he says the best part about being sick is you get all the free ice cream you ask for. he says the worst part about that is realizing that there’s nothing more they can do for you. he says, ice cream can't make everything okay.

goodbye was born sick - a child with congestive heart failure and a life expectancy of less than ten years. while other children were outside playing, he was confined to his bed, or at least between the four gentle blue walls of his hospital room. often times, he would gaze out the window and watch the traffic - sometimes even catch glimpses of the kids playing in the distance. he made that room his home. he was happy.

as he grew older, he began to understand the gravity of the situation; but still, it did not bring him down. he was glad to be alive, right here, right now - even if there was no promise he would be alive tomorrow. the nurses were kind. the doctors did everything they could. they told him he was the 'bravest boy they had ever seen'; that made him really proud.

the hardest part was when his parents came to visit. he wondered if all the kids, even the ones in the hospital like him, had to see their parents cry all the time. he longed to spend time with them and let them be happy. he hadn't seen them happy in so long. it was strange, he thought, to watch his parents mourn a child who was still alive. it was stranger, he thought, to have to be strong for his parents, when they should be strong for him. but he didn't mind. he was strong. the doctors and nurses said so!

as time passed he grew sicker; he stopped being able to make his trips to the window to watch the world outside. he would simply rest on his bed and cuddle his pillow, watching cartoons and waiting for the friendly staff to come talk to him. it got lonely, sometimes, and he wished he could have a friend.

goodbye passed away at the age of nine.

(in quad/pet form)

his footfalls were almost silent as he quickly made his way down the hospital corridor; the gentle tapping of his nails were all that could be heard, aside from the soft beeping of medical equipment. his gaze was fixed firmly ahead of him - he was on a very important mission today, and he mustn't be late! thankfully, none of the adults attempted to stop him - perhaps because they couldn't see him. just as well, he wasn't here for them!

the door was closed, but he was certain it was the right one; 104. this is where charlie was - and today, he was going to spend the whole day with him. he pressed his paws against the door, but it made no effort to budge. of course, something as simple as a door can't stop a ghost - or an angel! he pushed a little harder, and the door gave way before him... in a manner. rather, he phased through it. regardless, he tumbled into the room, head over heels, and landed on his back, looking up in confusion. a small face peeked over the edge of the bed, along with two hands; there were heavy bags under his eyes and an IV in his arm, but his face was all smiles. goodbye beamed, "CHARLIE!"

he made his was back onto his feet and scrambled with excitement, jumping onto the bed with a heavy thud and crawling up beside the young boy, who wrapped his arms around the pups neck and held him close, i didn't think you were coming today! the boy buried his face in the fluff of the dogs neck, snuggling against him like one would their favorite stuffed animal. goodbye thumped his tail against the bed, "are you kidding me? i wouldn't miss it for the world! wanna play?"

the young boy offered him a cough and shook his head, i can't... momma said i have to stay in bed today... - his voice was heavy with sadness and disappointment. goodbye tilted his head in confusion, but quickly thumped his tail on the sheets again, "that's fine! i wanted to watch cartoons anyways!" the two settled in together, their attention turning to the television as colorful images flashed across the screen. goodbye settled at charlie's side, snuggling happily against him - and the young boy ran his fingers through the puppy's fur.

they must have fallen asleep, but neither remembers when or how. but the gentle click of the door as it opened wrested goodbye from his slumber; the young boys parents were here to see him! oh, charlie would be so happy! he bounced up in excitement, turning quickly to nudge charlie's face and giving him a few quick licks on the cheek, "charlie! they're here! they're here! your parents!" he was slow to awaken, but he eventually gave in, pushing the puppy away with a laugh, okay. enough! i get it!

charlie's parents regarded him with a smile, though the confusion was obvious as they asked who he was talking to; and with the certainty only a child could have, he answered, my guardian angel.

TL;DR: all of my pets are shifters - so they will have an animal and a human form. which i've already got in mind but will design at a later time and place on their page. haven't settled on a color yet, so the picture at the top is apt to change.

he's a guardian angel type. his form is that of a small dog that appears to dying children (only children - no adults can see him and he is often considered a figment of the child's imagination by parents) and comforts them/gives them company.

also settling on a gender - used male for the app, but may switch to female as i work him around with other characters. tried to cut it short, sorry if its choppy. otherwise this would go on for like 8 more paragraphs. oops.