SOMETHING STRANGE

"What is it?" he asked, but he was on alert to hear whatever she would say next. "I will not do it if it's something stupid."

Blue pouted her lips. "I want to see Nikolai and know if he is okay."

"You mean whether he is alive or not?"

"Yes."

"Hoo…." Gael rounded his lips, ready to tease her. "You are worried about little Nikolai? How sweet you are."

"He is my friend."

"I know, I know, I have my first crush around your age too, so I know how you feel."

"Your crush will never like you back."

"You are hurting my feelings, little one. I thought you wanted to ask me a favor."

"I do."

"So, do you think Nikolai likes you?"

"Yes," Blue answered confidently.

"Poor Nikolai."

==================== 

"He is alive, but a little bit out of shape, I think…" Gael mumbled when he watched a little boy sitting on the driveway, hugging his legs with bruises on his face. "He looks like a stray puppy."