The Dreamland

Camp: End of Day Four

Surprised, he jumped out of his bed.

"Huh?! What happened?!"

"Rest, everything's okay. We're here at the beach. We're going to the island right there tomorrow."

"Ah! My head hurts."

"Here. Eat this. I requested it from Dog."

He ate the bean and swallowed. He felt better.

"Thanks. Where are they?"

"Beside the campfire."

"Okay. I gotta get to Snow."

"You still do not know Snow that much, do you?"

"..."

"It's better if you do not disturb her for a while."

"Tell me her story. I know you know everyone's story. You are always there to watch everything, yet do nothing."

"Yes you are right."

"Tell me everything, Puff."

"Starting with which one?"

"Is she still alive?"

"She's dead."

Hearing those words felt like a dagger strucked Panda's heart.

The words from her still echoed in his mind.

I don't exist anymore

I don't....

...exist...

...any...

...more...

After while, he got into himself

"W-why does she have to mention Snow?"

"Because she and Snow are friends. She was ill and know that her life will soon about to end. She can't just say it in front of you. At the same time, she knows how very lonely and very sad Snow is."

"Snow..."

"Yes. Snow is the loneliest one in the group."

"I don't understand. She's one jolly bear, and very energetic...not to mention that she almost got us killed multiple times back then."

Puff smiles

"There's something you are not telling me Puff."

"Perhaps I will tell."

"SNOW?!"

"Back then, before we moved into that valley, I was the most intelligent one in the class, and the most behaved. Everyone in the class hated me for I was very intelligent, and one of them can't beat me. She got everyone into believing lies and evryone pushed me away. Most of them bullied me."

Panda stared at Snow as her tears slowly drift from her cheeks.

"I didn't have many friends. I was all alone. One time, I found a little patch of flowers. It was well hidden, as no one ever goes there. I called it my sanctuary because in this place, I can leave the sad reality I have, I can cry without being noticed, I can remove all my hard feelings. Far beyond from their rage upon me. A place where I can have peace of mind."

"But it went too far..."

"Yes it did. I was walking, then they set a trap for me...*Sob*...they humiliated me. They didn't stop hitting me with sticks, and throwing rocks, and bathing me in mud, and...*Sob*...I-I can't say it all anymore...*Sob*."

"When was the time you got to meet her?"

Snow wiped her tears first.

She let out a deep breath.

"After they stopped...when they left me half-dead. One by one they left the area, until there was one person left standing. She walked towards me, and I was afraid as she stared at me. I was surprised when she picked up my almost lifeless body, and carried it somewhere. Then the next thing that happened is I woke up in the place I call sanctuary, with bandages covering my whole body, as it was covered in wounds. There was food beside me."

"Rose was a very nice person to do that."

"And I can't believe that you were there watching at everyone beating me up and did nothing at all."

"Because that was not my history. The only time when I must be part of a story is this one."

"Snow, do you know what happened to Rose?"

"Yes. She died. We moved together to the valley and became good friends. She was ill and she know she was going to die any moment. But she knew that you loved her more than anything, and she was your reason why you are still alive. Now that you know that she's gone, will your strength and will be gone, too?"

"No. Because back when I was unconcious, I talked to her and I know what to do. She mentioned you, Snow. And she said that you should--that I must--well..."

"What? Spit it."

"I-I-I..."

"She said that he should help you survive, so that you can still find a friend that will take her place."

Panda looked at Puff, then to Snow as she looked at the ground...

"I miss her."

"Me too, Snow, me too." Panda replied

"And in her final breaths, I was not there beside her. All she ever thought of was for me, and I was not be able to repay her kindness."

"There's no need to be sad Snow. You know that she wants you to be happy. The only thing that will make her happy is for you to be happy."

"Yeah. Perhaps that's the only reason left for me to continue the fight."

"Let's sleep. I'll call the others. We have another adventure tomorrow." Panda said

As the four slept, he was sitting in the soft dry sand, on the look out, while staring at the full moon. She sat beside him.

"It's her turn, right?"

"Yes."

"Are you willing to help her?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because even one lonely man needs to help another lonely fellow."

She noticed his tears drifting down behind the mask.

"Why are you crying?"

"I remember a part of my past."

"What part?"

"Back when I have no one at my side."

"But I am by your side. And I will not leave."

"I know, and I was thankful that I have you."

"..."

She hugged him very tight.

"You should rest. We have another adventure tomorrow. We do not know what monstrosities we are about to meet."

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

"I can't help it. I just want to make sure you're safe."

"It'll be alright."

"Are you not worried about her?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because she's stronger than you think. Stronger than me, perhaps. And she got him to protect her."

She yawned and cuddled at him. Before she knew it, she was asleep.

"Good night..."