South Park: Dragging Me Down

Big Day

As she was hungry, Karen went with one of the nurses to get some candy. She decided to get some snacks for her brother and friend too, leaving Pip and Kenny alone in the room together.

Pip found himself growing increasingly hot under the collar during her absence for reasons he wasn't quite sure of. He twiddled his fingers as his eyes danced around the room, observing tiny details to pass the time, such as the faded paintwork on the walls and wilting flowers on the tables. He coughed, making his ribs ache.

"How are you feeling now, bestie?" Kenny broke the awkward silence which had befallen them. He moved closer to Pip and perched on the corner of his bed with his legs stretched out.

"B-Bestie?" Pip spluttered. "What's a 'bestie'?"

"You know, best friend?"

"O-Oh!" Pip's mouth morphed into a guilty smile. "Bestie... best friend. I-I get it now. Um, I'm feeling fine, I think. H-How are you doing? I'm sorry, I've been so rude. I've hardly asked how you've been getting on with school and everything since I've been in here."

"Heh, don't worry about it dude. School's pretty shitty without you there to be honest. I know you're quiet but I still miss you." Kenny admitted.

"Really?" Pip's heart skipped a beat.

"Uh huh." Kenny rubbed his head, feeling his face go a little warm.

The two went quiet again.

"Oh I forgot to mention; Stan wanted me to give you a message, by the way." Kenny started, remembering what he'd been told by his friends.

"S-Stanley? Stanley Marsh?" Pip became more nervous.

"Yeah."

"What... was it?"

"He and Kyle wanted me to tell you that they're sorry for everything they've ever done to you. They did want to come over here and tell you themselves but they didn't want to freak you out."

"Oh." Pip paused as he tried to digest this information, feeling a little numb. Why would Stan and Kyle want to say sorry for? Did they feel bad about what happened to him or did they just say it for their own gain because they couldn't cope with the guilt?

"How do you feel after hearing that?"

"...I don't know. I want to forgive them, but-"

He was shaking. They wouldn't leave him alone.

"Fucking loser!"

"You're so weird."

A punch.

"I don't know if I can..." he trembled, clutching his covers tightly. "They... made me feel..." he gulped, "Not good. Just... not good. They ignored me for so long, and called me names. They... hit me. I can't forget what they did to me."

"You don't have to forgive them right away. When you feel you're ready-"

"I don't think I'll ever be ready." Pip sighed. "...They made me feel like a nobody. I don't know how to deal with them not thinking that. I... don't know how I can get over something like that."

"I get you." Kenny reached out to him. "But maybe try giving them a chance? I know they don't deserve it, but-"

"No. Everyone... deserves a second chance."

Kenny smiled. "You're right there."

Pip exhaled, resting his head on Kenny's shoulder. "...Did you really miss me?"

"Hm?"

"Like at school and stuff." Pip questioned, doubting Kenny's words.

"Yeah. I get anxious when you're not around before remembering you're in a better place here."