to babysit Frisky. I promise I will make up to you for your help," said Chilli, appreciative of her good friend.
"It was no trouble at all, Chilli. I'm glad to be around with the girls, and relieved to hear things will be okay with both Rad and Lyon." Before Frisky left, she had to bring up the subject of Bluey eavesdropping on her phone conversation. "But I do need to tell the both of you something."
"Oh? And what might that be," asked Bandit, confused. Frisky cleared her throat, wanting to be straight with them, "I don't know how to put this, but I think Bluey found out about Lyon running away. She heard my conversation with you on the phone. I thought for sure she was asleep, but I think she was planning to find out this whole time." Both parents looked at each other with worry. "How much did she hear," asked Bandit. "Quite a lot, I'm afraid," admitted Frisky with a dismayed look. "You should probably have a talk with her to let her know everything is fine. She was definitely upset over finding out," explained Frisky.
Present:
"Something on your mind about last night," asked Chilli, aware of what Frisky told her the past evening. They both sat down at the kitchen counter. "Why did Lyon ran away from Uncle Rad? Did we do something wrong?" Chilli consoled the little blue heeler girl. "No, he didn't ran away because of us. He ran because…well, like Frisky told you both your uncle and cousin squabbled," said Chilli honestly. "Do you think if I ask Lyon, will he explain?" Chilli wasn't sure about that statement. "Bluey, I don't think that's something he is comfortable talking about or worth asking him. It's a bit of a touchy subject," said Chilli.
"But why?"
"It's something between the both of them, and I think Lyon would be too embarrassed to talk about. Perhaps when he's ready to talk about it, I'm sure he'll open up. Soon," said Chilli, patting her daughter for comfort. "But I promise it has nothing to do with you girls, or the rest of the family." Chilli grinned at her daughter to assure her that things would work out just fine. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind," said Bluey with understanding. "Good girl," said Chilli softly.
At the hospital, Rad slowly opened his eyes, and sensed the scent of black coffee. He saw Stripe, who was sipping through some, and Lyon, who was casually eating his breakfast. "Oh, you're awake," said Lyon, noticing his father. The red, blue heeler rubbed his eyes, and moved his head from the uncomfortable hospital sofa. "How are you feeling, kid," asked Rad.
"A bit better. I hope we can go home soon," said Lyon. "Yeah, me too, but we have to wait until the doctor says we're clear to go," said Rad. Lyon realized he hadn't seen Dana last night. "Hey, have you seen Miss Dana? I haven't seen her since all of you guys came here," asked Lyon. Rad scratched his head and tried to cover up him telling her off last night. "She had to go home, mate. She has to go back to her job at the foster home," said Rad somewhat sheepishly. Lyon nodded and didn't think for second behind the statement. Stripe, however, wasn't convinced behind the reason.
"When we go back home, do you think I can go back to school next week," asked Lyon.
"If you feel better by then, sure," agreed Rad.
"Oh good. I was starting to miss my friends, and cousin," said Lyon.
"Say Lyon, I noticed you brought the books with you. The ones I gave you last Christmas," said Stripe.
"Oh, yes. They're my new favorites," explained Lyon. Stripe was pleased to know he loved his gift he gave to his nephew. Rad then heard a vibration from his phone and checked; he received a text from Frisky.
Frisky: Is he awake?
Rad: Yeah, he just finished breakfast.
Frisky: Mind if I come over? I'd like to see him.
Rad: Sure, I'll send you the address.
As Rad sent the hospital address to Frisky via text, he put his phone away. "Frisky's coming over to see us," said Rad. Lyon's tail wagged by the statement "Good! I love having her around," said Lyon. Just now a doctor came in to check up on the wolf dog pup. "Good morning, I'm here to check up on your status," said the doctor. She was a pup with round glasses, and decided check up on Lyon's vitals to ensure he is ready to go home for the day.
"How is he doctor," asked Radley. "He's making good progress. By afternoon, I think he should be fine to leave," said the doctor. "That's great," said Stripe. "By noon, make sure he still keeps up with his inhaler routine, and keep an eye out on his symptoms," said the doctor. Rad nodded and decided to check up on them later. Lyon smiled at both heeler brothers. "I can't wait to get out of here," said Lyon.
"I imagine so, mate," said Rad. Then Lyon wanted to ask more questions about his grandparents if Rad is willing to talk about it. "Dad, you remember both my grandparents, yeah? How did you find out about them?"
