Goddard's Home for Troubled Teens

Val

I shivver again, my head feeling like its about to explode.

Ryder

I look at Val, "You okay?"

Val

I shake my head, "N-No."

Ryder

I study her, "What's wrong?"

Val

I cough, my lips purple, and don't answer.

Ryder

I sit up and take her with me, feeling her forehead, "I-I'm going to take you back. You're sick. You need help."

Val

I swallow, "D-Dont leave me."

Ryder

I kiss her cheek, "I'll try not to. If they take me away though..."

Val

I shake my head, my head hot, "I won't let them."

Ryder

I nod and scoop her up standing, "Okay then. Wait... what if you turned me into an animal when we got there? Then there wouldn't be any problems."

Val

I swallow, "I-I can only turn myself."

Ryder

Could I turn myself fully then? I nod and take her to the edge of the forest, hesitating.

Val

I cough, my lips still purple, and cross my arms over my stomach insecurely.

Ryder

I set her on her feet, "V-val, I need you to walk for me. I'm going to try something. I'll be right behind you, I promise. I won't leave."

Val

I fall to the ground when he sets me down and I curl up, not moving.