It was late at night and Hawkeye is sitting at the bar while looking at his very tasteless pretzel.
He had taken a couple of nibbles from that thing, but he wasn't sure it even was a pretzel, it at least didn't taste like one. Tapping it against the bar sounded like a hammer hitting a nail. How that was possible he didn't know, but army food was a mystery at best.
Francis was playing a happy tune on the piano while Radar and Kellye danced together. Klinger was wearing a sparkly nightgown and smoked a big cigar. He poured Hawkeye his drink.
“Ah! This mad gay nightlife.”
Hawkeye said before taking a sip and sighing. He was so bored right now, but no wounded is a good thing.
So at least things were going well, even Chris calmed down. The child didn't have that many nightmares this week, a couple of days ago the child woke up screaming, it was the first time in almost two weeks, besides several smaller bad dreams. But he was improving.
He was doing great with his schoolwork as well, even with his math. After Hawkeye had to punish the boy for not doing his work, he checked every day if Chris indeed did his schoolwork. And after a couple of weeks, he started to check only weekly.
Which had a rough start as Chris started lying again about his math on the third day. Hawkeye found out that he needed to make eye contact with the boy, when he wanted a straight answer, he could read Chris like a book, and it was pretty clear if he was lying. But if Chris looked away he could sound very sincere, and if you looked him in the eye he got so nervous he started stuttering.
Klinger cleared his throat, pulling Hawkeye's attention to him. He motions with his head towards the door, where Hawkeye saw Chris standing, the child wiped his cheeks with his sleeve and looked frightened. Radar said something to the boy, looking worried, but Chris just shook his head as he searched for Hawkeye.
Hawkeye stood up a little and Chris instantly saw him. The boy ran over and collided with the man as he grabbed his dad's waist and sobbed. Making Hawkeye almost fall backward over the bar stool, but he held on just in time. Making Klinger snicker.
Hawkeye pulled his son closer to his chest. He rubbed his back and held him tightly. "I'm right here," Hawkeye said softly and kissed his son's head. “Bad dream?”
Chris just nodded silently, tears running down his face. He hated those dreams! They were so scary, and he always woke up feeling like everyone died and he was all alone.
The child let out a miserable sob, which broke Hawkeye's heart. “Come on then, we'll get you back to bed, I will tell you a story.”
Hawkeye guided Chris out of the bar, passing a worried Radar.
The doctor quickly gave the clerk a thumbs up before they left, it was going to be alright, Chris just needed some comfort and reassurance.
The child was sweaty and still trembling as he held on to his dad, making walking difficult.
“You wanna shower first?” Chris shook his head. “Something to drink?“ Chris just sobbed. ”Okay, back to bed it is.” Hawkeye said gently. It was about time for him to go to bed anyway.
They entered the Swamp and Hawkeye sat down to remove his shoes, but Chris grabbed the man around the neck and sniffled.
“Really? I have to become an acrobat to remove my shoes this way.”Hawkeye said laughing. He placed a hand on top of his son’s head and caressed it softly.
Chris let out a sad sob but took a step back to give his dad some room.
With his shoes off, Hawkeye got up, and climbed into bed, Chris was waiting for this moment as he quickly climbed in and snuggled close next to him.
Chris needed this story, to think about something other than that horrid dream. He needed to feel safe again, and right now his dad could do that. He needed that feeling of dread to disappear.
“Okay, let me think,” Hawkeye said thinking about which story to tell.
“Did I ever tell you the story about when I convinced your grandpa to take me shopping, I was sixteen at that moment and I wasn't allowed to drive on my own after I crashed the car.”
Chris gave a small sniffle and wiped his eyes, before snuggling close again.
“It was just a scratch! Barely a dent at all. But grandpa was not happy at all.” Hawkeye always told stories about his father and always referred to him as grandpa, this way Chris would know the man as grandpa as they met.
Hawkeye crossed his legs, one arm behind his head and the other around Chris. Chris thankfully stopped crying, and now he looked really tired. His eyes kept falling shut.
“You see, I was trying to impress this beautiful girl. I think her name was Stacy or Mandy…something like that.”
Chris yawned deeply as his dad soothed him by pulling him closer, he felt his fear drain away as he listened to the voice of his dad. He felt safe, his dad was here and everything was okay.
“Do you know how embarrassing it is to be driven to your date by your father? ” Hawkeye laughed softly. “You will probably find that out for yourself, especially if you crash the car.”
