Team8s and Counting

189. It's What Makes Us Stronger

"Mom?" Bladey asked softly, poking her head out of her room.

Saw, who was just talking to Gaty in her room, came out. "Yeah? What's up?"

Bladey was feeling a little upset after hearing what happened at recess that day, and even more so the fact that she wasn't there when it happened. "Where's Sprinkle? I want to know if he's okay. He hasn't talked to me all day!"

Saw's heart melted. "I think he's getting ready for bed now, Bladey. Do you want to go say hello?"

Bladey sighed. "Mommy said to leave him alone though, but I feel like he needs someone to talk to."

Saw put a hand on Bladey's shoulder. "You have such good instincts Bladey, and I think that you're right. I know that Mommy said no...but sometimes, a friend checking in can make all the difference. Just be gentle, okay? If he doesn't want to talk, that's okay too."

Bladey nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I just want him to know I'm here."

Saw smiled. "Then go ahead."

Bladey padded down the hall toward Sprinkle's room, hesitating at the door before knocking softly. "Sprinkle? Can I come in?"

There was a pause before his quiet voice responded, "Yeah."

She pushed the door open and found him sitting on the edge of his bed, already in pajamas, staring down at his hands. His usual spark wasn't there.

Bladey hesitated before stepping closer. "Hey," she said gently. "I... I heard what happened today."

Sprinkle sighed but didn't look up. "I'm fine."

Bladey looked down at the floor beneath her. "I'm sorry I wasn't there. I know you're not supposed to punch people...but I might have made an exception, just for that kid"

Sprinkle let out a small chuckle. "I'm surprised Dimey didn't."

Bladey took a seat next to Sprinkle. "Don't worry, you don't need those kids to be cool. You already have me as your second grade friend."

Sprinkle laid down in bed, his eyes starting to shut. "Yeah...I guess. Look, I'm just tired Bladey, I wanna go to bed."

Bladey looked at the time: it was only 7:30pm! "But it's so early, you always want to stay up late!"

Sprinkle was starting to doze off. "Yeah, but I'm just tired today."

Bladey started to grow concerned. The Sprinkle she knew would never go to bed at 7:30pm, even on a hard day. She could sense that something else was going on. "I'm going to get Auntie Barf Bag."

Sprinkle groaned. "Please don't get my mom, she's gonna prick my finger again!"

Before Sprinkle could say anything else, Bladey was already knocking on the door of Barf Bag's room. After Barf Bag let her in, Bladey gave her a concerned look. "Sprinkle says he wants to go to bed, but it's only 7:30! He says he's fine, but he doesn't look fine."

Barf Bag immediately went over to Sprinkle's room to go check on him, Bladey following Behind her. "Sprinkle? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah." Sprinkle whispered. "I just wanna go to bed. Now my head's starting to hurt because I'm not sleeping."

Barf Bag started to grow concerned. "Your head hurts?"

Sprinkle nodded. "Yeah. Can I please just go to bed?"

Barf Bag shook her head. "No, I'm checking your sugar."

"Mom!" Sprinkle said angrily. He looked over at Bladey, who felt so guilty on the inside. "Thanks a lot."