Chapter Text
Silence filled the living room after the sheep revealed the truth.
Narinder was sitting near them, looking at his lover with three, big red eyes filled with shock.
- W… What?- Narinder’s voice cracked, his body still like a statue as Lambert sighed deeply, slightly closing their eyes.
- You heard me…- they faintly answered, before collecting all their determination to repeat the affirmation- Shamura is still alive.
The feline’s eyes widened even more and his eyelids twitched as the shocking revelation unfolded in his mind.
- How… how do you… how do they… how…- he mumbled as he tried to get up from the chair so that he could get closer to the sheep, but his legs were surprisingly weak and he nearly falled down, his lover’s arms being the only thing holding him- They… they are alive?
- Yes, they survived the crash…- they promptly replied, looking at their boyfriend with worry.
- But… how?!- the cat asked more agitated than ever, his eyes moving in various directions as he was exploring his memories, trying to make sense out of them- I remember their face, t-the way they s-spoke… They were…- he panicked, almost scaring the sheep, who thankfully managed to stay as calm as they could and deliver the saddest part of the news.
- Yes, they miraculously survived the crash… but it was so bad that now they have to live with short memory loss because of brain damage…- they revealed as their eyebrows melancholically frowned.
In that moment, Narinder widened his eyes again, as he got pale and his ears lowered, assuming a despaired expression.
- Oh god…- the cat’s voice cracked as his eyes quickly started to tear up- I… I ruined their life. I ruined Shamura’s life…- he wept, covering his mouth in disbelief, as his tears ran down his cheeks. Lambert looked at their boyfriend with melancholy, feeling powerless in front of the profound guilt and grief he was facing.
- They never deserved any of this… If only… if only didn’t run away like a coward! I… I… !
- I’m sorry Narinder.- the sheep tightened Narinder in their arms, as his tears lended on their fluffy sweater. He quickly reciprocrated their gesture, as they sweetly caressed the fur on his head, trying to give him all the comfort they could- It is all messed up, but Shamura is still alive, and maybe that’s what more important. They still work and manage the Spridey Bookstore Cafe after all, and they are pretty cool.- they tried to reassure the cat with a small smile, as their lover’s arms tightened the embrace, his nails digging in their soft sweater.
- Did you know it all along?- he sobbed, a hint of irritation in the way his eyebrows tensed up.
- No, I had no idea. There was like… a suspect that grew up with time only in the last few months, but I thought it was just my imagination.- they quietly explained.- The friends I wanted to introduce to you were actually your old friends. Leshy, Heket, Kallamar and them.
- So… today you found it was them all along…- the feline murmured, still overwhelmed by all those informations.
- Yes, and I understand now why you were so scared about seeing them again.- they said with sweetness, looking back at him with tenderness. Narinder nodded as his expression became even more sad.
- How can I not be scared about seeing them again?- he asked, almost with anger in his eyes, anger that he was feeling towards himself- I ruined their lives! I should be in jail for what I’ve done… I shouldn’t even be alive… They hate me…- they added, looking away.
Lambert at that point sighed and shook their head, caressing their lover’s cheek.
- Come on Nari, I don’t think they ha…- they paused when the cat looked back at them with a dead stares, then they understood and smiled nervously- A… Alright, there definitely lots of grudges… but I’m sure they miss you! Shamura and Leshy especially.
- How can you be so sure?- he asked, softly hitting Lambert’s shoulder with a weak punch.
- Because Shamura, from time to time, tells me about how they miss their friend, wondering why he left them and worrying if he’s okay.- they answered confidently, assuming a more serious expression, as Narinder widened his eyes in shock, feeling another wave of tears fighting to leave his eyelids.
- They miss you Nari… they miss you a lot.- they said again, caressing his cheeks, as new teardrops fell down his eyes.
- D… Damn it…- he sobbed, tightening his teeth.
- Leshy too… he says that it doesn’t matter how much he’s still angry, he just misses his older friend who used to play music with him.- they added, surprising Narinder again- And he still keeps your bass.
- R… Really?
- Yeah… I mean it’s broken now but he still keeps it with him.- they genuinely smiled.
Narinder’s mouth shyly curled up in a little smile, as he wiped the tears incessantly running down his cheeks. Then, after a long pause, he asked- How about Heket?
- I don’t know… I never heard her or Kallamar talking about you.
Narinder silently nodded, lowering his chin.
- Lambert… this… this is a lot. I don’t know what to say… and I don’t know what to do with these informations now.- he admitted shyly.
- I think it’s quite understandable.
- For years I believed my best friend died because of me… Today I learned it wasn’t true.