Chris let out a tired chuckle as Hawkeye playfully nudged him.
“I was telling her how great she looked and everything. She had red hair with these really cute bangs that framed her face.” Hawkeye smiled to himself, thinking about it for a minute.
Hawkeye heard Chris's breathing get deeper, meaning his kid was almost asleep. He gently brushed over the child's head as he continued the story. Trying to sound gentle and happy and confident at the same time.
“I was a real smooth talker, or at least I thought I was, but your grandpa kept snickering in the background. He was a real sport about giving us our space but that man got a great hearing and kept laughing at me. I tell you, that man got ears like a bat!”
Hawkeye grinned, “Not the actual ears of course,” He looked at his son and saw Chris had fallen asleep.
The child looked so peaceful right now, he hoped that he would stay like this for a while, Chris needed his rest.
He gently lifted the boy and moved him over to his bed. Chris made a disapproving groan but didn't wake up. He placed a pillow under the little one's head, the blond hair sticking out in several directions.
He felt a tug in his heart, a feeling that made him smile, he reached out to run fingers through the kid’s hair putting it back into shape. He got undressed and laid down again before drifting off to sleep, thinking about that girl.
The next morning was warm, sunny, and quiet as well, Chris helped Radar with his mail round before breakfast. It would count as his chore today. He also helped feed Radar's animals this morning, but that didn't count as a chore, even though Chris thought it should count as one, his dad refused.
Chris didn't mind, and he liked delivering the mail, he liked hanging out with Radar, this way they could talk and he could check up on people, making sure they are okay.
Radar seemed in a very good mood today, he was telling about his mother, her birthday was coming up and the two were debating what she would like as a present.
Chris asked if he could write a letter to her instead of buying something, he didn't have any money but he still wanted to say hi. She was the one who bought Wally, and the bunny was perfect! So he wanted to thank her for it, and wish her a happy birthday. Maybe she would like a drawing or a story.
“Ohh she'll love that! Of course you can write, I could just send it to her along with her present if I can find one.” The clerk replied happily, he handed Chris a couple of letters to deliver to Francis, while he would deliver to Margeret. For some reason, Radar always wanted to deliver to the nurses personally, and Chris just couldn't figure out why. He didn't mind of course, as he was just happy he could help.
Chris knocked and waited for the “come in,” before he entered.
Francis got a gentle smile as he saw the child.
“I got some letters for you,” Chris said with excitement.
“My my, well, thank you, Chris! Much appreciated.” The priest collected the letters with a smile and looked them over. “Ahh this one is from my sister”
“Which one?” Chris asked with curiosity.
Francis got a big smile and happily told him about his sister. Chris wanted to listen but Francis kept on going, and he didn't have time right now.
“I-I'm sorry, but I c-can't stay any longer, I've got to d-deliver these.” The boy said. Rejecting people was so difficult, and he liked The Priest, and his stories. He was a great storyteller. But Radar was counting on him, and he couldn't let his friend down.
“Of course, you go along then… and thank you for these.” The priest said with a gentle smile. He knew that if Chris stuttered, the child was nervous and he didn't want the boy to feel bad about not being able to stay.
“Maybe we'll meet for breakfast,” Francis added.
Chris got a huge smile and nodded before he left. He hoped Radar wouldn't already be waiting for him, but he thankfully arrived before Radar did. He waited a couple of seconds before he heard a commotion at Margaret's tent.
It was a couple of tents away from where the boy stood, but he had a clear vision of the front door as a nervous Radar rushed out, the man waving around wildly while going in circles, trying to wrestle free from Margeret's stockings. It took a couple of tries but he managed to break free and quickly threw them back inside Margaret's tent.
Chris giggled as a nervous Radar joined him.
“Boy! She was screaming and everything! ” The clerk said as he composed himself and handed Chris the mail for Klinger.
They split up again and Chris headed to Klinger's tent and knocked.
"Come in." He heard Klinger call from inside. Chris opened the door and went into the tent where he saw Klinger in front of his desk painting his nails.
Klinger looked up. “Heya kid! How are you?” He asked and Chris smiled at him before answering.
“Pretty good. I brought your mail.” He said as Klinger gave him a big smile.
“Great kid! You can put them over there, I've just done my nails.” Klinger moved with his head towards his cot. “I can't ruin them now!”
