The Trials and Tribulations of a so-called Trouble Teen

Chapter 54 - 27

I had a lot of nightmares last night, but not just any kind of nightmare, I was having nightmares about litter and rubbish bins for some strange reason. I was fueled with anxiety about how much people just seem to completely disregard the planet's wellbeing and just toss their rubbish straight from their pockets onto the ground. It's the lack of respect for me. It makes me wonder what people have been taught about litter growing up. Probably nothing. They were only taught disrespect. Perchance it's the Wombles rubbing off on me. Womble up the rubbish and put it in the bin. Is it hard to keep your litter on you until you find a bin? Rubbish being road dumped bugs me too. Why, just why?

I should probably try and get more sleep though, it's only around 5am...

//

M: [comes into room] Good morning baby! [closes door and sets tray on table]

E: [looks up]

M: [sits on bed] How are you feeling today? [reaches for thermometer]

E: [quiet]

M: What's the matter? [takes Evin's temperature] Bad dreams again?

E: [nods]

M: [sighs] Just remember they're not real Evin, I'll be here to take care of you. [reads temperature] You're still over 38. Lucky for you I brought some cold foods. Some yogurt, some berries, some juice. Something to keep your little belly full. [stands up] Come on, sit up.

E: [sits up unwillingly]

M: [lifts tray from table and sits opposite on bed] Time to get something into you. [kisses forehead] Your grandmother picked this yogurt up this morning when she went to the market so it's very fresh. We should definitely go sometime, shouldn't we? [mixes yogurt and berries] Come on now. [feeds Evin]

E: [reluctantly eats]

M: That's a good kid. I've outlined today around you still not feeling the best. We'll spend the afternoon doing what we can to lower your temperature, before giving your hair a good scrub and revitalisation in the evening. Afterwards we can watch some telly. Of course, I'll make sure you're routinely getting the medication you need to take to get better throughout the day, I don't want you to feel any worse than you do right now. Unless, of course, you want me to? [raises eyebrow]

E: [shakes head]

M: [stroking hair] Okay, we can play nice today. I won't hit you unless you make me really angry. [kisses forehead] Last few bites then you'll be done, come on now.

E: [reaches for drink]

M: [takes spoon out of mouth] There.

E: [drinks juice]

M: [continues feeding Evin] Come on now, that's it, there ya go. [places bowl on tray]

E: [suddenly wakes up and looks around room] My god. [sighs]

M: [wakes up] Evin? What's wrong?

E: [afraid] Tell me you're never going to force feed me.

M: [confused] What? [turns on bedside lamp] Evin are you okay? [reaches for thermometer]

E: [shakes head] I don't know.

M: I think it's just the fever dreams getting to you. [turns thermometer on] Open wide.

E: [takes thermometer]

M: [looks at time] It's 8, we could probably take advantage of starting today earlier. [reads thermometer] You're still around 38. Do you feel stressed?