Dan paced back and forth in the waiting room. The entire group was silent. Arin was getting tested for rabies, and so far, it hasn’t been good. When the nurse finally some out and handed Dan the results, he could hardly look, but he knew he had to. He opened his eyes to look, and he gasped. Saying nothing, he handed the form for the others to see. They read the sheet over carefully.

Signs of Rabies: Negative

A wash of relief crashed on everyone. Arin was fine, and he was recovering. “He might be able to come home in a few days.” The nurse said. “How many scars will there be?” Holly asked. “Quite a few, but they aren’t that noticeable.” The nurse smiled. “Do you have the remains of what he was wearing when we brought him in or did you throw it out?” Ross asked. “The dress is still intact, but it’s currently getting washed. We are trying to get all the blood stains out for you.” Ross nodded. “Can he speak yet?” Dan’s eyes got wide with hope. “Yes, you may see you. Just, don’t startle him.” Dan basically ran in with excitement. He didn’t care what the nurse said. He was too eager to talk to Arin again. Bursting through the door, Dan saw Arin sitting up in his bed, eyeglasses over his eyes. He was reading some book he didn’t recognize. When he looked up at Dan, he smiled widely. “morning” he whispered in a raspy, hardly audible voice. Dan smiled, as he walked up to the side of Arin’s bed. He grabbed his hand, intertwining their fingers. “How ya feelin’?” Dan said calmly. He did tone down his excitement a little, knowing it was very easy for hospital patients to pass out when they were too stimulated. Arin hummed. “I’m fine.” Arin turned his head to stare into Dan’s eyes. Dan’s smile grew a bit bigger. “I missed you…” Arin rasped, “you know which part I missed most?” Dan shook his head no, squeezing their fingers tighter. Arin reached over with his other hand, touching Dan’s chest in the area over his heart, before pulling him forward by his shirt and connecting their lips.

The next morning, Dan woke to silence. All he could hear was the chirp of the birds outside. He took a deep breath. Eggs. He smelled eggs. Dan smiled as he exited his room. “Morning Mr. mayor, you hungry?” Arin giggled once he walked into the kitchen. “Good morning baby,” Dan cooed as he pecked Arin’s cheek. “Your eggs smell wonderful!” Arin scoffed. “Uh, duh. They always smell wonderful” Arin giggled. Dan laughed as he kissed Arin. “I love you baby..” Arin smiled. “Yes Daniel, I know.” Dan moved into this town looking for a new life. No screaming every morning. Nice people. Smiling faces. But he soon learned that wasn’t what he really wanted. At first, the road was bumpy, but he couldn’t have it anyother way. :)