White the Cursed

11 - Why, part 2

''Jack.''

A familiar voice. A familiar laugh. His sister's.

A light feeling. Like floating. No more pain. No more cold. No more heat either. He was feeling good. He was feeling... at peace. At last.

''Jack, wake up.''

Faint prickles bothered his eyes, like when one is too tired to stay awake. Or when one is about to wake up. He tried to open his eyes, but his eyelids were too heavy, his mind too foggy.

''Everything's gonna be okay. You can wake up, now.''

''Emma...'' He whispered.

A throbbing pain filled his throat and made him cough. His whole body shook as the pain didn't want to subdue. A warm hand came to rest on his nape, gently rising his head. Disoriented, he didn't fight back, and soon the border of a bowl pressed against his lips, fresh liquid brushing against his skin. He tried to hold back his cough and opened his mouth to let in this fresh water. It soothed the throbbing, but only inside of his throat. His skin was burning, especially under the jaw.

He coughed again and tried once more to open his eyes. His vision was so blurry he couldn't make out anything. His ears buzzed as voices spoke around him.

''Jack ? Jack, can you hear me ?''

He blinked laborously, trying to see better, but it didn't help. Soon his eyelids dropped back, the warmth around him dissipating as he lost consciousness.

''Jack, get down from here, you're gonna fall and get hurt.''

''Not at all, look ! Hop, without the hands !''

''Ha ha, you're ridiculous. Look like a monkey.''

''What are you talking about ? Have you ever seen a monkey that handsome ?''

''Ha, silly !''

''That's how you love me, Em' !''

''I tolerate you, you mean. I'm forced to since we live in the same house.''

''Ouch, now you wound me. And here you were yesterday, saying I'm the best big brother ever.''

''I never said that.''

''Did too. You can't take it back.''

''You can't prove it, Jack.''

''Don't challenge me, kiddo.''

''I'm not afraid of you, trickster !''

''Okay, war is on. Brace yourself because I'm coming with my ultimate weapon... the tickles !''

''No, Jack, not the tickles ! Hahaha !''

''Say you're sorry, then. Say I'm the best big brother ever.''

''No, haha ! I'm not- Hahaha ! I won't give up !''

''It's up to you. Just know I can do that all day long.''

''Ok- Hahaha ! Okay, okay ! You're the best brother ever !''

''And you're the best sister ever.''

''I'm just the best.''

''But not humble, visibly.''

''Look who's talking !''

''Hum... Okay, you got me on this one.''

''I always win, you should now that by now.''