Kadu walked with him through all the classrooms and important places he would have to go during the semester. He carefully showed the boy the best places to find food, like that was the principal part of their expedition, making sure Lowe noted down where he would be able to find the snack machine with the best options.

The infrastructure of the place was way better than he imagined. It was rather unexpected to see things he assumed were unnecessary, like a snack machine now and then in the corners of the buildings they passed.

Kadu introduced the boy to a handful of workers while gently pushing him around. Priscilla, the old lady in the cafeteria. Tony, the janitor. Steve, the security guy. Hanna, the secretary from one of the buildings. He tried to remember all their names while they exchanged greetings.

Most of them took some time to talk with Kadu, and from what Lowe could see, the boy was overly popular. At least with the staff.

It wasn't like he could pay attention to people's conversations more than their body language, but after the third time they greeted someone, and they automatically hit off with some talk, Lowe got bored. So he took his phone to distract himself while Kadu would try to end his encounters as soon as possible, always apologizing after.

A smile hit his face when his top notification showed Andrew's name. He had sent a message asking for him. He wanted to know if the boy was at the university and had free time after his classes. Andrew sent something around being close to the campus, and if possible, he wanted to have a meeting to compensate for their last one.

After their last encounter, the other didn't send any more messages, so Lowe thought they wouldn't talk anymore. After thinking way too much, reflecting on everything that happened that day to try to guess what he did wrong, and not wanting to commit the same unknown mistake, it felt weird to be the first one to send a message.

So receiving Andrew's text asking for a new meeting was a pleasant surprise. Being remembered by others felt way too good, and it wasn't his wish to lose this sensation any time soon.

While Kadu was distracted talking with Steve, Lowe took this free time to let the other know about his whereabouts. He tried to explain that his classes were over, but he was receiving a tour around the campus. That he still needed to pass through the library to get his books.

His screen view was covered by a hand, diverting the boy's attention from the phone to the boy wearing slightly large clothes.

"Sorry it took me so long to talk to them, but you are smiling a lot for someone who was left waiting," Kadu started to smile as well. "What made you so happy?"

He enthusiastically answered, "It's a friend," but his eyebrows furrowed when he thought a little more, his hand moving next. "Maybe," Then the smile was back, "But I want to be friends!"

They took the road to the library at a slow pace while they continued their dialogue. "Oh, you made a friend already? How long have you been in the city?"

Those questions would involve big answers, and the boy was thinking about the way he could tell him what happened without making it sound unreal. It was a scary situation, yes. But it became a huge topic he could use to make conversation, just like those who often used life experiences to make small talk.

But before he said anything, he thought about his father's words on the matter. So he replied, considering how his dad said it would be better to omit the attack part if he ever told someone what happened.

"I think I did. I got some help one week ago when I first got here. I needed to get my dog to the vet, and they gave me a ride there," Kadu interrupted. "A dog? Do you have pictures? You can't talk about a dog and don't share pictures!"

Laughing, the boy opened a folder in his gallery full of Cookie's pictures. After the other looked at some of them, always giving the best reactions, Lowe complemented. "Her name is Cookie. She has been with me since I was around thirteen."

"She is adorable!" Kadu pointed. Lowe added, "Sometimes she gets snappy with strangers, but I think she will like you."

Excited with the idea, he answered, "Really? I would love to meet her! Do you live nearby?" Lowe matched his level of enthusiasm, "No, I can't think of a reference spot, but I live in a residential area close to the woods, you know?" 

Kadu's excitement died down quickly. An uncomfortable smile rested on his face. "Yeah, I know it." His head pointed in the direction of the library's door. "It's getting late... We should wrap things up so you can go home."