Sorry I'm not perfect

Some time later, Shantal is pulled out of his increasingly morbid thoughts by a voice calling for him. He jumps up and opens the door to see Alex there with arms open wide and his ever present smile glowing on his face.

“Look, I have a band-aid!” he says brightly, pointing to the blue tape on his forehead.

Shantal feels something build up in his chest and he laughs to alleviate the pressure, eyes stinging.

“What’s wrong, Shantal? Don’t you like my band-aid?”

Shantal launches himself at Alex, muffling a sobbing sound he will deny to the ends of the Earth. Alex catches him and laughs, wrapping his arms tight around Shantal’s smaller body. Alex is also the one who sees the “medics” out, thanking

them happily, all while holding Shantal tightly against him.

Shantal buries his face in Alex’s