Fantasy- Updates Exist Sporadically

Day Fourteen

Cor spent the rest of the night sitting against the wall by Fred's bed, wringing his hands together, tapping his feet, adjusting his coat. Slowly, light filled the apartment, waking Fred. He yawned and stretched, then saw Cor fidgeting.

"It'll be fine," he whispered. "I know she'll like it. She told me before she wanted to experience a dream when she was younger. I think she still does, and she knows that."

Cor nodded, but didn't say anything. He wasn't so sure.

The door opened.

Both of Fred's parents walked out.

Cor's hands shook. He stared up at them from the floor. What would happen now?

They didn't look at him. Fred's father disappeared with the 'bucket' Fred usually took and his mother went to get the box of white stuff that made the gruel. No one said anything. Fred's father came back with the water and breakfast was made. Fred handed Cor his cup, which he had to brace against his drawn up knees to keep from spilling. When would they tell him what they'd decided? If Fred's mother liked the dream? How long would he have to wait?

They finished breakfast. No one moved.

Fred's mother spoke, "We will now join everyone downstairs. Then we will give your sentence."

Sentence. "Slave Number 1536, because of your insubordination and your failure to surrender all dreams for the good of the people you are now sentenced to death." Sentence, sentence, sentence.

He couldn't move. Would the Guards be waiting downstairs? He couldn't breathe. Would the adults beat him before tossing him onto the streets?

"Cor, Cor come on," came Fred's gentle voice. "Just breathe. Listen to me," he took in large breaths, letting them out slowly. Cor tried to copy him, but he couldn't, his short gasps wouldn't stop.

"You can do it," Fred encouraged. More large, deep breaths. He forced himself to try harder. Gradually, it became easier, "That's it," and easier. He opened his eyes, finding Fred right in front of him, watching him. "You gonna be okay?"

He had no idea. Would his parents kick him out now? Where had they gone? Had they left to call the Guards?

"Hey, hey, it's okay. Look at me. They've just gone downstairs to talk with everyone. We can go down whenever you're ready. Nothing bad is gonna happen. I promise. Okay?"

But you never keep your promises.

He nodded. If he was doomed, he couldn't hide from it forever. He slowly stood up. "Let's go."

This time, Cor led the way down the stairs, head high. He had faced death in the Warehouse, he could do it here. He would face it, and he would escape it, just as he had before.

Downstairs, the adults were sitting on all the available furniture, whispering. Sarah, George, Hailey, and Mike were standing together by the far wall. When their eyes met, Sarah gave him a soft smile. If he was forced out or captured today, he would miss her and Hailey the most.

He stayed by the stairs as Fred joined the others and the adults stopped their discussion. Fred's mother stood up.

"We have decided," she declared. "After the dream you gave me last night, I know you really are what you say—a dream giver."

That was a good step.

"And the dream was pleasant."

Yes...

"However, not all of us are unanimous in this decision."

Oh no.

"We do not all believe dreams to be a good influence."

NO!

"Therefore, those of us who do not wish to have dreams, or for their children to not, you must obey their wishes, as we said yesterday."

Dreams are wonderful, though. But does that mean I don't have to leave?

"We have also determined that as long as you respect people's decisions concerning dreams you are not causing trouble. And so, you are allowed to stay."

Yes!

"We will all individually make you aware of our decision concerning dreams. Most of us are willing to try, but if our minds change after our experience you will respect that. Do I make myself clear, Cor?"

"Yes. I will do as you say."

She nodded. "Very well. Concerning my family, I did enjoy the dream you gave me last night. I do not mind receiving further dreams, or if my son receives dreams. My husband disagrees. You will not give him a dream."

He nodded.

A man stepped forward, "I am Sarah's father. I will allow you to continue to give her dreams. My wife and I also wish to try them."

Yes! Thank you!

He nodded.

Another man came forward, "I am George's father. He may continue to have dreams. I have no wish to try them."

But you should...

A woman next, "I am Hailey's mother. We would both like to receive dreams."

You won't regret it. I promise!

A man again, "I am Mike's father. I want to experience a dream, and from my experience I will make a decision concerning myself and my son."

Another test.

"Now you know our decisions," Fred's mother took control again. "We have also determined the order in which we will try dreams. The first will be Mike Senior, tonight. The next will be Angela, Hailey's mother. Then Eric and Julia, Sarah's parents."

Two in one night?

"Then myself. You may continue to give our children dreams as they wish until you are told otherwise."

He nodded, "I understand. I am glad I can remain here with you. Thank you for allowing me to give you dreams. I hope you find them pleasant."

"We will see."

The adults slowly left through the main door to wherever 'work' took them. As the door closed on the last person, Cor sank down onto the stairs, knees weak with relief, hands still shaking. He could stay. He wouldn't be forced onto the streets, at the mercy of the Guards.

The kids ran over and formed a half circle around him, smiles on their faces. "You did it, Cor!" Sarah exclaimed. "You can stay!"

He shook his head, "I didn't know... And your parents are willing to try dreams! Some of them, anyways. It seems like a trick. Like the Guards are about to knock down the door."

Fred gripped his shoulder, smiling broadly, "Even if that's the case, let's take it for what it is; right now, a good thing. Let's hope it continues."

Cor nodded. "I just hope I can convince Mike's father."

"You convinced my mom; you can convince anyone!"

"I really hope so."

More waiting... Please send me a good dream tonight, whoever gives them to me. You must understand how giving a dream feels so wonderful, and how a dream is wonderful. Please allow me to convince this man of that tonight.