The air chilled his bones. Dream had known that he wouldn't have much time until Kaitlyn came down to stop him, so he only pulled on his shoes before bursting out the front door. The cold February wind almost instantly blew through his thin T-shirt. His heart dropped into his stomach. Did temperature affect his sleep? So far, not. But then he thought of the first time, last July; it had been so hot, he slept for three days. It might have just been the disease, but he could never be sure... He walked farther. As he went, Dream's eyelids fell lower and lower on his face, and his pace slowed considerably, until his feet were dragging on the pavement and his eyes were closed. There was a small chirp by his feet just as he fell over. Dream coughed and moaned. "The Last...." He whispered. "This is it..." His face turned numb again. He couldn't feel it, but he as crying.
One of his legs was slightly elevated. It moved gently up and down. Dream frowned. This never happened..
A terrified squawk emanated from under his calf. Dream jumped. He sat up. A tiny, brightly colored bird was lying under his leg. It had a bright, bubblegum pink beak that was curved down in a hook. The bird had silky, sleek navy feathers and neon orange legs. It's feet were a little too big, and they looked really awkward to use.
Dream's eyes widened. That poor bird was crushed when he fell over- fell asleep-
But he didn't. He was going to fall asleep, but he didn't. But how? There was no way. Dream's heart lifted suddenly. His eyes widened, and a slow grin spread across his face. He was cured!
Then Dream looked back at the bird. It was looking at him quizzically.
"I'm not sure," Dream said to himself. "But I think a bird just saved my life."
"Who are you?" A heavy British accent asked curiously. Dream stared at the bird harder.
"What?"
"WHOOO.....ARRRRE.....YOOOOOU?" Dream's mouth dropped open.
"What?"
"I said-"
"You can talk-"
"No, I said who are you."
"But-"
The bird's eyes widened. "You've never...." She sagged. "Oh. Well, um, I'm Sparrow."
"Uh, Dream." Dream thought naming that beautiful bird Sparrow was like naming an exotic butterfly Moth.
But suddenly, his face was numbing. Sparrow fell over. Several of her blue feathers brushed his skin, and both Dream and Sparrow jolted awake. He had been right.....
If Sparrow was the only thing keeping Dream alive,
And Dream was the only thing keeping Sparrow awake,
Dream needed Sparrow,
Sparrow needed Dream.
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...
