The cat glowered down at Riku as if he was somehow responsible for this stomachache, and remained sulking up on the wall, determined to keep down its lunch despite how vehemently it was disagreeing with him.

The two visitors had definitely been noticed by father and son, especially the father, who kept giving Kairi a somewhat confused look. But that quickly fell by the wayside when Toshi caught up with them. The father looked pained, but then knelt down so that he was more eye level with his son. No, Toshi. I’m sorry. We didn’t reach it in time.

F-finny’s…

The information that his friend was gone slowly sank in, and the boy’s eyes welled up with giant tears. It was clear that he wanted to go ahead and cry, but was holding it in in an effort to appear stronger to the two strangers. He choked back a sob. The father stood back up, and nodded towards Riku and Kairi. Can you say thank you? This young man got hurt trying to get Finny back.

Toshi stepped forward, snuffling and rubbing at his eyes, although there was no hiding the tear streaks on his cheeks. Th-thank you for trying to help Finny. He swallowed, and looked to the ground, scuffing his shoes. When Finny comes back I’m sure he’ll say thank you, too.