Lambert looked at their lover with a sweet expression, slowly moving their hand to reach his face. When their fingers caressed his cheek wetted by the tears, the feline shivered and closed his eyes, finding comfort in that simple and tender gesture. Then, he took that hand and brought it to his lips to give it a small kiss.
- Lambert… Thank you for telling me this. I… I just don’t know what to do now. It’s like my whole reality just shattered in front of my eyes.
- It’s okay, Nari. Take your time to decide what to do next. Just know that Shamura and Leahy do really miss you, since they told me so.
- Yeah but… are you sure they were talking about me?- he asked assuming a confused, almost goofy expression, pointing his index towards his own chest.
- How many three-eyed emo black cats escaping from car crashes do you think they know?
- One…- he tightened his fists, looking away from the sheep.
- … Too much?- they giggled nervously, worrying they offended their boyfriend, but the feline chuckled and slowly got up, hugging the sheep with affection.
- No…
- Cool.- they sighed with relief, then smiled, before looking back at the untouched pizza on table- So, are you going to eat that or… ?
- YES!!- Narinder quickly sat back on his chair and begun to devour his pizza, as he was trying to distract himself from the previous revelation with food.
The sheep looked at him with a bit of worry, then sat down near to him to eat the dinner.
That night, Lambert was so nervous they barely ate half of their pizza.
✿ ✿ ✿
That same evening in Mossville, Amdusias, Valefar and Barbatos decided to hang out after dinner: the three met at the usual spot, the entrance of a cozy pub. They used to go there only in some occasions, but this time they bought their small cans of beer in a cheaper place.
They were now sitting on the long staircase, listening to one of Valefar’s craziest stories.
- And this is how I found that using nettle as toilet paper is never a good idea.
- Wow Val, I didn’t know you could’ve been that dumb.- Amdusias chuckled, with a can of beer in his left hand and the vape in the other.
- Hey at least I’m not the one who vapes like a girl!- Valefar jokingly pushed him.
- At least it smells good and it doesn’t hurt my lungs just like cigarettes do!- Amdusias replied, then smugly blowed the vapor on his face. Valefar shook his face, coughing, while the other bug readjusted his glasses with a pensive expression.
- Actually, both are pretty unhealthy for your lungs.- Barbatos explained- The difference is that while cigarettes are definitely worse, vaping is relatively new and we only know a small amount of effects…
- Shut the fuck up nerd.- Valefar giggled, punching Barbatos’ shoulder, making him gasp- On another note, I can’t wait to get out of this stupid town and see something aside these old rocks…
- You seem excited to go to the Luuna Park in a few days.- the green caterpillar giggled, taking another big sip from his beer.
- I mean, there’s literally nothing in this town. It’s calm, but like a desert.- the beige one nodded, then drank thoughtfully his beer.
- Also, we’ll also get to see Felix, we don’t see her everyday.- Amdusias smiled with a dreamy expression, tilting his beer to place his cheek on it, not realizing he was spilling all the liquid left in the can.
- Yeah, at least she’s opening up a bit after what happened with Leshy…- Barbatos continued, while the red one increased the strength in his grip around his beer can when he heard that name, crushing it a bit.
- Yeah… that fucking bitch.
- Also, she’s kind of different now, it’s like lately she got even more cute.- Amdusias giggled with a faint blush on his cheeks, only then realizing that his two friends were looking at him in silence with a surprised expression, Barbatos especially. The green worm assumed an embarrassed expression and shook his head, trying to look vague.
- … What?
- Did you just admit you have a crush on Felix?- Valefar asked with a tense grin, while Barbatos kept moving his gaze from one to the other. After a long pause, Amdusias chuckled softly, rolling his eyes.
- I mean… she’s great! We share the same interests, she makes beautiful tattoos, she’s also fun to talk to!- he answered approaching the drink to his lips, realizing only in that moment that the beer was all gone.
- That is true, but this isn’t the right moment for this kind of things…- Barbatos explained with a worried expression, while his interlocutor was looking into the hole of his can with a confused expression.
- What do you mean?- Amdusias asked, flipping the can upside down and shaking it slightly, while the beige worm sighed deeply before speaking again.
- I mean… that she just had a terrible disappointment in love and she needs to recover…- he specified, while Valefar observed the two with a pensive expression, massaging the fur on his chin.
- Sigh… aren’t you actually saying this because you want her all for you?- Amdusias said after a long sigh, finally looking back at his friend, who jumped.
- What??- he exclaimed with a shocked expression- No! I’m serious!
