Knights against the Knight Part 9

The first week with Freddie was strange for Bolt.

He wasn't used to sharing his personal space with someone constantly.

The Kid might not talk, but he was very clingy. Freddie took him everywhere.

He sat beside him during meals, clung to him tearfully every night, didn't let go while drawing, made sure Bolt sat in his lap while watching television.

It was... strange. For Bolt. It had been a long time since someone just wanted to spend time with him.

The training he had received had focused more on what to do if the child didn't grow attached, how to deal with the possible loneliness and time spent alone. Bolt had prepared for that, and was now caught flatfooted when the opposite was true.

Freddie cried and Bolt's fur got soaked, and he still had no idea why the kid was such a cry baby.

He could guess. Freddie's mother never spoke about his father, but there were signs he once lived there. Little things, like a coffee machine that never got touched, or a shampoo neither used. Little things.

Freddie was sad and there was nothing he could do but listen. He could listen. He did listen, but Freddie didn't talk.

The week rushed on, and Bolt soon got used to the routine.

Until it stopped.

“Back to School tomorrow Honey.” Mrs Masters said at dinner. Bolt’s ears perked up, as it always did when Freddie’s mother started talking.

Most meals passed in almost silence, but once a day she would try to engage Freddie in conversation.

Freddie poked at his food.

“Are you excited?” She asked, and Freddie looked up, shaking his head.

“It’ll be good for you.” She said, “Good for you to be with all your friends.”

Freddie shrugged.

She sighed.

“You’ll see.”