Rad let out a small gulp. Even Stripe was tense from the statement. "You sure you're comfortable talking about them? We don't have to if you don't want to," said Rad. "Yeah, I'm sure. I know you said they're not "nice" dogs, yes?" Rad sighed and tried not to lie. "Yeah, sport. They're not nice." Lyon stared into space but was unfazed by the truth. "Yeah, I would think so. I didn't think they and mum did not get along so well. Bet it was because they didn't want grandchildren." Rad was surprised by that statement, but tried to challenge that thought. "No, it's not that they didn't want grandchildren. They just….well, they placed unrealistic expectations on your mum, and it sort of backfired."
"Expectations," asked Lyon.
"They want her to do things their way, but she refused."
"Are they rich too? Miss Dana told me mum has extremely wealthy parents, which is why they're so strict."
"Yeah, it would seem so," admitted Rad with a huff. "But I think all that wealth must have hardened the parents' hearts. Money doesn't always equate happiness and success, Lyon. I think the reason why your mum didn't want to speak to them anymore is because of how she was raised, and why they looked down on her for marrying your dad." Rad tried to be brutally honest to Lyon, hoping he would understand everything about the Snow grandparents. "But I promise you this has nothing to do with you. Or your dad. In life, you will meet people who will try to bring you down because they think they're above others. I just hope you don't have to deal with them as you grow up, mate. Someday you'll have to realize that not everyone is nice." Lyon can definitely understand that statement. He recalled those horrible moments when he dealt with Phillip back at the foster home. "I think I know what you mean, dad. Back at the foster home, I used to know this bully…"
"Oh? What about him," asked Rad. Stripe listened intently as well since he didn't want to intervene between both father and son's conversation. "This kid named Phillip; he was a St Bernard who was twice every kid's size. He used to pick on me a lot by pushing, hitting, and name call me so many times. I took it that he hated me for who I was even though I never did anything to him."
Rad fully comprehends Lyon's backstory back at the foster home. "Sorry to hear that, sport. I take that the bully got punishments for his shameful behavior," asked Rad, somewhat disgusted by Philip's behavior. "He did, but then one day, he somehow apologised to me for everything he did. It was a miracle," said Lyon. "Really, why," asked Stripe.
"Dunno. After we were both punished for fighting, he wanted to change. He said he was going to try, but I wonder if that ever happened. It happened the day I met you again," said Lyon. Rad recalled the first day he came to the foster home to meet up with Lyon. It only felt like yesterday since the two first bonded and converse with each other. "I see," said Rad, shaking his head. "I think some people change, and others don't. Your grandparents, however, probably have a low chance in changing, sadly," said Rad, recalling their prejudice attitudes over others. There was something else on Lyon's mind; "If I have family on mum's side, what about my dad? Do you know anything about them," asked Lyon. Rad wish he had the answers, but unfortunately, he is still at a lost for Marc's family. "I don't. Not yet, mate, but I promise I will work hard in finding them, and hopefully we can connect with them. That is a promise I intend to keep," said Rad, kneeling down to let his pinky out.
"Pinky promise," inquired Lyon.
"Pinky promise," said Rad with a strong grin. Both dogs let their pinky fingers wrap around each other, ensuring that they trust each other with the process of searching for Lyon's biological family on Marc's side. Rad heard another vibration from his phone; he saw another message from Frisky, saying that she had arrived. "Frisky's here. Ready to see her," asked Rad. Lyon nodded yes.
"I'll fetch her, and let her take my place," said Stripe. The younger heeler brother went into the lobby and spotted the cocker spaniel in the room. "Radley's brother, right," asked Frisky.
"Yeah, Stripe. They're in the room across the end of the hallway," directed Stripe. Stripe led her to the room, and Frisky thanked Stripe for the directions. He went back to the waiting room to let Rad's partner see them both. "Frisky," exclaimed Lyon. "Hey, Lyon! Glad you're doing well," said Frisky excitedly. "Good to see you too, Rad," said Frisky.
"Yeah, thanks for coming," appreciated the red, blue heeler.
"I really missed you. I didn't think I get to see you again," explained Lyon.
"I've missed you as well. Glad you are safe," expressed Frisky with a faint smile. "How are you feeling right now? Any pain?" The cocker spaniel expressed concern to Lyon's well being. "Not much. I'm getting better, and I hope the doctor says it's okay for us to leave," said Lyon, showing vigor in his words. "I hope so too. I miss hanging out with the both of you," she said eyeing at Rad as well. He knew he was closed off from Frisky due to his constant fret in finding Lyon after his absence. "I'm sorry for scaring you. For running away. I hope you're not disappointed in me," added Lyon, looking somewhat sad.
"Of course you didn't disappoint me. We were both worry about you is all," said Frisky, consoling the wolf dog. "We should hang out again sometime. I want us to be together." Lyon was eager to spend more time with his adoptive father and Frisky.
