Buttercup

Chapter 4: Parting

Chapter 4: Parting

'Satang, please tell me where I can find Fourth. We are leaving tomorrow and I want to be able to say goodbye at least,' Satang sees the desperation in Gem's eyes.

Since the incident six days ago, Fourth has not shown up at the "Buttercup" anymore. The stepfather took over his duties when the group was on the road and the adventure educators were amazed at Gem's change in behaviour.

He took part in all the activities, was cooperative and helpful, came on time and was approachable.

Only his eyes seemed distant.

They searched everywhere for the son of the camp and Satang was repeatedly asked what had happened to Fourth.

At first he only gave him a short answer.

'Fourth is very busy. Focus on your tasks!' was what he wanted to hear for Gem.

But his good behaviour and the desperation in his voice persuaded Satang to give him a more detailed answer in the end.

And so Gem learned about the circumstances in which Fourth lived.

'You can't tell him that!' Mark warned.

'He'll be leaving soon and it's none of his business anyway!' Perth added.

Satang had asked his colleagues and friends for advice. After everyone had returned to their huts, they held a short conference at night and Satang had told them about his compassion for Gem.

'They have become friends and Gem is worried. That's understandable. We can't just look the other way like we have been doing for two years,' replied Satang, "Fourth is such a loving boy," his guilty conscience troubled him.

'Satang, what should we do? We don't have the right to interfere in his family affairs. We'll be leaving soon and he'll be staying behind. If we interfere, it could mean something much worse for Fourth. Do you understand?' Mark replied. "Fourth has found a way to avoid this brutal guy!" he tried to make Satang understand.

'His friendship with Gem has made him careless. I think we should just stay calm and leave with the group. That would be safest for Fourth,' Perth added.

And Satang sighed deeply.

'Fourth never loses his guard. His friendship with Gem is obviously very important to him. I can understand Gem's desperation. He doesn't know where Fourth is. He's worried. And you can all see his improved behaviour. His friendship with Fourth is also very important to him,' Satang looked his friends in the eye, "I take responsibility for this. Gem should get a little insight into these circumstances," he decided.

And Mark again expressed his concerns.

'Satang, you want to tell a 15-year-old about the dark side of the "Buttercup"? And if he runs straight to the tyrant? If he makes everything worse before he leaves?' he looked at Satang urgently.

And that was the reason why Satang didn't tell Gem about Fourth's stay earlier. He didn't want to risk anything.

But tomorrow they would leave and Satang's soul couldn't keep a low profile any longer.

'Gem, what I'm going to tell you now must be kept secret at all costs. You must not react rashly!' Gem holds his breath as he finally senses a hope of seeing each other again, "Fourth seems to have found a true friend in you and I risk a lot by telling you about his circumstances," Satang sees the tremor in Gem's eyes, "let's go for a walk!" Gem follows him with an agitated soul.

He couldn't think of anything else in the last six days. The fear in Fourth's face when he left. Gem's heart groaned loudly and his stomach clenched with worry for the otherwise strong and brave boy. He felt a deep despair. How could he leave without knowing Fourth was safe?