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"Dad. Humph humph. I'll be fine. Ha. Ha. I prom-" Robert's head jerked to the side before he could finish the sentence. "-ise."
Howard could tell Robert was having a bad tic day but figured not to mention it. Instead, he nodded and let out a long breath.
"Just write everyday? And I'll visit as much as I can!" Howard was almost sick with worry about his son. He knew Robert could look after himself. Robert was the only thing he had left and he didn't want to lose him.
"I'll write beans everyday. OK. Maybe not beans but I'll definitely write everyday," Robert chuckled, trying to make light of his tics. He hoped it would lighten the mood and make his dad laugh. And it worked. Howard let out a laugh, his eyes crinkling as his mouth turned up and the laugh was let out. Seeing this, Robert smiled wider, relief felt almost overwhelming as he saw the happiness on his dad.
"Remember dad, get some more dogs. You've been meaning to for ages. Maybe it's the time to nip to the animal shelter. It can be a day trip with us if you'd like. Just gotta ask this lot, ahhhhhh," Robert grinned, gesturing towards the building, meaning the people in charge. Howard seemed to get what he meaned.
"Nice singing there bud. Sure. Yeah. That's sounds like it's a great idea. Hopefully it could calm them tics down, let you sleep at night," Howard grinned, knowing it wasn't a sensitive subject for his son. They'd spoken about it countless times. Robert smiled a little wider and nodded.
"Now, doesn't that sound just terrific dad. I thoroughly look forward to it," he beamed, pulling his dad into a tight bear hug. Robert's knee jerked up, almost squashing his dad's little man. "Sorry dad," he whispered as the hug was released. Howard chuckled.
"Don't worry kiddo. It's alright."

It wasn't long before the small group made it to the first stop on the grand tour. Wilf gestured towards the door.
"This here is the canteen. We eat it here everyday. Not necessarily for every meal though. We do get taken out sometimes. That's always nice," it was Eddie who spoke, his smile wide. It seemed that Eddie was going to do the talking and Wilf was doing the gesturing. Just as Robert seemed to make this observation, he almost slapped Wilf.
"Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry man," Robert apologised. He felt awful. "That-that wasn't on purpose......"
"What was it then?" Wilf asked, his voice almost a whisper, tears threatening to fall.
"He's here for Tourettes. We just want to find something to help him," Howard said before Robert had the chance. Wilf seemed to breath a sigh of relief.
"Oh. OK. Its OK." he smiled, almost shakily. "No harm done. All is forgiven. It wasn't meant. No need to forgive. Haha. Sorry," Wilf babbled nervously. Eddie placed a hand on Wilf's shoulder softly before leaning towards his ear.
"Wilf. It's ok," he whispered softly. Eddie pulled Wilf into a gentle hug. "Deep breath. In and out."
Wilf willingly breathed in and out, copying his friend's words and example. His chest rose and fell in time. Tears welled briefly before fading.
"I'm ok. It's ok." Wilf attempted, shakily.
"I'm truly sorry," Robert repeated continuously. He felt awful. Eddie looked up and smiled warmly.
"It's all ok. No need to worry. Seriously don't apologize. There's no need to I promise," Eddie smiled, everything about him was soft and warm. His tone of voice, his smile. Everything. Something about Eddie was trustworthy. Robert could feel it. Robert nervously nodded.
"Are you alright Wilf?" Robert asked nervously. Wilf gave him a nod in return accompanied by a weak but reassuring smile. Robert found himself smiling softly, nodding gently.
"Good. Good." He murmured, his smile growing the tiniest bit.

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