Peace Town

Beginning of Trust

Chapter 4

                                                                                                         Sensitive topics are discussed

      Atlas was up before the morning sun. It was the fifth time the sun rose since the real world stopped and what everybody only thought to be fantasy became reality. The dead was coming back to life and Atlas was still trying to process everything. He had been separated from his small family. He had made a promise to his self to survive this world, he refused to become one of those mindless creatures. Atlas had been up for a while, unable to go back to sleep after Shadow had needed to go out the last time, and decided to boil some water to make coffee.

    Atlas made his way upstairs after his third cup and the sun had been up about an hour. He had thought that Paxton might have been up by this point but after knocking on the door and getting no answer, he walked in and found the boy sprawled out across the bed stilll sound asleep.

Atlas gave a small chuckle and went over to gently shake Paxton's shoulder, "Dude get up." Paxton gave no indication of getting up or of even hearing the man shaking his shoulder, so Atlas shook his shoulder a little harder. "It's time to wake up, Paxton, buddy get up."

     After ten minutes of trying to get the sleeping boy up, and failing, Atlas went downstairs to start breakfast. After bugging around in the cabinets he found pancake mix. He decided that would be the best option for the two men. He sat down a fresh bowl of water for Shadow after the dog wouldn't quit folllowing him around, "Is that what you needed boy," he grinned at the dog wolfing down at least half the bowl, "can you help me get Paxton up?" The dog raised his ears at the sound of his owner's name, "Yeah let's go get Paxton before making breakfast." 

  Atlas and Shadow raced up the stairs, Shadow already sitting atop the boy, licking his face when Atlas reached the doorway. "Paxton," no response, "Paxton it's time to get up. I'm making breakfast, you need to wake up." After several more attempts the younger man finally started to wake up. "Finally, I was starting to think you wouldn't wake."

  "I'm going back to sleep." Paxton was covering his head up with a pillow while groaning causing Atlas to laugh out at the boy's reluctance to get up.

"What about you stay awake, get changed and come downstairs while I make breakfast." Paxton perked his head up at the mention of food. "So, food is how to get you up?" When Paxton removed the pillow from his face he saw a grinning Atlas standing at the foot of his bed.

     Paxton tried to sit up and let out a pained filled grunt wiping the grin off Atlas's face. Atlas rushed over to help the boy, "Maybe try that a little slower next time." Atlas helped Paxton get into a sitting position at the edge of the bed. "Okay, tell me what you need and I'll get it for you. Just like last night. Does that sound good to you?"

"Yeah, um can you get me a pair of jeans, a shirt and a jacket? They're all in the closet."Paxton was still reluctant for help but realized he needed it and if Atlas was kind enough to offer he would accept. When he got what he asked for, Atlas had already gone to face the wall by the door again. Paxton was fine changing into his jeans but struggled with raising his arms enough. After failing at getting the night shirt off he ask for help. "I need help with my shirt again, please?"  When Atlas made his way back over he kept eye contact to not make Paxton more uncomfortable.

    "You do know it's okay to ask for help? It doesn't make you weak or vulnerable around me. I'm here to help you, not hurt you Paxton."

The kindness Atlas was showing him was still shocking to Paxton. "I'm just not use to it, but thank you really. Thank you Atlas."