Chris put the mail carefully and neatly on the cot and moved over to Klinger.
His nails are a light pink color, which Chris liked. “I love your nails, it's a nice color.”
The boy looked through the man's nail polish collection, he liked most colors, although he wasn't a fan of the weird pale green color.
“Can you show me how to do my nails?” the boy asked hopefully but got a strange look back from Klinger.
“Oh no, you don't want that! Boys don't wear nail polish.” Klinger replied.
Chris looked at the man confused “B-but you w-wear it,” He was getting nervous, the look the man gave him made him a bit scared, he didn't understand what Klinger meant.
“Yes but I'm trying to make people believe I'm crazy by doing that. You see, it's not normal for a boy to wear nail polish. Or wear female clothes.” Klinger looked at him confused, “Didn't you know that?”
“Ohh” Chris managed to get out softly. He felt his face burn, and his panic rise, he tried to push it down and not give in to his need to flee, did this mean he wasn't normal? His body filled with fear.
He tried to stay calm and not act like a terrified baby but everything felt too much. He could hear the loud beating of his heart and the sound of his breathing. He wanted to cry, scream, and run away. He would love the bright colors on his nails, and he liked most of Klinger's clothes.
Why didn't he realize? Was he that stupid? He thought Klinger was just trying to seem crazy by wearing a lot of colors, he didn't know men normally didn't wear that.
He didn't even know those were female clothes, they just were different to him, Korean women didn't wear that. But now as he thought about it, it did make a lot of sense. He'd seen the nurses dress up in stuff like that also.
“I'll b-better get b-back to help Radar. ” Chris managed to get out before he quickly left, losing his battle against his urge to flee. He heard a “See yah” before the door closed behind him.
Outside Chris took a couple of minutes to calm down a bit, he was still trembling slightly when he found his way back to Radar who happily handed Chris the mail for the Swamp, meaning he was done with his work. Chris gave a shakily smile back.
He mentally debated if he should ask his friend about the nail polish but he was very afraid of how his friend would react, he didn't think he could handle the same strange look from Radar. Radar was his best friend! He wouldn't want him to think that he was crazy. Or stupid for not knowing.
Radar thanked Chris for helping before the clerk left to continue his work.
Chris entered the Swamp and handed over the mail to the two doctors. BJ was very happy he had four letters from his wife, and Hawkeye was thrilled with his nudist magazine and the Crabapple cove courier.
“Oh boy!” Hawkeye said as he gave Chris a quick hug and looked over his magazine, “It's the sports edition!” He sat in his lounge chair, wearing his red bathrobe, a big playful grin on his face as he looked his magazine over.
Chris put Frank's mail on the man's cot in a neat pile and sighed, he walked back and leaned against his dad, getting the attention of the man as Hawkeye looked at the sullen child.
His kid looked miserable and a bit pale, Hawkeye thought as he put his hand on the boy's face, feeling his temperature “Are you feeling okay?” he asked with concern.
Chris just shrugged, he felt sad and confused. But he couldn't ask his dad while BJ was here, he didn't even know if he could ask about it at all.
“Not hurting anywhere?” Hawkeye tried again but Chris shook his head. He didn't feel warm, but maybe that would still happen, Hawkeye thought. He tried to soothe the boy by caressing his back, trying to get him calmed down. He seemed just very sad about something, his eyes were glossy, and his breath hitched a couple of times, Hawkeye knew his kid was fighting back tears.
"You okay? You can talk to me. Are you upset about something?"
And when Chris started sniffling and looking up at him, he knew he was right.
"I mean it! You can tell me anything...," said Hawkeye as he put an arm around Chris' shoulder and pulled him close.
BJ told them he was taking a shower and left, Hawkeye smiled, BJ was such a good friend for knowing what they needed. He never minded taking a walk around the camp if he or Chris needed their privacy
Chris started sobbing, now that they were finally alone, he couldn't hold back any longer. He didn't even know how to say it, how to ask if he was normal.
Hawkeye just pulled him close in an embrace, he put Chris's arms around his neck and the young boy held on to him as his body shook from the sobs. He knew Chris was too upset to talk at the moment, Hawkeye felt like he could do nothing but hug his son until the tears had dried up.
"What's wrong? Kiddo?" He whispered into the blonde hair.
"I… I…" The smaller boy struggled to get the words out, he was trying hard not to cry so much but it was difficult, he looked up at his dad through red teary eyes and tried again, he sniffled and managed to find his small voice.
