The Parker Tales: Days of Future Past

Prologue

May slowly knocked on the door.

"Peter?" she called. "Do you want something to eat?"

"I'm alright, May," came a voice from inside the room. It was weak and lethargic, and she had no idea why.

Peter had been tired and withdrawn for the past week. He was always cheerful, or at least trying to be, before that. May was stumped about why this was happening. He reminded her of the patients that had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. He seemed to have just lost the will to live.

May had asked Mary Jane Watson, one of Peter's best friends, about whether she knew what was going on, but MJ insisted that it was alright, and Peter would get better soon. The reassurance, however, didn't stop May from being worried.

May slowly opened the door and entered the room softly. Peter was strewn across the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. He was clad in his sleepwear. Today was a weekend, and he had refused to exit his bed. He was rumpled, and looked like he had been in bed all day. Brown hair clung to his face, wet with what she assumed was sweat. She knew that Peter had been having nightmares over the past few months, and every night he woke from them in sweat and tears.

May took a seat next to him on the bed, and put her hand gently on his forehead. He was cold to the touch, but the sweat made sure of that. She gently brushed the hair out of his face, and he blearily looked at her.

"This isn't healthy, Peter," she crooned. "You've been lying in this bed for over a week! You're weak, you're tired, and the worst part is you won't even talk to me. I want to help you, Peter, but I can only do that if I know what's going on."

Peter quirked his lips. "I'll be fine, May. Don't worry about me. It's just a few nightmares and daydreams. I'll be up and about before you know it."

May was about to answer, but she recognised the expression on his face. She had raised the boy since he was four years old, and knew some of his mannerisms. She knew that he wouldn't say anything more. He was stubborn that way.

"Is this about your friend?"

"No, she's fine, May, don't worry. I'm perfectly fine, just a little sick today."

May sighed heavily. "Alright. I won't pry, but if you aren't getting better soon, I'm going to start looking for help at the hospital. Maybe you need to talk to someone."

Peter just smiled grimly, before resuming his previous activity of watching the roof.May shook her head and walked out of the room. She had no idea what was happening to her nephew, but she didn't like it.

May ate dinner by herself, and checked on Peter again. He was fast asleep now, in the same position as he was the last time. May turned off the light, closed the door, and went over to the master bedroom. The only thought that ran through her head was her nephew.

"I just want to understand, Peter," she whispered, before sleep claimed her.

~~~~

A bright flash woke May up. She shot awake, looking at all sides to see what was going on. Around her on the floor were several people, most of whom she recognised. They were all in various stages of waking up, some half alert, and some warily looking around just like her.The place around them was a large auditorium, with several beanbags, and a large screen on one side. It was definitely built for comfort, something that made the current situation even stranger for May. Who would kidnap them, only to hold them in luxury?

"Uh," came the grunt from next to her. Her neighbour, Anna Watson, rubbed her eyes blearily. She tiredly glanced up, before looking away, only for her eyes to shoot to May again.