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For the first time ever, Junior was happy to be in class. Being in class meant his dad wasn't there for him to hide from. He didn't have to be silent and be cramped in a closet. He could be free. It would only be for 8 hours, but he'd rather have that than nothing.

The whole journey taught Junior to be more grateful, a lesson he never thought he'd learn. He was grateful for Joseph's assistance. He was grateful for the nighttime and the morning time that let them walk uninterrupted. He was grateful for the little food that lasted them days.

Despite those great things, he was most grateful for Chef PeePee, the one that had sacrificed his future to help Junior out of a bad situation. Sure, it was also for his personal gain, but if he hadn't been convinced by Junior, they'd both still be in that same dark place. Still getting abused both verbally and physically.

Junior tuned out Jackie Chu and doodled on his worksheet until lunch came. He was excited, more than normal. For the first time in days, he'd be able to eat a full meal. He sat with Cody and Jeffy since Joseph still hadn't shown up. They ate their lunch while Junior gave them more details about his situation.

"So the cop just believed it when your dad said that Chef PeePee brainwashed you?" Cody questioned.

"Yep. I don't know how any of them became officers in the first place. Even I wouldn't believe that, and my highest grade besides History and Art isn't even a B+!" Junior responded.

"How are you gonna get home and hide again? Jeffy's dad and your dad are going to be looking for you even more." Cody asked.

"I'll distract my daddy enough so that Junior can get in through my window. My daddy is always super high so I know it's gonna work." Jeffy explained.

"Y'know, Jeffy, distracting isn't always going to work." Cody told the helmet boy.

"It is for now though. We'll think of other ways for me to avoid Bowser soon." Junior said. "We got this."