"I-I-I like K-K-Klinger's clothes, and he s-s-said, boys don't w-wear or w-want t-t-those clothes… I-it's not normal?" It was barely audible and difficult to understand with the nervous stutter, but Hawkeye heard it well enough.
“Ohh kiddo, is that all?” Hawkeye said, trying to make it seem unimportant, he knew Chris was a bit confused about the clothes, and it wasn't a big deal.
“I know you like those, and I know for a fact that you're normal! ”
He stroked the boy's hair until his cries turned into quiet hiccups.
"R-really?"
“Yeah, you are just a bit confused because you like the bright colors, you don't know any better, and Klinger's clothes are colorful. Yes, they're girl clothes, but back in Maine, you got colorful boy clothes as well. It's all green and dull here so I think it's normal to like the colors.
Chris looked up at his dad, it did sound logical. Maybe he wasn't crazy or strange after all but just confused. “I didn't even know those were girl clothes,” he added, his voice small and still a bit shaky.
“You see! ” Hawkeye said with full confidence, like that proves his point. “You didn't know because Klinger was the one wearing them. He dresses up even more than the nurses! And he is a man, a very hairy one at that.”
He looked into Chris's eyes as he said “So you're just a normal kid. As normal as anyone can be.” he tried to sound confident, he was dad, and Chris needed a lot of reassurance.
Even though he knew that the panic attacks and nightmares weren't normal for a ten-year-old, Chris was a bit feminine as well, the way he moved, but maybe that was because he spent some time at that brothel. Those ladies were nicer to him than the killers and, understandably, he could have copied their movement and behavior a little.
But he didn't care about any of that, Chris was traumatized, confused, and just a bit different. Hawkeye will make sure, Chris had a happy childhood, and his kid would never feel like he was weird. He's been through enough and it didn't matter if Chris was a bit strange. Being different was normal for what Chris went through.
He looked at his scared, sad and insecure child as he said with confidence. “You're definitely not the craziest person here. Do you really think you are crazier than I? I invented being crazy! The moment I was born, the doctor turned to the nurse and said, well this kid is crazy! Believe me! Between all the personnel here on the 4077th, you are one of the most normal ones here!”
He playfully tickled Chris a bit, he only did the tickling for a couple of seconds, as Chris could get very upset about it if he went on too long. It still scared him, or maybe he was scared of the sounds he makes, either way, Chris didn't like it much.
Chris let out a sad giggle, he knew his dad was joking, and he seemed very sure about him not being weird or crazy. His dad would know stuff like this right?
“S-so there are nice boy clothes in Maine? Colorful ones?”
“Yeah, of course, they just don't have a lot of options here.” Hawkeye knew it wasn't the same, but he hoped he was right about Chris being confused. Chris was way too young to worry about stuff like that. Being weird was the least of his worries.
Chris sighed relieved, he felt a lot better. His dad thought he was fine and that was all that mattered. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, hoping he was done with crying for today.
“You're feeling better?” Hawkeye asked. Chris nodded but still seemed too deep in thought. “Dad? ” he started. “Do they have boy nail polish in the US?”
“No, I'm sorry kiddo, nail polish is only for girls.” Hawkeye couldn't hide his surprise quickly enough with that one, and he had to admit that it was a bit weird for a boy to even think about that. And it worried him a bit, but Chris was way too young to understand why it was odd for a boy to be wanting to wear nail polish.
Chris got bright red and started apologizing. He saw the confusion and wished he just kept his mouth shut.
“Hey, it's okay” Hawkeye quickly said as he saw Chris's eyes get wet again. He put his hand on the blond hair and said. “I promise. This is just stuff you don't know yet, you're learning. And even if you are a bit odd, I won't mind at all as I'm still the craziest! ”
Chris nodded even though he still got the feeling that he was missing something.
Hawkeye gave him a quick kiss on his forehead before he asked if Chris was ready for breakfast. Chris nodded, he felt better, maybe he just needed to stop thinking about it.
He cheered up a bit during breakfast, Francis told him and the doctors about his sister who was coaching the girl's baseball team. Chris was delighted as he stocked the man with questions.
Breakfast was short-lived as the intercom declared incoming wounded.
Everyone jumped up and quickly dumped their food before running out. Hawkeye quickly said goodbye to Chris and told him to behave, before he left, the mess hall was completely empty in minutes.
