THE NEXT DAY the family were spending some time together while making pastries. However, Mal only had one thing on her mind, or more specifically, one person.

Noah.

Noah loved pastries, especially the ones her mother made, so she sent him a text telling him to come over to the restaurant.

But he didn't answer.

And it was about ten o'clock when she got his call.

She hurried towards the phone, which was lying on the counter, and grabbed it in one swift move after dusting her hand off.

"Hey, Noah, what's up? Is everything okay?"

However, to her dread, she heard soft sobbing on the other end of the phone. "Mal, it happened again! I don't know who, or-"

His voice was interrupted by a loud coughing fit. She could hear him trying to stop for breath, but it only made it worse.

"Noah, baby? Are you okay?"

"N-No, I'll never be okay! Just please come o-over..."

That broke her heart.

What was going on?

It hurt to hear him crying like that, and not to mention that his cold wasn't getting any better. In fact, he seemed to be getting sicker.

But why?

"I'll be there as fast as I can, baby, okay?"

Just then, she heard a loud click, making her know that he hung up.

-

She took a deep breath and raised her hand to ring the doorbell, only to be met by the sight of the door, which was slightly ajar. It made her sigh in relief as she knew that there was no one home except Noah, because then she wouldn't have to deal with all the greetings and talking and-

Her train of thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of Noah, who opened the door to let her in. She stepped towards him, and gave him the tightest hug possible as she listened to his loud sobs.

It lasted for a few, long moments. She allowed her fingers to trace through his soft, curly hair as he started to calm down a little. His sobs turned into soft sniffles while he hugged her.

"Baby, what happened? Are you okay?" she whispered, letting him go and closing the door behind her. He shook his head and wrapped his arm around her torso.

She helped him up the stairs, towards his room, and closed the door behind them. Then, as slowly as possible, helped him lie down on the bed.

"I... It happened again. I don't know how, but it did, and I... I can't walk."

She could practically hear her own heart breaking in a distance. She closed her eyes and took a long look at him, at his appearance.

He was a complete mess. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his skin was pale. Paler than usual. He also had a light purple bruise just above his lip.

"What the hell, Noah? H-How, who? Who did this to you?"

He shook his head in distress. "I-I don't know, but I don't- I don't feel good. I feel like I'm going to..."

Mal nodded at him as she sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching out to hug him again. "You're okay, babe. I'm going to find out who did this to you, okay?"

He nodded with teary eyes, giving a small shrug of hopelessness.

"I... Just stay with me, okay?"

"Always."