𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐑 || 𝐂𝐎𝐃 𝐗 𝐘/𝐍

-17-

As I drifted into the depths of sleep, my mind became a canvas for the surreal. Colours danced in abstract patterns, swirling and twirling like playful spirits in the night. I found myself standing in a vast expanse, surrounded by an ethereal mist that whispered secrets of forgotten worlds. Each step I took echoed softly, like a heartbeat pulsing through the void.

Above me, the sky stretched endlessly, adorned with constellations that seemed to rearrange themselves with every blink. Stars twinkled with a mischievous gleam, as if they were orchestrating the symphony of this dream world.

In the distance, a figure emerged, shrouded in shadows yet beckoning me closer with an outstretched hand. With a curiosity that seemed to pull me like gravity, I moved towards the silhouette, each step feeling weightless and effortless.

As I drew nearer, the figure began to take shape, revealing features that were both familiar and foreign. Their eyes held the wisdom of ages, and their smile spoke of mysteries yet to be unraveled. With a gentle touch, they whispered words that resonated through the core of my being, filling me with a sense of purpose that I couldn't quite grasp.

And then, like a whisper carried away by the wind, the figure dissolved into the mist, leaving me standing alone in the vastness of the dream. Yet, despite the solitude, I felt a newfound sense of clarity washing over me, as if the dream had unveiled a truth that had been hidden deep within my subconscious.

With a reluctant sigh, I let the dream pull me deeper into its embrace, eager to explore the realms of my own imagination once more. For in this mysterious world of dreams, anything was possible, and the journey was only just beginning.

✮

"Do you need me to help you?" I asked through the bathroom door.

It was silent for a bit before I barely heard a faint "Yes,"

I slowly opened the door to find Charlie standing in front of the mirror with her arms at her side.

As I carefully filled the bathtub with warm water, steam rising like wisps of magic, I couldn't help but smile at the anticipation twinkling in Charlie's eyes. She stood beside me, clutching her favourite clothes tightly.

"Is it ready yet, Y/N?" she chirped, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"Not quite, Charlie," I replied, ruffling her tousled hair affectionately. "But almost."

I wanted to cry when she didn't flinch.

With a gentle hand, I tested the water, ensuring it was just the right temperature. Satisfied, I gestured for Charlie to step into the tub, her laughter bubbling like a brook as she splashed eagerly.

As she immersed herself in the warmth, I reached for the bottle of lavender-scented shampoo, pouring a small amount into my palm. With gentle strokes, I massaged the fragrant foam into her hair, the scent of lavender mingling with the sweet innocence of childhood.

Charlie closed her eyes, a contented sigh escaping her lips as I rinsed away the suds with cupped handfuls of water. Each droplet sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight streaming through the window, casting a kaleidoscope of colours across the tiled floor.

Once her hair was clean and glistening, I reached for the fluffy towel hanging nearby, wrapping her in its soft embrace like a cocoon. She giggled as I lifted her out of the tub, the warmth of her tiny body radiating against my own.

Once her hair was clean and shining, I wrapped her in a fluffy towel, her laughter echoing through the room like a melody. With tender care, I helped her into her one of my outfits, a dark ensemble that matched her subdue personality perfectly.