Chris sighed, sometimes he really hated this, it was always so sudden.
With everyone busy, he didn't have much to do besides his work, playing with something, or writing something. 'Ohh I could write that letter to Radar's mom!' He thought as he walked to the Swamp.
The letter took about half an hour, he didn't know what to write after he thanked her so much for the little bunny, explaining Wally meant a lot to him. He even drew a little bunny next to it. He wasn't very good at drawing but he just felt like it. He felt light and a bit relieved after his talk with his dad this morning and it made him giddy.
He decided to just write about what he and Radar did together, he told her about how Radar lets him help with the animals and read comic books together and he even wrote about the work they did together. Making little doodles next to the text of the animals and a little comic book.
Radar was his best friend and he wanted his mom to like him, even though they never met each other. He even tried to draw Radar but it ended up being some kind of stick figure with glasses, holding a bugle.
He decided he was done and neatly folded the letter and put it in his trunk. He looked at the inside of this debating what he will do next, he really wanted to play, but he needed his math done also.
He sighed and grumbled softly as he took his math book and glared at it. He will do his work but he wouldn't like it. If he finished it now, he wouldn't have to look at it for days!
He decided to study in Radar's office, if he was close he could still see his dad, and maybe he could even help out a little, or at least talk a little. He walked over and put his stuff on the desk. It was very busy and people kept walking past him, no time to talk.
He worked for a while and was a bit proud he almost finished, except for one chapter. He did two chapters in less than an hour. That must be good!
But he didn't understand some big words from the last chapter and everyone was too busy to help. He only had trouble with the very big words, most words he knew. When the clerk walked by he quickly asked if Radar had time to help but the man told him was too busy. The clerk walked past several times this hour but every time said he was too busy to help.
Next, he tried Klinger, he was still a bit nervous about what happened this morning, but he needed help, he couldn't finish without knowing what those words mean. So he tried but Klinger just said “Haven't got time, Kid.” as he rushed by.
Chris sighed feeling slightly annoyed. What should he do now?
He decided to scrub up and go to O.R to ask his dad. Putting his mask straight, which was way too big for him. He walked into the O.R.
Hawkeye saw Chris enter and head his way, he looked his kid over briefly and was glad the boy didn't look too upset.
“Papa?” the small voice asked.
“Yello!” Hawkeye responded happily.
Chris explained he didn't understand some words in his schoolwork and everyone was too busy to help. He didn't want to bother his dad but if he could have just a few minutes, he could finish his work and would be so much happier if he could just play. Then he didn't have to do his math for a whole week.
Hawkeye made a couple of jokes, he even sang loudly asking if there was a tutor in the house until he noticed Chris didn't find it funny. The boy looked at him frowning and seemed to be ready for a tantrum
“I'm only joking! Don't hate your dad because he thinks he's funny.”
“Dad! It's not funny!” Chris whined as he looked at his dad, his frown was deeper and he almost stomped his foot.
Hawkeye almost snickered at the behavior even though he shouldn't find it so funny. “Geez, I'm sorry! Okay heh… did you ask everyone?”
Chris nodded, looking a bit sad.
“I know people who aren't busy and are probably even bored at the moment. Why not ask some of the patients? They are just resting, some must be able to help.”
Chris looked at his dad nervously, he thought about it, but he was a bit nervous.
“B-but I don't k-k-know those people,” he asked, nervously fiddling with his scrubs.
“So? ” His dad replied, “Then this is your chance to get to know them.”
Hawkeye looked at the fear-struck look of his child, and he quickly added.“But if you're too shy, you can also finish your work tomorrow? I won't get mad, I promise ”
“B-but I want to do it now,” Chris said sadly, knowing his dad wouldn't get upset with him, made him feel a bit better, but he just wanted help from the man.
“Then you'll have to ask for help from people you don't know yet, sorry Kiddo, but I'm a bit busy,” Hawkeye said, he was removing a big piece of shrapnel and even though he hated the fact he couldn't help his son with his schoolwork, he needed to give this man priority, the literally dying and such.
Chris just nodded sadly and left, he removed the mask and put the doctor's clothes away.
He walked back to the clerk's office and looked over his work with sadness. He was almost finished for the WHOLE week, he didn't want to do it tomorrow.
