The 10 yearl-old paled a bit more than usual at the news.  Going away?  What did that even mean?  Out of the Science Department?  Out of the Tower?  She was on the verge of tears already, so he bit his back and forced a smile as he held her and stroked a hand through her long brown locks.<br/><br/>"It's okay, Teri.. you're probably gonna go somewhere really fun and make lots more friends," Lucien replied, "And guess what?  I'm getting a procedure done tomorrow to make me all better.  So, maybe the Professor will let me come visit you sometimes."  As he said this, though, he couldn't stop a tear from rolling down his cheek and quickly wiped it away.<br/><br/>"You know what we're gonna do?" Lucien asked, lifting her off him so they were facing each other on their knees, holding up his pinky, "We're make a promise.  No matter where we go or what we do, we'll always be friends forever."