Lee’s knee was acting up, and unfortunately it was while he was doing farm work. He tried to call for his family, but all the doors and windows were closed, so he scooted out to the path, where someone could see him from a window, but before anyone noticed him, a young boy probably about the same age as Mei.

“Oh! Are you okay?” The young boy asked, helping Lee up.

“Ah, yes, I’m fine. Just my darn knee acting up. Thank you, young man.” Lee smiled brightly.

“Of course! Were you doing farm work? I could help while you rest up. I grew up on a farm with my dad.” The boy smiled, helping him rest on a nearby chair.

“Oh, you would? That would help tons, but I couldn’t ask that of you.” Lee shook his head.

“I insist, I don’t have much to do anyway.” The boy shrugged, but it made something imminently clear to Lee, probably without the boy even knowing.

“If you’re sure.” This kid had something he wanted to distract himself from, Lee could tell from the way he shrugged, and the look in his eye. He was kind, sure, that was part of it. But he wanted a distraction.

But, Lee let him work, studying the odd boy. “You have a pet raccoon?” Lee asked, trying to make friendly conversation.

“Oh- yes. I do, his names Ruddiger.” Said raccoon was curled around the boys shoulders. The day went on like this, the two talking, and Lee learning more about the boy. After a few minutes, Lee’s leg felt better, and he helped the boy work.

What Lee found out about the boy; he has a strong attachment to his raccoon, he likes to ignore his problems, he likes ham sandwiches a lot, cocoa is like crack to him, he loves his dad, doesn’t talk about his mom for some reason, and is a rampant people pleaser.

When the kid was getting tired, he seemed to want to just ignore it, but Lee wasn’t going to have that. “why don’t you come have dinner with my family?” Lee asked.

“Oh- no, it’s fine-“ The boy shrugged.

“No, no, I insist.” Lee smiled.

“Well… alright.” The boy said hesitantly.