Some Secrets Are Better Off Hidden

Chapter 8: Someone Teach Him A Proper Sleeping Schedule, Please

Wednesday, November 4th

Waking up took a lot of effort. His eyelids still felt heavy as he blinked up at the ceiling. A shiver went down his spine and made his shoulders snap up. His teeth chattered as he pulled the blanket over his head. He closed his eyes fully, drowning into a state of half-consciousness.

'... I had a dream... What was the dream..?'

"When will I get to see you again?" The soft voice rang in his ear.

His eyes shot open as an odd feeling overcame him. A heavy lump rested within the bottom of his stomach. He pushed the blanket off his head to breathe in cooler air. He kept the blanket tightly wrapped around him as he turned to his side. But nausea would not ease in the slightest.

Waking up took a lot of effort. But going back to sleep was just impossible. He shifted his head on the pillow. Tom stared directly at the window with drowsy eyes.

He let out a huff when he saw the moon still occupied the navy blue sky. Stars could no longer be seen. So for now, the moon took the spotlight in the early morning sky. The dull light shined through his window. If it weren't for his room it would've come off as aesthetic.

Specks of dust danced within the moonlight as they slowly descended to the floor.

Tom sighed at the beautiful scenery. He stared at the moon a little while longer, hoping it could lull him to sleep. He inhaled through his nose when it didn't work.

When he drifted his eyes to the alarm clock, that's when he exhaled. Not out of shock or annoyance but more out of tiredness. He squinted at the blinking red light. When his eyes adjusted, he was less than pleased with the time.

"4:30 am..." He grumbled out. He flipped in his bed so he was instead facing the wall. The shirtless man leaned his forehead onto the cold surface. He tucked himself further into the sheets as he took a fetal position.

Tom tried his best, he really did. But tonight sleep was not on his side.

Realizing he would no longer be able to doze off, he gave up.

The lad blew out an exasperated sigh as he threw the sheets away. He sharply turned on his back and sprung upright. Tom swung his legs to his right, his upper body following suit. His feet were now dangling off his bed.

He propped his hands on either side of his frame. The man leaned back slightly and pushed himself off the bed. His bare feet and hands landing on the floor one by one. He stayed in his 4 legged position, taking in ragged breaths.

Dramatically getting out of bed was probably not the greatest idea. But it had his heart racing with adrenalin. So at least that woke up his muscles. But one of his hands was still pretty numb.

Tom got up on his feet and shook the numbness out of his hand.

He looked around while doing so. When he spotted what he was looking for, Tom turned his body and headed its way.

His feet tapped the cold floor lightly, making his body shiver from the sensation.

He bent down in front of the laundry basket, now grabbing one of the clean hoodies. He was glad he did his laundry the previous day. Or else he would have been stuck wearing the same clothes again. He swiftly threw it on. A delightful exhale left his mouth as he already felt warmer.

He grabbed a pair of socks and pants along with underwear. He then tucked the clothing under his arm.

Tom made his way to the door, cringing at the way it creaked when he opened it. Stepping in the hallway wasn't quite either.