- Admit it, this ‘good guy’ mask you keep is just a farce!- the green caterpillar tossed away the empty beer can and approached his friend with an expression filled with suspicion, visibly annoying him, who gently pushed him away.
- Dusias, what the heck is wrong with you? I am not that selfish, and…- Barbatos didn’t finish the sentence, because the red caterpillar cleared his voice and spoke over him.
- Relax, relax guys! I have a better idea!- Valefar smiled widely, getting up from the stairs and looking at his friends from above.
- An idea…?- Barbatos asked with confusion, while Amdusias tilted his head while looking at the red one with curiosity.
- What do you mean?- he asked, while Valefar cheerfully jumped on the low wall at the end of the staircase.
- I mean… why competing with each other to win her attention when she can fall in love with all the three of us?- Valefar suggested, standing up on the low wall, while the lantern behind him was enlightening the borders of his squat silhouette.
- What.- Amdusias blinked his eyes in confusion, while Barbatos seemed to get pale.
- I… I’m not sure what you mean with that sentence, but it’s concerning me…- the beige caterpillar muttered, while a confused expression appeared on Valefar’s face. Then the red worm shook his head and hands in sign of negation.
- Oh no, no, no… don’t get the wrong idea! My plan is: we start courting her and she will be so enamored with us that she won’t be able to choose!- he clarified, while the other two seemed to relax a bit, even if they didn’t seem completely convinced, especially Barbatos.
- So… like a poly relationship… except we’re not being gay with each other.- Amdusias murmured with a pensive expression, looking down on the stairs.
- Exactly.- Valefar nodded, raising his eyebrows.
Anyways, Barbatos didn’t seem to agree at all, in fact he shook his head- No, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Actually, I think this will make things wo-
- I’m in!- Amdusias exclaimed with a smile, causing Barbatos to jump.
- WHAT THE FUCK AMDUSIAS?!? YOU TOO?!
- Hey there’s nothing wrong with Val’s idea!- he answered cheerfully, pointing at the other one with his hand- Sure it’s weird and unusual but if everyone is okay with it t’s all fine, am I right?
- I am pretty sure she won’t be okay with that, guys…- Barbatos sighed, not understanding how his friends could agree or even come up with an idea like that one- And she will be pretty upset if she finds out about your plan, Val. I’m pretty sure what she needs is just emotional support.
- Well, this way she can get much more!- Valefar smiled confidently, placing his hands on his own hips.
- A win-win situation!- Amdusias added.
- It won’t be a… Oh, whatever. Don’t tell me I haven’t warned you…- Barbatos sighed while massaging his own templed- Anyways… I wanted to tell you something. Leshy sent me a message yesterday.
The there two caterpillars looked at Barbatos with shock, then to each other.
- No way!- Amdusias exclaimed with surprise in his face, then looked back at Barbatos, while Valefar crossed his arms with a more annoyed expression- What did he tell you?
- He didn’t say much… but he apologized for disappearing and he wants to tell us everything.- Barbatos explained to Amdusias, who assumed a pensive expression.
- Oh… so he wants to get in touch again. How nice…- the green worm murmured, only then noticing how dark Valefar’s eyes got- I think?
Valefar didn’t seem to like the idea of hearing again from Leshy at all and, after a long pause, he shook his head.
- Not a chance.- he sighed, sitting down on the low wall in front of a melancholic Barbatos.
- I see why you’re saying this, but I have the feeling that something relevant happened while he was unreachable.- he tried to explain, but Valefar didn’t seem open to understand his friend and showed the palm as to requesting him to stop.
- No Barbatos, he can’t be an ass to Felix, ignore us, his friends, and then come back after several months like nothing happened.- the red one murmured with a dark voice, while Amdusias looked down saddened.
- I understand your point of view, in fact I’m not suggesting to act like nothing happened, but I’m just saying that maybe we should just talk to him now that we have the chance to do so.- Barbatos explained again, standing up from the stairs where he was sitting with Amdusias, but Valefar didn’t seem to care: he grinned nervously and drank the last big sip out of the can of beer.
- He had the chance this whole time, and he wasted all of it.- Valefar answered with grudge, leaving the small can sitting next to him- If you want to talk to that motherfucker I won’t stop you, but don’t ask me to do the same!
Barbatos looked at Valefar with a melancholic expression, then moved the gaze to Amdusias, who seemed to be too afraid to have his say because a possible negative reaction from Valefar, who turned away from his friends, showing them his back.
So the beige bug sighed and looked back at his phone and, when nobody saw him, he started typing something.
