Why Won't They Tell Me?

It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A Long Chapter!

Eighteen leaned against his sister, snoozing next to the plate of cookies they were sharing.

Twelve smiled, relieved that he was finally taking a nap, settling back and taking a cookie, dipping it in the milk glass nearby, and taking a bite out.

Hm. Not bad.

Eighteen murmured something and took one himself, nibbling it and pulling his blanket closer.

Twelve laughed at her brother, the sudden noise waking him up.

"What'sofunny?" He yawned as he settled in closer, "Mmm. Cookie."

"Oh, you're awake now Cookie Monster?"

"Yeah sure, whatever Obi-wan kenobi.."

Eighteen, energy filling in from who-knows-where, sprung up.

"Hey sis! C'mon! It's a falling over competition!"

He then completed a very well executed pratfall, leaping back upright and taking her by the hand, "Let's go find Twenty-four and tell her to come have some fun too!"

Before he could rush out, he abruptly stopped.

"I forgot..." The room filled with the disappointment of one number, "She isn't here.."

He went back to the couch and laid down, his excitement dropping like a rock underwater.

Eighteen took a nearby pillow and laid with it, stuffing a other cookie in his mouth.

Twelve grimaced at the unusual behavior being shown by her ever-exitement loving brother.

"It might help to think of what you do have."

"I guess.. I have cookies."

"Yes.."

"And this underground safe place.."

"Mhm.."

"And you, and Fourteen and my rays!"

"What else do you have?"

"I think that's all.."

Twelve sighed and pointed to the middle of Eighteen's body.

"You have a big caring heart, that nobdy can take away from you. No matter what."

"Really?"

"It might sound like a movie. But I mean it, you have something not all of us do. Everyone likes you, you can make them laugh anytime, and you can make a game out of anything. Those are a things that make you Eighteen, and Eighteen only."

"You forgot something."

"What?"

"You forgot my surprise pillow fights!"

Eighteen then mowed her over with the fluffy cushion and laughed hysterically, "You can't catch me!"

Twelve rolled her eyes.

She really loves her brother.

_____________________________________

Three sighed as she checked Twenty-eight's eyes, sitting back and turning to Fourteen with a solemn look.

"I've done what I could.. Her eyesight might return. But there's a good 94% chance it won't."

Fourteen looked down.

"I see."

"Yeah, I know, but she can't. That's the issue here."

"It's almost been an hour.."