Fighting For Normal

Unexpected Slumber

The persistent barking of my Samoyed, Bernard, along with the loud beeping of my alarm clock, pulled me out of my dreams. I slowly opened one eye, noticing the sunlight streaming through the crack in my curtains, creating a cozy glow on the teal wall. I had already pressed snooze once. With a groan, I reached for my phone on the nightstand next to my bed and turned off the alarm. My body felt sore, a dull ache throbbed in my left thigh, and I was hit with an unusual tiredness even after a full night's sleep. I snuggled deeper into my coral comforter, wishing I could drift back into sleep.

As I was just about to fall back asleep, my bedroom door swung open with a loud crash, which made Bernard bark again. "Hey Sleeping Beauty, we're gonna be late!" Stetson shouted, his backpack hanging off one shoulder and his keys spinning around on his finger. I caught a quick look at his messy blonde hair, curls flopping over his forehead as he looked at me with worry.

I usually wake up before him. Why didn't anyone wake me up?

His voice faded a bit. "Sloane, you alright?" he asked, his bright blue eyes scanning my face.

I struggled to respond. My throat felt as rough as the shag carpet under my feet. In just a couple of steps, he was by my bed, his hand resting on my forehead, cool against my hot skin. "You're burning up!"

"Should I call Dad or Pops?" he asked, his expression serious.

Finally, I managed to croak out, "No, they're already at work." I glanced at the window above my desk, where the morning sun was pouring in.

"Do you want me to stay?" He sat on the edge of my bed, the mattress sinking a little under him.

As much as I wanted that... "No. You have that physics test today, remember?" I forced a weak smile, trying to make him feel better.

He paused for a moment, glancing at the full-length mirror on the door before looking back at me. "Alright. I'll inform Ms. Troyer that you're out and grab your assignments." He hesitated again. "Just call or text if you need anything, alright?"

I nodded as he slowly walked out, leaving the door wide open. Bernard, noticing I was upset, came over and laid his head on my lap, his fluffy white fur feeling nice against my skin.

The house was strangely silent when I finally woke up. Feeling a bit confused, I grabbed my phone from the nightstand. No way! School's almost done! A rush of confusion hit me again. I quickly checked my screen and saw some messages from friends and a few missed calls from Dad and Pops, but I could deal with those later. My fever was gone, but there was still a dull pain in my thigh, a constant reminder of what had made me sick. I didn't feel fully rested, but the strong urge to get up pushed me out of bed.

The smooth oak floor felt great under my bare feet as I walked down the hallway to the kitchen. Bernard was curled up on his bed, happily chewing on a bone. I filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove to heat up, then grabbed a chamomile and lavender tea bag from the cupboard. The steam rising from the mug smelled amazing and promised to calm my frayed nerves.

With the mug in hand, I made my way to the family room and sank into the comfy sofa with a deep sigh. Since Dad and Pops were still at work and Stetson was probably heading to his part-time job, I figured it was the perfect time for a Gilmore Girls binge.

However, even the quick banter between Lorelai and Rory couldn't keep me entertained for long. After a few episodes, I turned off the TV, feeling restless. My fingers automatically reached for my phone, scrolling through the endless stream of perfect lives on social media.

A moment later, Bernard let out a sharp bark that echoed through the room. I glanced up to see Pops and Uncle Jake walking in from the mudroom, and it was a sight I was glad to see. Pops, with his perfectly styled ash-blonde crew cut, was carrying two pizza boxes. Uncle Jake, his face lit up with a big smile, had two smaller boxes in his hands.