"Yeah, as soon as your back on your feet, sport," agreed Rad. Although he was pleased to see Frisky, he was worried how his behavior affected his relationship with his girlfriend. He didn't know how to explain to her. "How about I leave both of you talk for a while? I'm going to talk with your uncle for a minute if that's alright," added Rad. "That would be fine, thanks Radley," said Frisky. He nodded, and walked away from the room to speak to his younger brother while both Frisky and Lyon bonded for a while.
"Frisky," added Lyon.
"Yes, Lyon," inquired Frisky, intently listening to the wolf dog.
"I think I'm worried about my dad." Frisky was caught by those words. "Oh, how so?"
"I think I scared him really bad. When I left the house, he told me he was searching for me all week. Not only that, I imagine he must have skipped his sleep. I think he's still afraid of what might happen to me. I really hurt him," said Lyon. Frisky understood Lyon's troubles and how those feelings hit hard; though she would imagine her boyfriend's distraught behavior has been throughout the week. "He was worried for you a lot. But I don't think you did it on purpose."
"Why's that?"
"Because sometimes people do things, and don't realize how bad the consequences are. I think I know what your situation is like. When I was young, I used to have this squabble with my dad."
"Huh? You, squabble? With your dad," Lyon raised his brow in confusion. "Yeah, there was a time when I was upset like you. It was when my dad ground me from hanging out with my friends because I kept sneaking out at night. One time we argued so badly, I said something not so nice to him." Lyon was shocked; he didn't see Frisky as the type to get angry. "Why would you do that? Did you hated him?"
"What? No! I would never hate my father. Sometimes teenagers go through tempers," explained Frisky, recalling her rebellious phase in her youth years. "But I know when I said those things, I did deeply regretted; because I hurt him. Even though that happened, I finally found the courage to make up to him by saying sorry. Sometimes when people hurt each other, it's never too late to say sorry and make up. Eventually, we both talked it out, said our apologies, and I stopped sneaking out at night. I wanted to set a better example by being a good daughter."
"Oh Frisky. I want to work on my temper. How can I do it? I don't know if I can do it alone," pleaded Lyon emotionally, reaching out to Frisky. Frisky was shocked by how he reached out for her, feeling the embracing hug from the seven year old. "There, there," shushed Frisky. "It takes time, Lyon. You know what I do? I would do these steps. Checklist." Frisky pretends to hold a notepad, and tries to set a good example for Lyon to calm down when he feels angry. "First, let it all out, dust myself off, take deep breaths, and count down to one," she said, pretending to act out in all scenarios. Lyon listened carefully but felt somewhat discontent. "I'm only good with the letting it out part," he said disappointed. "Don't fret. It takes practice. With time, I am sure you will learn how to master it all. You've got this," encouraged Frisky. Lyon smiled weakly and appreciated the wise advice. "Thank you, Frisky. If you think I can do it, then I believe in myself too!"
"That's the spirt," praised Frisky.
Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Rad and Stripe sat next to each other, conversing with another. They were talking about Rad's worry over his relationship with Frisky. "Do you think I been so distant with her? I don't know what to say to her after this week," said Rad, looking down with his hands dangling from his knees. "No, mate. Don't think too hard on it. It was a stressful week between you, and Lyon," explained Stripe. "Think of it this way; she was worried about your wellbeing ever since the search. You haven't got much sleep, you were obsessed over finding him, and you had to keep her at arms length for a while. I'm sure she understands what you're going through."
"Still, I'm also worried about Lyon as well. Worried if I mess up again, he will do something reckless again. I can't trust myself," said Radley shamefully. "Rad, it was an accident. You worrying over everything is not like you." Stripe sighed, and tried to think of a way to console his brother. He clearly notices his elder brother's traumatic experience. "Have you considered talking about your emotions with someone you trust?"
"Well, I know you guys have my back," said Rad, referring to his brothers.
"There you go. You know we can lend an ear when you feel troubled." Rad then recalled the past therapy sessions Lyon took; he recalled how he was able to process his feelings about his deceased parents and got better slowly with time. "You know, I've also been considering therapy for the both of us. We've clearly gone through a lot, so we need to find a way to resolve our experiences. Me fretting about Lyon running away again, and Lyon's feelings over everything that has happened. I don't want any harm to come to the both of us again," Stripe understood his brother's willingness to help mend the relationship between him and his son, and thought it was for the best; it will take time to rebuild, but with empathy and time, it would be possible for father and son to move on from past traumas. "I think it's for the best, big brother." He pats his older brother a pat on the shoulder, and Radley smiled modestly. "I should head back home now. Let us know what we can do to help out," said Stripe. "Thanks, Stripe. I will," added Rad. As Stripe soon left the hospital, Radley went back to see both Lyon and Frisky, who were chatting casually.
