Carl woke up in a cold sweat as he felt his hands shaking. Nightmares. 'It's always Nightmares.' He though to himself as he stood up.
"Too early for you to be up, boy." Daryl said in a gruff voice, lack of sleep clear in his rasp. Daryl walked over and leaned on the doorframe. "Why are ya up?"
"Nightmares." Carl answered quietly. He looked down at the floor. It wasn't unusual, he never looked anyone in the eye.
"What type?" Daryl asked, trying to comfort the teen. Daryl had always seen Carl like a son since they met. Even if he had parents, Daryl couldn't help but care for him, and feel familial love.
"Bad ones. Don't wanna talk about it." Carl said quickly. His voice was foe deeper, and sounded so wrong. It was clearly forced, and fake. He played with the sleeves of his flannel. It was mid summer, and he was still wearing that Damm blue flannel.
"Y'know, there are ways to make your voice deeper." Daryl said gently, trying to be kind. "Tilt your head back, and hum. Then nod your head up, and down as you keep humming but humming deeper."
Carl looked up, his eyes wide, very excited. "Really? It works?" Carl asked, his voice laced with joy, and anticipation.
"Daily for a few weeks will make it deeper. Also don't wear your binder for more than 8 hours." Daryl said as he sat down in the armchair.
"How do you know so much about Trans stuff?" Carl asked.
Daryl looked away sadly. "I just know this stuff."
