Lars sighed happily as he threw the last of his remaining binders in an open cardboard box. It had taken him a couple of weeks to remember that he no longer needed them. Nothing beat the feeling of knowing he would never have to be constricted to feel comfortable again. Well maybe knowing that he could go outside shirtless now would be better, but he hadn't experienced that yet. His house was cold but it was okay, he didn't want to put his sweater back on just yet.

Lars went to his room and looked in the mirror. The scars just below his bandaged nipples were still fresh, but healing, even if slowly. His chest mostly felt numb and any movement by his arms seemed dangerous. But it was all worth it. Every penny he saved from working at the donut shop had been put to good use. Lars smiled at his reflection. "I'm a cool guy," he told himself with confidence.

His attention was broken from the mirror by the sound of someone knocking on the door. He left his room and opened his front door cautiously, shirt still off, to see that Sadie had come to pay him a visit. He was immediately embarrassed about being seen topless by Sadie and shut the door enough to cover most of his body.

"Sadie, I didn't know you were coming over," he said through the door. "Sorry I'm not really dressed for visitors."

"It's okay, I brought you something. You don't have to put on a shirt if you don't want." Sadie smiled politely even though Lars couldn't see. "I don't think you should be on your feet too much anyway right now."

Lars thought for a second then reopened the door for Sadie to enter. She had a Tupperware container in her hand and she set it on the coffee table. "I brought you some cookies. How are you feeling?" Sadie asked.

"I…I feel good. I feel really good." Lars blushed and looked down at his flat chest. "Thank you Sadie. For the cookies I mean." Sadie motioned for him to sit on the couch and he obeyed.

"It's okay, I just want you to feel better. Just sit down and relax. What needs to be done around the house?" Sadie looked over at a collection of dirty dishes beside the sink. After handing Lars a cookie, she went to the kitchen and began to wash. Lars watched with wonder. A few minutes later Sadie returned, a glass of water in hand. "You need to stay rested and drink plenty of water. Don't push yourself too hard. It's important for you to heal properly. What would The Big Donut do without you?" Lars hoped she meant What would I do without you? She laughed a little then sighed softly. "Well, Lars. I really hope you heal soon. I'm on my way to work now. Be careful okay? I'll stop back by after I'm off and maybe I can cook you something."

Sadie stood from where she had sat down beside Lars and made her way to the door. "Sadie?" Lars called. "Thank you a lot. Really. You've always been there for me and I really appreciate it even if it seems like I don't."

"That's what best friends are for." She smiled and walked out.

A few minutes passed and Lars hadn't moved yet. "How on earth am I supposed to eat two dozen cookies all by myself?" Lars asked himself, looking at the container brimming with chocolate chip desserts.