Fred was tossing in turning in his small bed, as if he couldn't get comfortable, like Cor hadn't been able to. He wondered if Fred would be able to sleep more peacefully if he could give him a pleasant dream. He grabbed Fred's arm and concentrated. But, just as last time, nothing happened. The dream he had pictured in his head—Fred running around in a field—wouldn't leave. He slumped, disappointed.
"Fred," he called to wake him.
His eyes opened instantly.
"Couldn't sleep?" Cor asked.
"No," Fred answered. "Not sure why, either. Just couldn't stop thinking."
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine," he brushed off his blanket and went through his morning routine. When breakfast came, he gave Cor his portion after his mother disappeared into his parents' room. Cor accepted it without complaint, grateful but worried.
When they met up with the rest of the group, though, Fred's somber mood disappeared instantly, his face lighting up with a smile. The strange mood didn't reappear during the rest of the day.
George, Hailey, Mike, Sarah, and Fred taught Cor a new game called 'tag'. When it was explained, he wasn't sure if he would like it—the thought of the Guards chasing after him at the forefront of his mind—but they allowed him to be the one to chase the others. He found he enjoyed it; being able to run around, chasing the others without hurtful intent, and just being able to run in general. It was hard to keep his hood on because of the breeze it caused, though. But he figured out a way to keep one hand on the hood to make sure it stayed, while using the other hand for the game.
They played the game all day—Cor thought it may have been an attempt to make up for the horrible dodgeball game yesterday—and tired themselves out quickly. Then, they went inside to the sitting area again to talk. Cor refused to sit on the couch,and sat on the floor. He needed to keep himself used to the hardness of the floor to sleep peacefully. They talked until the parents came home from wherever they went, then followed Fred up the stairs to the apartment.
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Fantasy- Updates Exist Sporadically
FantasíaCordonalae is a Draugma, a race of creatures who exist to give humans the dreams they are incapable of forming. In his world, his kind are imprisoned slaves, working endlessly so their dreams may be sold to the highest bidder Outside. Cor has never...
