The Illusions of Change (Gustholomule)

9: The Crystal Café

(1407 words)

~Gus POV:

I stood in the doorway and waved to Matt as he started walking home, then I went back inside and my face became beet red. I just cuddled with Matt. Did that really just happen?! I wasn't mad, I just felt, happy? There weren't any good words to describe how I felt. I let out a little, excited squeal and shook my hands a little as a stood in the entryway. I went back to our spot on the couch and laid down, covering my face with the blanket as I processed what happened. Soon I heard a PING! from my scroll and opened it.

<Goodnight 💙> Matt had sent.

I blushed and smiled.

<Goodnight 🤎> I replied.

I laid there on the couch and thought about Matt, but I was interrupted by the stuffy nose neglecting me the ability to breathe. A wave of annoyance washed over me and I blew my nose a few times, tossing the 3 used tissues into the kitchen trash. I grabbed some of the medicine dad got me from the counter and took the suggested amount. I walked up the stairs, straining as I tried to drag my blanket up with me. When I reached my bed I face-planted in it, exhausted and promptly fell asleep, forgetting to turn the lights off.

[The next morning]

I woke up in my bed, tucked in, lights off, and sun peeking through the window.

"Thanks Dad," I said softly with a smile.

I got out of bed and rubbed my eyes a little. I was feeling a lot better than yesterday! Which was lucky for me cause Matt and I were supposed to go to the Graveyard today! Sure, my nose was still a little stuffy, but my sore throat was completely gone! I excitedly pulled out my scroll, it was 11:04 and there was a little notification icon on the screen. I clicked on it and a message from Matt showed up!

<Good Morning! Are you feeling any better?>

<I'm feeling pretty great! Still have a little bit of a stuffy nose tho. We still on for noon at the graveyard?> I reply.

<Yup! Wanna go to a café after? On me (; > He sent.

<Sure! See you at noon 🤎>

<See ya! 💙>

I proceeded to roll out of bed and shower, get dressed, and get ready for the day. Quickly, I ran downstairs, skipping a few steps and almost falling at the end, but catching myself before I did. I grabbed a piece of toast and headed out the door, checking my watch. It was 11:46! I rushed towards our meeting place and turned the corner to see Matt, already there, fidgeting with his hands. I rushed up to him.

"Sorry, I'm a little late," I say, breathless, leaning over.

"It's alright," I heard him laugh.

I took a few deep breaths and we began walking towards the graveyard.

"Do you have any ideas for this time?" Matt piped up.

"Mmm, not really. You?" I replied, a little sheepish.

"Kinda, I'm not sure if it's possible though..." He trailed off.

"Hit me with it."

"Well, you know how Ed and Em have cloaking stones that they use sometimes? I was thinking we could make something like that, but for the graveyard. It's kind of a dumb idea. Probably wouldn't work."

"No no. That's a good thought. If we place a few cloaking stones around the perimeter, we might be able to connect them or something to cast an illusion over the graveyard."