Chapter Text
Donald didn't know where to go after Daffy broke up with him. His mind kept wandering to Mickey, but Minnie mouse had taken Daffy's side and Mickey was too much of a pushover to disagree. Della and Scrooge were busy adventuring or whatever, and Donald wasn't too keen on being the professors lab rat for a week. Donald was smart enough to know that Bruce would not help him. So that left Goofy. Donald felt a bit sick about that. He hadn't been kind enough to Goofy to expect his help, and didn't he have a kid to take care of now? But Donald was out of options so to Goofy's house he went.
Donald had never knocked at a door so pathetically.
Regardless, the door opened within seconds.
"Hey Donald! Need a place to stay?"
Donald lost his composure. A little. Sure. He wasn't expecting Goofy to ask; or come out in a frilly pink apron, or look so pleased to see him. What was he supposed to do now? The words had all gotten jumbled in his head. What was he supposed to say?
"Yes. I do need a place to stay."
Goofy beamed at him, returning to the stove that Donald fretted he might have distracted Goofy from too long, judging by the slight burning smell. It really was that easy. His stomach twisted. Maybe Daffy was right to l-
"Kiddo! Breakfast's ready!" Goofy yelled upstairs.
Donald watched numbly as Goofy ate breakfast with his kid and drove him to school. He barely got a glance from Goofy's kid, he was probably used to antics. Donald stewed there for a while, he had intruded on Goofy's life and brought that storm cloud Mickey kept talking about with him. Donald didn't notice when Goofy re-entered, only when Goofy crouched down to Donald did he look up.
"Let's talk Donald."
Donald met his eyes with a tinge of dread. Was he finally going to see Goofy mad? Dissapointed even?
Goofy just stood still, Donald realized that he was supposed to do the talking.
"What is there to talk about?"
Goody frowned, but his face was still one of sympathy.
"I'm fine, okay?"
"Well gee Donald... You don't have to be."
Donald held back the tears threatening his eyes, but he knew that he would have to leave his pride behind here.
"Why?" Was all Donald could get out.
"I dunno why Donald, but you have to acknowledge what happened before ya start thinkin about why."
A tear ran down Donalds face.
"Do you think I deserved it, Goofy?"
"I don't know Donald. Do you?"
"I- I- wish she woulda told it to me straight. Now I don't know if it's my problem or compatibility issues or- or hers."
Goofy sighed sagely
"Things are more complicated than that Donald, probbly it's all those and more." He readjusted his apron "Whatcha can do, is you can reflect. Think it over, review and keep the memories close to your heart. Some nights'll be cold, some days'll be lonely, especially at first. Goofy looked at the ceiling vacantly. "It sucks, and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone, but these big changes help strengthen you if ya tough through em, and I'm here for you too. You don't have to be alone." He punctuated himself with a sad smile.
Donald couldn't stop it anymore, he clung to Goofy like he was an oxygen tank and sobbed into his shirt. He would make it through. His friends would be there for him even when he didn't think they would.
It'd be okay.