The Troubled Soul (Volume 1)

Chapter 16: A Little Learning.

~Josh's Mind~

Scarlet and Josh are sitting in the middle of his and Violet's room. They were playing with some action figures Scarlet had found, until Josh suddenly stopped playing.

Scarlet: Are you bored with action figures? We can play something else, if you want.

Josh:...Scarlet, where is everybody?

Scarlet: What? What do you mean?

Josh: I mean, where is everybody? Like, where is Violet and Rose and Ms. Jerel and Sam?

Scarlet: Oh, them. Well, they...wait, you don't know?

Josh: Know what?

It was then Scarlet realized something, something that would be very hard to explain to Josh.

Scarlet: Josh...do you know where you are?

Josh: Yeah, I'm in Stone Haven with everybody.

Scarlet: Oh no...

Josh: Why are you asking me?

Scarlet: Because, well, the thing is Josh, you...

Josh: I...?

Scarlet:...Josh, where do you think everybody is?

Josh: Ummm...playing hide and seek?

Scarlet: Uh, kinda. Okay, Josh...can you promise me you won't panic once I tell you the truth?

Josh: What does panic and once mean?

Scarlet: Well, panic basically means go crazy. Once basically means when somebody orders something, or a warning, or when you say something that also goes with time. In other words, it is a timing word.

Josh: Oh, okay. What did you ask me before? I'm sorry, I don't remember.

Scarlet: That means you forgot, and it's okay. Can you promise me you won't panic once I tell you the truth?

Josh: I promise I won't panic.

Scarlet: Okay, good.

Josh: Can you tell me now, please?

Scarlet: Well, have you wondered why you haven't seen anybody in nearly a whole year? By the way, nearly means close to, and wonder means to think about something.

Josh: Thank you, and yes, I did wonder about that.

Scarlet: Well, you, uh...have been sleeping...for nearly the whole year. Please don't panic!

Josh only cocked his head a little, clearly confused.

Josh: What?

Scarlet: What do you mean, what? Do you not understand what I mean? Understand means you know what they mean.

Josh: Thank you, and no, I don't.

Scarlet: Well, you have been asleep for nearly-

Josh: What? No, I understand that. I don't understand why you thought I would panic.