Chapter 4

A year had passed, and the two boys had become good friends. They were at their usual table eating when Chad glanced up.

"I have exciting news," he signed with a grin on his face.

"What is it?" Colin asked, signing the words.

"I'm going to see a doctor for my hearing," he said, signing the words. Colin wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad. He'll miss his friend, but he's happy that he can get his ears checked. He was doing his best to hide his emotions. "When are you going?" signing the words.

"This Friday morning," he signed.

Noticing that Colin had suddenly lowered his gaze and had a frown, Chad signed, "What's wrong?" "Aren't you happy?" he asked. A tear rolled down Colin's cheek when he raised his eyes.

"Yes, I'm happy," he signed. "But I'm also scared," he said.

"Why?" Chad asked.

"You won't come back," he signed. Colin pushed his tray away and rose from the table. "Never mind," he signed before leaving the dining hall.

Chad sat there and stared at the empty seat. He was puzzled by what just happened. He turned his head when he felt someone touch his shoulder.

"Hi, Sister Rose," he signed.

"Hello, you seem down," "What happened?" she asked, signing the words.

"I told Colin about the surgery," he signed. "I thought he'd be happy," he said.

"He's happy, but scared also," she explained.

"Why?" he asked.

"You see, he has lost everyone that was close to him," she said. "You're his first friend since he got here and afraid that you'll leave also,"

With what Sister Rose told him, Chad understood why Colin acted the way he did. He decided to leave his friend alone for a while so he could calm down. As the week progressed, Chad only saw Colin when they ate or showered. Otherwise, his friend stayed in his room. Friday morning arrived, and Chad got ready to go to the hospital.

"It's time to go," Sister Rose signed.

"Wait, I want to give this to Colin," he signed, grabbing a piece of folded paper and stuffing it in his pocket. They stopped in front of Colin's door.

Chad reached up and knocked. There was no response. "We've got to go," Sister Rose said, signing the words. Chad sighed heavily, slid the paper under the door, and walked away. Later that day, Colin uncovered his head and sat up in bed. He felt bad for not saying goodbye to his friend. His fear of losing everyone had consumed him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something on the floor. He slid off the bed and stepped closer. It was a piece of folded paper. He picked it up and opened it.

Colin,

I didn't mean to make you sad or mad. You said that you were happy for me. Sister Rose told me why you were scared. We are friends, and my having this operation will not change that. Can we please go back to being friends again? I miss our chats and having fun with you.

Chad

That afternoon, Colin sat at his usual table. A tray filled with his lunch sat in front of him. The note from Chad laid folded next to it. Sister Katerine walked up to the table and sat down across from him.

"Are you alright?" she asked. "I heard that Chad told you his big news,"

"I'm happy for him, but what if he doesn't come back?" he signed.

"He'll return to us," she said.

"May I sleep in his room until he comes back?" he asked. "I'm lonely and scared," he said.

"Only until he comes back," Katerine said.

Colin nodded in understanding and resumed eating. Katerine went back to her table when she knew that Colin would be okay. A red-headed man sat down beside her.

"Good afternoon, sister Katerine," he said.

"Hello, brother Damian," she said, smiling at him.

"What's up with the kid?" he asked.

"His friend left this morning for surgery," she said.

"What's with the smile?" he asked.

"He's still a kid, but he's acting like he just lost his alpha," she explained.

"Are you sure it's not because he misses his mother?" he asked.

"I thought so at first, but I'm not so sure now," she said.

Damian glanced at the boy with a puzzled look and then returned his gaze to Katerine.

"Are you saying that those two boys are mates?" he asked.

"It's too early to be certain, but he's showing symptoms of missing a mate," she said. "I'll send word to his aid if other symptoms appear," she said. They went about their own business once the meal ended. As Katerine strolled down the hallways, checking on everyone, she noticed Colin asleep on the bed in Chad's room, hugging a shirt tightly.

"Your alpha will be back in a few days, I promise," she said to herself.

One day, over the weekend, Colin came to the dining hall wearing one of Chad's shirts. It was too big, but it comforted him. He grabbed his tray and some milk and sat down. That Sunday, the door to Colin's room opened, and Sister Katrine stepped inside.

"You have a guest," she said.

"Who is it?" he asked, standing up.

"It is I, young prince," Selene said, entering the room.

"Nanna!" he said excitedly, rushing up and hugging her. "I've missed you," he said.

Selene broke from the hug and said, "I've missed you too," "Now, tell me about this friend of yours," she said.

"His name is Chad," he said. "Right now, he's at the hospital having an operation on his ears," he said.

"So, that's why you're sad," she said.

"I miss him, Nanna," he said, nodding his head.

"Believe what we tell you," Selene said. "Your friend will come back to you," she said.

Selene and Colin walked outside together, taking in the fresh air. It had been a year, and Colin enjoyed the company.

"How is Daiki?" he asked.

"He's good," she said. He is traveling right now,"

"I haven't seen him much," Colin said.

"He checks up on you, but in a discreet way," she said.

"Well, I must go," she said as they headed back to his room. "Maybe I can meet your friend one day," she said.