INSTITUTION OF THE ILL AND FORGOTTEN

CHAPTER FIVE

Tyler picture ^^^

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(Third Pov)

In the room lay both Skylar and Anthony and at some point, Anthony had also fallen asleep. As Skylar started to wake up, he felt something heavy on him. Surprisingly, he didn't panic when he realized he could move freely. Remembering the events of the day before, Skylar found himself feeling less scared of Anthony and even somewhat safe in his presence. It was the first time in forever that he had slept without experiencing a nightmare, and it felt incredibly nice.

Lost in thought, Skylar found himself staring at Anthony, unaware that Anthony had also awakened from his sleep. Without saying a word, Anthony simply left the boy to his contemplation. While Skylar was lost in thought, Tyler entered the room, but even then, he didn't notice. Tyler cleared his throat, finally bringing Skylar out of his thoughts. Skylar's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he realized he had been caught staring. He quickly averted his gaze, feeling flustered under the scrutiny of both Tyler and Anthony. Clearing his throat nervously, Tyler's interruption finally pulled Skylar out of his reverie.

"Um, good morning," Skylar mumbled, feeling awkward under their amused gazes.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Tyler teased with a grin, while Anthony chuckled softly beside him.

Skylar managed a weak smile in return, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief that his moment of vulnerability hadn't been met with hostility. It was a small comfort in the midst of the uncertainty and fear that still lingered within him.

Skylar breathed a sigh of relief as Anthony finally released him, allowing him to stand and stretch his legs. "Um, can you let me go?" he whispered nervously, feeling a sudden urge to escape the confines of the room.

Anthony hesitated for a moment before relenting, and Skylar wasted no time in making his way towards the bathroom. Tyler observed the interaction between them with a mix of surprise and curiosity. Despite Elijah's explanation of what had transpired the day before, seeing them so close now seemed unexpected.

Inside Skylar's mind, a whirlwind of thoughts raced. He was still grappling with the fear and uncertainty that had consumed him, especially after the recent events. Memories of the nightmare he called living seemed to swirl around him, threatening to engulf him in their chaos. As he left the room, he made a conscious effort to calm his thoughts, reminding himself to keep his distance and that everything would be okay.

Returning from the bathroom, Skylar noticed Tyler's curious gaze and offered a hesitant smile, silently hoping he hadn't done anything wrong. However, to his surprise, he realized that he had inadvertently spoken aloud. "Oh, they're still here," he muttered, not realizing he had said it out loud.

Tyler burst into laughter, while Anthony watched with amused interest. Skylar, feeling confused by their reactions, tilted his head in confusion. Seeing his confusion, Tyler asked why he didn't want them there. Skylar's confusion deepened until he realized he had spoken aloud. He stuttered and stumbled over his words, trying to explain that he hadn't meant it that way and was simply surprised they were still present.

"Alright, alright," Tyler said, trying to ease the tension. Skylar whimpered softly, still hesitant about what to say. He stood there in awkward silence, staring at the floor as if it were the most interesting thing he had ever seen.

"Well..." Tyler trailed off, his voice gentle. "I came to get you guys for dinner. You've slept all day." It wasn't until then that both Skylar and Anthony looked through the window and realized that it was already night outside.

At the dinner table, as they were all seated, Leo asked Skylar if he was okay and if he needed to talk. But Skylar just whispered a quiet "no, thank you." After that awkward interaction, dinner resumed as normal.

However, Leonardo asked Skylar to please eat more off his plate, as he had barely eaten since he arrived, and Leonardo was concerned about his malnourishment. Skylar looked up with pleading eyes, not wanting to eat anything at all, but Leonardo looked at him with a firm expression, indicating that there would be no discussion about it.

As Skylar reluctantly tried to eat more off his plate, Leo and Anthony looked at him with eyes of encouragement. Skylar managed to take three more bites before he couldn't eat anymore. Leonardo noticed and nodded at him in acknowledgment that it was enough.

Skylar's small victory of taking a few more bites might seem insignificant to him, but for him, it was a step forward in his journey toward recovery. The proud look on Leonardo's face was a reminder that progress, no matter how small, is worth celebrating to the others who sat at the dining table. 

As Skylar reflected on the dinner table scene later that night, he couldn't shake the feeling of growing too relaxed in this unfamiliar place where he knew nothing and no one. Yet, paradoxically, it also brought him a sense of peace. However, along with that peace came a creeping concern. He found himself starting to trust some of the people here, and that thought terrified him.

Skylar knew all too well the pain of trusting others, only to be hurt in return. The idea of getting too close, only to have his trust shattered, filled him with dread. It was a cycle he had experienced before, and he wasn't eager to repeat it.

Despite his fear, a part of Skylar longed for connection and belonging, a desire that warred with his instinctual need for self-preservation. As he lay awake that night, wrestling with these conflicting emotions, he couldn't help but wonder if it was worth the risk to open himself up to the possibility of hurt once again.

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(A/N) ALRIGHT THIS IS THE END OF ANOTHER CHAPTER.

POOR BABY SKYLAR STUGGLING WITH HIS EMOTION,ALSO DO YOU THINK THAT I SHOULD DO I MAJOR TIME SKIP AND THEN THROUGHOUT THE STORY DO FLASHBACKS OR KEEP IT AT THE SLOW PACE THAT ITS GOING.

COMMENT AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. 

I WILL TRY TO UPDATE REGULARLY LIKE THIS, BUT END OF SEMSTER EXAM IS COMING, SO I DON'T KNOW IF THAT GOING TO HAPPEN BUT I WILL TRY.

NIGHT PEOPLES.