Shift

Cadmus stiffened at Blair's words.

"You're a nice person," she went on to tell him, and he wished she would just stop. "You're good like Papa, Mama, and Hershey." Noting that she only mentioned those few people, he frowned at the possibility that they were all she had. "So, you don't have to be mean to me all the time."

Cadmus paused. Blair got it wrong. 

He's like that because she'd always make his heart feel itchy. By yelling at her or teasing her, the itching would stop for a little bit. But that itch won't be gone for too long. 

'So, why do I even bother?' Maybe he could think more clearly if she's not on his back.

He understood what Blair meant, but at the same time, he didn't. Cadmus was getting thirsty now, and he desperately craved some water. 

Fortunately, the primary school building of Luna Solis Academy finally came into view. 

Cadmus quickened his pace, motivated. Blair's head was lolling on his back.