That night, Dream was sleepless. Not that he was sleepy, he had enough energy. Dream felt like he could stay awake forever. He tossed and turned, only half wishing he could catch some Z's. Dream remembered what the nurse had said. He was getting close to the Last...
Most people refer to the last fit of sleeping as the Last, because it's usually the longest one, so it's also the one that starves you to death.
...so he decided to take it safe until he died from no sleep instead of too much.
"Mom?" He called, knowing what would happen. In a matter of seconds, she skidded in, face as pale as paper.
"DREAM!" She screeched. Her chest was heaving. "Are you going to fall asleep? So you need water? I'll call an ambulance. Are you okay? are you sure? Are you positive?" Dream had been nodding vigorously.
"Mom, can I-"
"MAY you,"
"May I take a-" He had decided if he wasn't going to sleep, he could at least get some fresh air, maybe take a small walk.
"No." She said it firmly, sternly, and quickly, like she didn't even need to think before she knew what had to be said.
"But-"
"I said no, honey! You need rest."
"I've had too much already!"
"There's no such thing as too much rest, baby. Come on, I'll even tuck you in-"
"With what I've got, there is!"
"It won't kill you..."
"YEAH, IT WILL!"
"No, dear heart, how could it?"
"Is your memory such garbage that you can't remember that I have the..that illness?"
Dream was almost shouting. "I swear, dad would've remembered!"
"YOUR FATHER IS GONE!" Dream said nothing. His mother was breathing hard. Her eyes burned with rage. "HE'S GONE, DREAM, DON'T YOU KNOW THAT?! DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING?!"
Dream opened his mouth, but all that came out was a small squeak. He closed it again. But he came out with something.
"You aren't thinking!"
"I AM! WHEN HE DIED, HE WAS DRIVING TO A DIFFERENT WOMAN! HE WAS TIRED OF US, SO HE LEFT! HE WAS A JERK AND HE DIDN'T DESERVE TO LIVE!"
"he...HE WAS A GOOD MAN!"
"GO TO HE*L, DREAM. YOU'RE A NIGHTMARE." She snarled maliciously.
Dream was taken aback. "I'm going out." He unceremoniously shoved Ms. Kanaoepen to the side and stomped out.
YOU ARE READING
The Summer of Sparrow and Dream
RandomA disease is sweeping the peaceful town Drolr, causing its victims to sleep for weeks on end, eventually dying of starvation. There is no cure. Dream, a thirteen year old boy, has caught it. He knows his life will come to an end sooner or later, bu...
