Sprout had hugged Looey tightly, his voice trembling as he made him promise to be careful while distracting the Twisteds. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his best friend. Looey had only laughed, a warm sound that felt like sunlight through storm clouds, and patted Sprout’s back reassuringly.

Now, that laugh echoed hauntingly in Sprout’s ears.

Tears welled in his eyes as he looked down at Looey—his ear torn, part of his waist shredded, dark ichor (which is toons blood) staining the floor and splattering his frame. His eyes, once full of light and mischief, had dulled. And yet… he smiled.

That smile broke Sprout.

He stood frozen, heart splintering, unable to move as Looey sat slumped on the cold floor, surrounded by a growing pool of ichor. His best friend—his crush—was dying, and still, he smiled as if everything would be okay. But it wasn’t. It wasn't okay at all.