28

Junior's eyes were met with a bright flash of light once they were opened. He winced at the slight discomfort, and slowly adjusted himself to the new environment. He was in a room he'd never seen before, along with a bed he'd also never seen.

He looked around this room. The walls were a light blue, and the blanket that was covering him was also blue, though it was a darker shade. He looked at his hands, And saw he had a bracelet on. That's when he realized he was in a hospital room in a hospital bed.

He looked around anxiously. Where was Chef PeePee?! What happened? Where is my jacket? Where is Bowser? Thoughts like that and more entered his head and he felt his breathing quicken. He pushed the blanket off of him and went to leave the room, but someone on the other side had opened the door before him.

"Oh goodness! I didn't know you were awake!" a woman, presumably a nurse, said surprised. Her name tag read Jackie Staleburger. "Here, let's get you sat down, little one. Your body needs more nutrients before you can get up and walk around. We don't want you fainting again." She ushered him back to the bed, while he didn't say a word.

Fainted? Is that what happened?! He sat on the bed as the nurse said and waited. He started to feel hungry as he waited for someone to come see him. Luckily, the nurse was back within a few minutes.

"Here, I got you a bologna sandwich. Eat that, and Officer Simmons will speak to you in a moment, alright?" The nurse said, handing Junior the sandwich before exiting the room. Junior stared at it, then took a bite while processing everything.

"Officer Simmons...?" Junior mumbled. He didn't know the name well. He had heard of it from Brooklyn T Guy, but he didn't remember him. He tried to think back to occasions where he would've seen this 'Officer Simmons.' His eyes then widened at the realization that he was the officer who aimed at Chef PeePee, and had cut them off.

Chef PeePee... "Oh my god." Junior thought out loud. He quickly thought back even more, and remembered Chef PeePee had been caught and arrested. "Where is he?! What happened to him?!" Junior exclaimed to himself. His breathing started getting heavier as he got more worried. He then heard the door open, and looked to see an officer standing in the doorway.

"Hello, Junior. Are you feeling better now?" The officer, aka Officer Simmons asked.

"Where's Chef PeePee?" Junior questioned, completely ignoring the officer's question.

"Don't worry kiddo, he's in jail now. He won't be able to get to you anymore." Officer Simmons answered. He stepped into the room and walked towards Junior. "I'm officer Simmons. I'm going to be talking to you and your dad. Is that okay?"

The mention of Bowser made Junior more anxious. "N-no! No! What day is it? Where's Chef PeePee?!" Junior exclaimed.

Simmons saw that Junior was starting to grow uneasy. "Woah, calm down kid. You're safe from him now. You can go home later. It's Tuesday right now, 3pm."

Tuesday? 3pm?! It had only been Monday when Junior passed out. Had he really been out for 27 hours???

In the middle of Junior's thoughts, Bowser walked into the room. "Sorry, I was just talking to the nurse." He said to the officer. "Junior! You're awake! Finally!"

Bowser started walking towards Junior, which made Junior shrink back a little bit. Bowser looked him in the eyes with an expression Junior couldn't read. Then he sat next to Junior, though far enough away it wouldn't make Junior run. He still did scoot away though, as far away from the man as he could.

"So, Junior, your father told me that the chef had kidnapped you. Could you tell me why he did, or why he would've?" Simmons started.

"H-he didn't! We ran away because he hits us a-and is always rude and abusive!" Junior stuttered out, pointing to his father for emphasis.

"Those are some serious accusations, mate." Simmons said.

"Oh don't be silly, Junior. You know I'd never do any of that! If Chef PeePee is telling uou to say these delusional things, then don't listen to him. He can't hurt you now." Bowser said in a calming tone.

"But you can! Stop lying!" Junior shouted, inching further away while glaring at Bowser.

"Calm down, son. Bowser, may I speak to you outside? I think your son needs some time to himself. That chef must've done a number on him." Simmons asked.

"Of course." Bowser said, following the officer out of the room. Junior was once again left alone.

All alone.

With no Joseph,

And no Chef PeePee.