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Tuesday, February 14, also known as Valentine's day... or to Chimbley it was his birthday, Chimbley never really liked his birthday, It was just another excuse to make someone feel special, even if they weren't
So in his eyes, they were pointless, he couldn't even remember how old he was turning, 11? 12? Thinking about it made his head hurt, he turned over trying to get more comfortable
He didn't even want to get out of bed, not that anyone knew it was his birthday. Rotting away in his bed was better than interacting with people, but every good thing had to come to an end, Chimbley flinched at the knock on his door
"Helloooo?? Chimbley, are you awake?" He knew who it was by their voice, he slowly got up dreading having to talk to him. The door opened with a creak, Chimbley looked up at the soft mannequin
"Oh! I didn't wake you, did I? Where is your hat?" Climber said as he tilted left to get a better look into Chimbley's room "No, you didn't, what do you want?" He said, probably a bit more aggressive than intended
"Everyone was worried about you, you haven't come out of your room" Climber fidgeted with his hands "I doubt they were worried about me, wouldn't be surprised if they forgot about me" Chimbley hoped they did
Climber sighed, looking down at the shorter "I was worried about you" Climber’s voice softened, Chimbley was surprised at how sincere his voice sounded making him think he didn’t mean it
“Even if I was the only one who was worried about you, they still want to see you” “What? See me?” Climber nodded, looking hopeful, ‘Ugh… sure, whatever” Chimbley pushed through Climber
“Oh but your- hat…” Climber whispered the last part, Chimbley already walking down the stairs, Climber followed soon after “So you’re not dead?” Climber heard someone say
Chimbley slowly started to walk away from Climber as someone else walked towards him “What’s wrong with him?” Karl said as he scooted closer to Climber making him push the other away
“I don’t know, I think he may be having a hard day” Climber sighed “Well maybe something else is the problem” Karl suggested “What do you mean?” “Well y’know maybe focus more on the day part, like his parents might have died today”
“Oh-! But it’s Valentine’s day! Something might have happened to him on Valentine’s day?” Climber’s voice had a sad tone “Wait… it’s Valentine’s day?” “Yep,” Climber said as he nodded
“But it’s his birthday today?” Karl questioned, “Are you saying his parents died on his birthday???” “WHAT? No! I think his parents may have died on Christmas- not the point!”
“All I’m saying is he might not like his birthday” Karl stated “Huh? But everyone loves birthdays, especially kids!” “Well go talk to him about it” Karl looked at Climber
“W-Why me?” Climber stuttered “You act like his father figure, you’re kinda like the dad he never had” Climber cringed at his words “Why can’t we both do it?” “I’m not his mom, we aren't even married”
“C’mon, please? I don’t know how to talk to people well” Climber pleaded, Karl looked away thinking for a moment “Fine, but you have to grab him” Climber nodded quickly running off
“Oh, hey Climber what do you-” Chimbley was cut off by Climber literally grabbing him “Okay! Let’s go!” motioning Karl to go upstairs, everyone including Karl was confused
“I’ll be going now” Karl ran off, finding Climber and Chimbley waiting for him at the top of the stairs “There you are, so whose room should we go to” Climber whispered
“To talk to him right? Uh- maybe his room? So he feels more comfortable” Karl responded “Chimbley, we wanted to uh- talk to you… in private” Climber said calmly “Okay…” Chimbley was obviously nervous
He slowly opened his door just wide enough for them to be able to get in, Karl closing it behind him “Alright, we want to talk to you about why you’ve been distant recently” Climber started
“No reason” Chimbley was tense, not wanting to talk “Let’s just get to the point, what’s going on you are obviously not okay” Karl!” Climber said slightly hitting him
“What? Was I too forward?” Karl questioned “Yes! But, please Chimbley let us help you, we can tell somethings wrong” Climber crouched down to get to his height
Chimbley didn’t answer, “C’mon just tell us,” Karl said crouching down next to Climber, Chimbley sighed “Fine, you want an answer?” He paused “It’s because I’m scared”
The other two were taken aback “Scared? Of what?” Karl asked “Scared of growing up and stuff like that…” Chimbley got quieter at every word “But aren't humans supposed to enjoy growing up?”
“That’s what I thought” Karl responded “I didn’t have anyone there for me, no one cared” Chimbley’s voice was shaky, and tears formed in his eyes Climber and Karl looked at each other not knowing what to do
“Well, we’re here,” Climber said, Chimbley looked up as his face was full of shock then it saddened as tears fell “Oh, hey please don’t cry” Climber pulled him into a hug
Climber looked at Karl and motioned for him to join them Karl was hesitant at first but then sighed and walked over dropping to his knees and hugging the two.