Andy's Apple Farm: Dolce's Game

CHAPTER 9: DREAMS & NIGHTMARES (pt. 1)

**WARNING: THIS CHAPTER AND THE NEXT ONE WILL TOUCH UPON VERY DARK THEMES SUCH AS NEGLECT, CHILD-ABUSE, RAPE /INCEST (NOTHING EXPLICT WILL BE WRITTEN--ALL IMPLIED) BUT IT'S JUST A HEADS UP FOR THOSE VERY SENSITIVE TO THOSE TOPICS.**

A/N: "**_**" are the present day Dolce's thoughts / narration.

Margret placed a cool damp cloth on Dolce's head while the human (now turned dog-hybrid avatar) slept away in Andy's bed. Her breathing was shallow, and she seemed to be in distress even in her lethargic, slumbering state.

After the incident at the lake, they immediately took Dolce back to Andy's place to rest and changed out of her soaked clothes into something more comfortable.

"You'll be okay soon Dolce..." Margret quietly assured to Dolce and herself (a little.)

"How's she doing?" Andy asked entering the room, carrying a basin of water.

"She's settled down for now, but the poor girl's fever is still quite high. It's hard to give her any medicine while she's like this..." Margret said turning to face him before looking back at Dolce's unconscious form. "I wonder what could've caused the girl to have such a 'Fit.'"

"I don't know..." he replied placing the basin down on the nightstand. "Lately it's been happening more and more often. Especially at night...I never said anything to her, but I can hear her being tormented by something in her sleep. But her 'Fits' were never as extreme as what we saw by the lakeside."

"I worry Andy. As much as I do want the child to regain her memories...I hate to see them returned if it's at her expense..."

"I know Margret, me too..." he nodded, patting her back.

"Is there anything else you want me to do Andy? I can stay with her if you'd like."

"It's alright Margret. You've done plenty to help already. I appreciate it. You can head home if you want."

"I've packed the leftover stew we had at lunch. Give it to Dolce when she wakes will you?"

"Of course."

Margret picked up her tote and started to walk out the room, but not before stopping to glance back at Dolce.

Andy took a seat next to the bed and removed the cloth (which had quickly become dry) from Dolce's forehead to re-dip it into the cool water before placing it back on her. He turned back to Margret, sending her a reassuring wave as a send-off.

Margret couldn't help but worry but she knew just as well that Dolce will be in good hands with Andy's care.

She finally left, closing the bedroom door behind her.

Andy turned himself around in his chair, now focused solely on Dolce. By now her breathing had quieted down and she wasn't in much visible pain.

"Come on Dolce...You've got to get through this...Please, wake up..." Andy softly pleaded.

Dolce's shut eyes tensed as she slept...Lost in a sea of dreams and fractured memories...

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"Dolce, how come you never want to go home?" a young girl's voice was heard asking a young 12 year old Dolce.

"It's more fun hanging out with you and Louis, Izzy. You feel the same way too with me, right...?" Dolce curiously inquired.

**I could never bring myself to tell anyone...**

**It was none of their business...But even then I could never burden them with the truth for all they've done for me...**