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At least one adult, a new addition to the research team, secretly guided and comforted Chuuya during the child’s time in the facility. He always struggled to view the scared six year old boy as just an experiment. It was especially impossible when the boy was the same age as his own son who was safe at home. If none of the other adults were going to be a decent human being and offer even a fraction of comfort to the scared child, he would.
Anything to keep the boy’s mind from dreading the scientists' next visit.
The man kept a close eye on the boy. Every three days, he would find himself sitting by the cell that contained Chuuya when the boy was not needed. He scribbled notes as he quietly conversed with the boy about why dragons would be a better pet than a dinosaur. The man took it a step further on the days that wore down Chuuya to tears. He would craft excuses to the head of the department as to why he needed to walk around the facility with the boy in tow. Chuuya tightly held the man’s hand as they strolled the sterile hallways. The boy's heart would hurt from overwhelming joy. Tears welding in Chuuya’s eyes as he finally experienced a nice touch.
When Christmas came around, the man knew he couldn’t do much without getting suspicious looks. But that never stopped him from giving Chuuya a taste of joy. Chuuya woke up one day and saw a Christmas tree right outside the room where he was kept. The twinkling lights lifted the boy’s spirits, even when the sessions with the researchers left him limping. At night, Chuuya would smile as colors danced around his cell as the pain resided.
The good fortune wouldn't end there. The man knew it was too risky, but how could a child go without a Christmas present?
On Christmas morning, he visited Chuuya. He chuckled when the child shot up from the bed and raced to the door. The man opened the food slot on the door and passed a small box covered in dragon wrapping paper. It was admired for a minute with wide eyes before being torn to reveal the surprise. A small snow globe that could be hidden inside his cot. Inside the precious globe was a dog on its hind legs with its mouth open. The child giggled as he shook the snow globe and watched the dog trying to catch the falling snow. Chuuya gently placed the gift on the ground before reaching out to the man. The adult pushed his hand through the food slot and caressed the boy’s cheek. Chuuya's small hands wrapped around the arm and nuzzled into the touch. They couldn’t hug at the moment, but this would have to be enough for the boy.
“Merry Christmas, Chuuya.”