27

Sometime earlier in the year...

Junior tossed and turned in his bed, trying to find a comfortable way to lay so he could fall asleep. Though, much to Chef PeePee's dismay, it was very audible.

"Junior! Lay down and go to bed! You're driving me insane!" Chef PeePee whisper-yelled at the ginger boy. "It's a school night, you know?!"

Junior turned himself towards the rails of the bunk bed and looked down at the angry chef. "I can't sleep!" He complained.

"Yes you can. Just close your eyes and lay there." The chef responded.

Junior was quiet for a moment. "Could you sing me a lullaby?"

"No! What are you, 2 years old? Just go to bed, brat!" Chef PeePee scolded.

"Pleaseeee! I promise I'll go to bed right after!" Junior pleaded, putting his head even more over the railing.

The chef stayed silent for a moment, considering it, before groaning. "Fine, but if you bother me anymore after this, I swear to god." He got out of his bed, and opened the room's closet. He dug around before pulling out a small ukulele. He sat back on his bed. "You better not comment on my singing either."

He took a deep breath, and started to play. It was a slow, calm tune.

"Days seem sometimes as if they'll never end" He started.

"Sun digs its heels to taunt you

But after sunlit days, one thing stays the same

Rises the moon"

Junior didn't know the song, but it sounded comforting. Like a hug. Boy, he hadn't had a hug in a long time. He snuggled into his bed, and relaxed.

'Days fade into a watercolour blur

Memories swim and haunt you

But look into the lake, shimmering like smoke

Rises the moon"

Chef PeePee continued singing softly. Junior's movements came to a halt. He felt himself starting to relax as well.

"Oh-oh, close your weary eyes

I promise you that soon the autumn comes

To darken fading summer skies

Breathe, breathe, breathe..."

The chef played his ukulele some more, but did not sing. He figured Junior was asleep, so it was mostly for himself. He stood up, and looked out the window at the night sky.

His mother had given him the ukulele when he was small, and he had learned to play it over the years. He missed her, even if she abandoned him.

"Rises the moon."

Junior then woke up.