He sighed as he thought about asking some of the patients, most were asleep, but there were a couple of them with minor injuries, who seemed awake and very bored. It was a very good idea, but it scared him. A lot! His dad wasn't there to help or reassure him. He didn't know these guys, what if they are mean like Frank?
He knew they couldn't hurt him, they were all injured in some way or another. Again he looked at his work, he was so close to days without his math, only about two pages!
He sighed deeply as he tried to find his courage and bravery. He took his book and pencil and carefully walked to the Post-Op.
Some soldiers stopped talking when the small child entered. Chris stood there for a couple of seconds, he was trembling and quickly wiped his hands on his shirt, one at a time as he had to hold his book and pencil.
A young man around the age of twenty smiled at him. “Heya kid! What is a kid like you doing here?” His smile and gray eyes were gentle but Chris still felt his heartbeat speed up.
He took a big breath as he collected his strength and pushed his fear down and started forming a sentence.
“I-I-I-I am C-Chris a-and I h-hope…” His voice was barely audible but apparently, he did reach a couple of beds as someone in the back spoke up, interrupting the child as he said.
“Ohh geez, are you stupid or something, learn to speak!”
Chris's mouth closed immediately as he felt tears sprung up in his eyes. The trembling got twice as worse and he sniffled back the tears, his fear took over his mind, telling him the soldier was right and he was stupid, the soldier was an adult and adults know how life works, so he must be right!
“Shut it! Will yah! You're making the kid cry! He's only like nine or ten or something. ” The soldier closest to the boy yelled back at the one commenting.
“I don't give a damn who you think he is.” The other replied, raising his voice too much, making Chris flinch back. The child whimpered, feeling his heart break inside. Tears started pouring down his cheeks but no sound came out. He wanted to go home, away from these people, but he was also scared to move.
“Come on! He's just shy!”
The other man grumbled something back but Chris couldn't hear it.
The soldier turned towards Chris again and smiled gently.
“You don't have to cry, that guy is just a dunderhead, so don't mind him.”
Chris looked at him as he tried to keep his emotions under control, the man looked nice.
“Did you want to ask something? Or do you need anything?” He beckoned the boy to come closer.
First Chris did a step back, but as he started to calm down he started to think about it. His fear got less, as the other man had stopped screaming, but he still felt himself tremble.
The nice-looking soldier seemed harmless, his leg was broken, so he could easily run away if the man got mean. He collected his courage and stepped closer.
The soldier smiled wider as he said. “Good thing you're here kid! I was bored out of my mind. So what can I do for you?”
Chris sniffed as he wiped away the last of his tears.
“I-I-I need h-help w-w-with my s-s-schoolwork,” he said, he tried to stop his stutter but he just couldn't.
“Schoolwork? Which one? I'm not a genius or anything...”
“We know you're not!” someone yelled back laughing.
“but I think I can handle some kid's homework.” the soldier said, ignoring the joke.
The boy sighed relieved as he showed the man his work, he stayed a safe distance away from the man and tried to explain the words he didn't understand. His stutter was a bit better, as he felt a bit calmer, but the trembling made his voice shaky.
The soldier didn't seem to mind as he looked the work over.
“Ohh I think I remember doing this with my younger brother, he's around your age, maybe older.”
Chris got a smile as the soldier introduced himself as Richard and started talking about his family. Chris's trembling stopped finally as the man talked and he felt himself calm down.
That made talking a bit easier as he bravely told Richard about his dad and a bit about his life here, he told him that his dad and friends were too busy right now and that he didn't understand English that well yet.
His work was finished quickly, but instead of playing he kept talking with the soldier. Richard was very nice and he had a lot of fun listening to the stories the man told him.
Radar found him some hours later and delivered some food, he told Chris his dad wouldn't be able to eat together with him as more casualties were expected.
At the disappointed look from the young boy, Radar quickly added.
“You can also eat here if you like, that way, you wouldn't have to eat alone. Nobody would mind, I don't think anyone would notice anyway.”
Chris just nodded and accepted the tray. He would rather want his dad to notice.
Radar shrugged with a happy smile before he left.
The boy looked at his food, feeling a bit sorry for himself, he realized that he sat way closer to the soldier than before as Richard quickly snatched away one of his potatoes. Chris's mouth fell open as he saw his potato disappear into the man's mouth. Who does that?
Richard burst into laughter at the look of indignation from the child. Making Chris snicker as well.
He was very glad he stayed and didn't run away, when he wanted to, otherwise he would never have made a new friend.