Mase holds the aging family dog tight and walks over to his dad, concerned. Belle has been having trouble keeping her food down all morning.
Mason: Dad, I think something’s wrong with Belle.
Kai: Why do you say that?
Mason: She’s been throwing up, and there’s something strange coming out of her mouth.
Kai walks over and takes a good look.
Kai: Yeah, I think you might be right.
Mason: Does she need to go to the vet?
Kai: Most definitely, and I want you to take her – you and Dub.
Mason: What?
Kai: You heard me. Go and talk to your brother.
I’m standing by the back door, staring at the two miniature goats, when Mase surprises me by walking over. I expected him to skirt around me for at least two more days.
Wade: Since when do we have goats?
Mason: Dad bought them at the Finchwich Fair while we were away. *looks down at the one near us* Ma named that one Capri. We have sheep, too.
Mase is actually talking to me. Does that mean he’s not mad anymore?
Wade: About Batuu —
Mason: *interrupts* Belle is sick, and Dad says you and I have to take her to the hospital.
Wade: Okay, but can we—
Mase is obviously not trying to hear anything I have to say.
Mason: I’ll call and see if I can make an appointment.
He pulls out his phone and begins dialing. I guess I’ll have to find a time for us to talk later.
Poor Belle is shivering when we reach the Country Vet Clinic up the hill from our house. I’m beginning to worry that something serious might be wrong with her. Mase holds Belle close while I check her in at the nearby kiosk.
I walk over to join Mase on the couch, but he immediately jumps up and puts Belle on the ground. Let the avoiding begin.
When Mase sits back down, a pretty young vet greets us.
Dr. McQueen: Hey there. Are you the pet parents of Belle?
Wade: More like pet brothers.
Dr. McQueen: That’s cute. What seems to be the trouble?
Mase knows more about what’s happening with Belle, so I let him explain.
Dr. McQueen: Don’t worry. I’ll fix Belle right on up. Please follow me.
Belle has crawled up under the couch. Apparently, she’s not convinced.
Dr. McQueen: Come on, Belle. Let’s make you all better.
Mase and I follow close behind as Dr. McQueen leads us through double doors. Somewhere between the waiting room and the exam room, she must have managed to gain Belle’s trust because she has no trouble getting her up on the exam table. But maybe it’s the calmness of her voice.
Dr. McQueen: That’s a good girl. Let’s see what’s going on with you, sweetness.
Dr. McQueen pulls out her instruments, takes Belle’s temperature, examines her tongue, and performs a few other tests before diagnosing her.
Dr. McQueen: Poor thing is suffering from Projectile Repugnitis. The good news is, it’s nothing too serious – one shot, and she’ll be good as new. The bad news is the treatment is reasonably expensive. But there is a cheaper option.
Wade: Money isn’t a problem. Give her the best you have.
I look over at Mase, and he nods in agreement. Dr. McQueen proceeds with the treatment.
Wade: Is that it?
Dr. McQueen: That’s it. You should notice an improvement right away.
Mase and I thank the doctor as I pick Belle up from the table. Mase follows me outside.
Mason: I’m so glad she’s okay. I was so worried.
Wade: Yeah, me too.
Mase is in a good mood now that Belle is feeling better. This could be my only chance to get him to talk to me about what happened in Batuu.
Wade: Will you sit down with me a moment, Mase? I want to talk about what happened.
Mason: I’m not interested in talking. Let’s go home.
I hold Belle tighter and stand my ground.
Wade: Belle and I aren’t going anywhere until you talk to me. Dad sent us to the vet together for a reason. He won’t be happy if you’re still ignoring me when we get home.
Mase sighs because he knows I’m right.
Mason: Okay, we’ll talk or whatever.
I lead us over to a bench. Mase sits silently. If we’re going to get things out in the open, then I need to be the one to kick over the locked door between us.
Wade: I want you to know that I would never do anything intentionally to hurt you. But I did, you know—hurt you. I pray that you blame my stupidity, not my heart. I’m sorry, Mase.
Mason: I – I mean, I know you weren’t trying to. But it’s hard to see past what I’m feeling.
Wade: Which is?
Mason: It’s hard to say – to put into words. I was already mad at you before we went to Batuu.
Wade: I figured that.
Mason: Yeah, but it’s confusing when I try to figure out exactly why.
Wade: I never should have gone out with Perla.
Mason: It’s okay. I was being stupid about that. Perla is your friend too.
Wade: Your feelings are valid.
Mason: Yeah, but she would have chosen you over me as her prom date – no matter what.
Wade: Whoa, why would you say that?
Mason: Because you’re cooler than me, more popular, and better looking.
Wade: Dude, are you crazy or just blind? I’m just older than you – that’s all. I’ve been around people longer and learned to maneuver a bit more. But have you seen yourself? Good looks? Check! Cool as a cucumber? Check! Popularity is nothing. People follow me on Social Bunny – big deal. But who’s with me right now? You. Do you see any of them? Do any of them ever come to the house and visit? You and Dray are my only true friends, and I’m good with that.
Mase smiles, and I’m glad to see it. I continue—
Wade: And I want to spend as much time with you two as possible because I’ll be looking for a place and moving out soon.
Mason: *saddened* Really? You’re leaving?
Wade: You knew it would happen sooner or later, right?
Mason: I guess. But where will you go?
Wade: I’m not sure yet. But you’ll still see me. You can even stay for a while when I get my place – you and Dray both.
Mason: Dang. Is that why you wanted us to come to Batuu with you?
Wade: Partially. Too bad I messed that up.
Mason: It wasn’t just you.
I can sense the regret in Mase’s tone. I attempt to cheer him up.
Wade: Guess what? I want you to have my bedroom when I leave. You’re not still scared of the dark, are you?
Mason: *plays it off* I’ve never been scared of the dark.
Wade: *chuckles* Either way, it’s yours.
Now that we’ve cleared the air, Mase and I return home.
Wade: Before we go inside, I have something for you. It’s from Batuu.
Mase takes the box and opens it. He smiles when he sees the lightsaber. He’s not nearly as geeked out as Dray, but his smile is enough for me.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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