"You two seem to be having fun," said Radley smiling at them both. "Dad, Frisky taught me a way to control my temper. Whenever I feel angry or upset, I let it all out, dust myself off, take deep breaths, and count down to one," said Lyon as he pretended each scenario like Frisky did earlier. "Good one, mate," praised Rad. "He's a quick learner, I'll give him that," said Frisky smiling.
The doctor soon came back in; after checking Lyon's health information through the monitor, he was confident to let them know Lyon should be ready to go home. "I think your son should be all good to go home, Mr. Heeler," said the doctor. "Yes, finally," exclaimed Lyon. "I promise I'll keep up with my inhaler."
The doctor was pleased to hear Lyon willingness to take his inhaler medication seriously this time. After Rad thanked the doctor, he picked up Lyon's bookbag, and hold his son's hand on the way to the car. Frisky also held Lyon's right hand; she felt a somewhat motherly bond between him after spending some time with him at the hospital today.
After they arrived back at the house, they saw Bandit with his family, waiting for them. Lyon was surprised to see her cousins waiting. He wasn't sure that they were aware for the reason of his absence, but he think it is best if they didn't know to avoid worrying them. When Rad helped Lyon off the ute, and Frisky got out of her car, he eyed at Bluey, who showed a worried, yet happy expression. Bingo, however, waved nonchalantly at her cousin from a distance. Lyon looked at Rad, and the red, blue heeler encouraged his son to greet his cousins. Lyon raced to hug his two cousins with happiness. The three embraced and savored the moment with adults looking at the kids with joy.
When they went inside, the four adults were chatting in the living room while the children were playing in the backyard. "Were you sick this whole time, Lyon," asked Bingo. "Yes, Bingo. I was getting better in the hospital." But Bluey begs to think differently but decides to keep it to herself. At least until she and Lyon have a moment alone to talk it out.
"Don't worry. I'm better now. Everything will be okay," he said, assuring his cousins. "Let's play hide and seek. I'll hide, and you and Bluey can go find me," suggested Bingo. Both Bluey and Lyon agreed, and the red heeler pup ran inside the house to hide. But before both wolf pup and blue heeler count to twenty, Bluey wanted to ask a question. "Are you sure you're okay," she asked. "You weren't sick were you." Lyon had a darkened expression; "How do you know I wasn't just sick," he asked. Bluey simply looked away. "You ran away, didn't you?"
"Bluey, it's kind of hard to explain to you. Yeah, I ran away, but I don't know if you want to hear why," said Lyon cryptically. "Why though?"
Lyon took a deep breath and tried to recollect his thoughts. "Maybe when I am ready to explain to you, the time will come. But for now, let's just have fun for now, alright," insisted Lyon. Bluey did not like that response, but she will respect her cousin's wishes. When he is truly ready to explain to her, she will wait patiently. "Okay," she said calmly. The two counted down to twenty to find Bingo. Lyon wasn't sure if he convinced her cousin, but he hope he will muster up the courage to talk about his grandparents, who shunned him away for who he is.
After the day ended, night fell. Lyon simply stared at his starlight ceiling. He almost forgot the starry ceiling that his adoptive father painted. Radley soon came in to say goodnight to his son. He was pleased to know that Lyon is safe in his bed, and that things will change for the better. He knelt down to the bed's level. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you here again," said Rad calmly.
"I know," added Lyon. "Dad?"
"Yes, mate? Something on your mind?"
Lyon fidgeted a bit, nervous to come up with the words. "I…uh…I really missed you. And I hope you don't think ill of me," said Lyon. Rad smiled softly by those words, and patted his son on the head. "I could never think ill of you, and I missed you so badly as well. I promise we'll get through this," he said, recalling his decision in seeing a family therapist. "And I'm grateful Miss Dana found me. I didn't think I still be here with you if she didn't find me," said Lyon. Rad simply looked with somewhat discomfort. "Yeah, I agree too," he said, recalling him telling her off and do away with her. "By the way, why did she leave early?"
"Well, she had something important to do, but she won't forget about us," lied Rad. He wish he didn't lied to his son again, but he thought it was for the best if Dana stayed out of their lives for the time being. "Night, Lyon. Sleep tight," said Rad.
"Good night, dad. And thank you," added Lyon. Radley turned off the bedroom lights as he left the room, and all is well for the father and son duo.
Author's Note: I'm glad both Rad and Lyon will see through their troubles. They've been through a lot the past several chapters, but I am hoping to add more stories between them before the events of the Sign very soon. I'll see if I can upload a chapter every other week. I've just graduated college, and it was a busy time for me the past few weeks, not to mention aggressively finding a job soon. But I promise I won't forget uploading once in a while. As usual, I appreciate my readers' patience.