✿ ✿ ✿
It took the squid an eternity to convince him and it seemed like there was no way to succeed, and Kallamar didn’t know why: was it because Leshy was very self aware about his voice, or because the karaoke reminded him of a certain person. In fact, the worm didn’t stop feeling sad and regretful over losing Felix and his friends, but lately he managed to allow himself to feel those emotions and share his feelings with his close friends and his parents, who started to visit the house of the four colleagues to check on their little worm.
Anyways he got much better than before and slowly returned to work in the café, in fact Heket decided to join them during their lunch break, when the squid exposed the idea at that same day. Everyone in the group knew how Heket felt about hearing others singing when she couldn’t anymore, and seeing her determined to come along with them just to give some company to him surprised everyone, and Leshy simply could no longer say no.
Heket was driving the car sided by Kallamar, while Leshy and Shamura were sitting behind them.
- So, there was this new karaoke place that just opened and I thought… why not giving it a try!- the squid cheerfully gloated, letting out a high-pitched chuckle.
- It was very thoughtful of you to want to check this out with us.- Shamura smiled softly, moving their gaze to Leshy. Their smile quickly faded when they saw the expression on his face was not really enthusiastic.
- Hm…- he nodded, with a behavior that seemed apparently cold. It was enough to worry the purple spider, while Kallamar didn’t seem to catch his feelings, or maybe he did but simply didn’t care: in fact, the squid was so excited he kept giggling and clapping his long and slender hands.
- Oohhohohoh! We are going to have so much fun, Leshy!- he singed- Remember this is your payback!
- I know, it’s that…- after a pause Leshy moved his face near the window, as he wanted to hide his expression from Shamura- I don’t really like singing.
When he said those words Kallamar gasped in disbelief, giving a few glares into his direction.
- Oooh, untrue!- he exclaimed, pointing his finger against him and then shaking it in mid air with disapproval- of No no no no no, you’re a liar! I have heard you singing in the shower, in the room, and when you thought no one could hear you!
- But you barely hear me when I talk to you while we’re in the same room…- the worm’s smile widened like a broken umbrella.
- That’s right… the squid kept going, smiling slyly as he placed his hands on his on waists- Anytime you do it Shamura comes to me and tells me to listen.
That revelation startled Leshy, making him jump and turn into Shamura’s direction with the expression of someone who just found of being betrayed by the person they cared the most.
- WHAT?!- he exclaimed in shock, his cheeks flushing in red- Shamura?!?!
- You’re adorable when you sing… There’s nothing wrong with that.- the spider replied with a little smile, while Heket secretly chuckled.
Leshy felt really embarrassed in that moment. Speechless, he crossed his arms and fell with his spine on the bedrest, letting out a tired sigh.
- And in case you are still thinking about denying the evidence, I just happen to have a few recordings on my phone…- the squid slyly smiled, flapping his holographic ocean blue smartphone near his own face, in front of a shocked and very embarrassed Leshy.
- You… idiot!- the worm growled, shrinking in his own shoulders- I will destroy you once we’re out of this car…
- You mean like… you’ll destroy me at a singing competition once we are at the karaoke! Hahahahahah!- Kallamar laughed, while Leshy buried his own face in the hands, sighing deeply- But it won’t be easy… My voice is melodious!
- Uuurgghh, whatever… just please, stop talking for a moment!
✿ ✿ ✿
Once they arrived and Heket managed to find a parking spot in that dark winter evening, the four started to walk towards the karaoke place: when they made it to the entrance they could see the very refined hall, illuminated by purplish neon lights. The floor was one of the very dark blue and sparkly ones, the glitter giving the impression they were walking on the celestial vault at night.
At the reception there was a chubby sheep with white fur and with a pink long haircut and wearing black clothes. When she saw them, she welcomed them with a big smile.
- Oh, good evening! Do you have a reservation?- she asked with an uplift tone of voice, while Kallamar nodded with a big smile, confidently walking towards the counter.
- Exactly! It is I, Kallamar.- he announced, while she checked the computer in front of her- I booked a karaoke for five people at the 7 PM…
After a long instant, a subtle tic in the sheep’s eye showed up, before vanishing.
- How strange… your name is not showing up.- she stated, her anxiety barely being hidden by that smile.
The squid raised an eyebrow, like he was processing what the pink sheep said. Then he widened his eyes in disbelief.
- What do you mean it’s not showing up? I called you several times and you were busy all the time!- he gestured widely in shock, while Heket looked at him with an annoyed expression, even Leshy seemed to look more bitter.
- T… That’s because we accept bookings via email and text chat, not with phone calls…- she explained sorry expression, it wasn’t clear if she was assuming that expression because she was genuinely sorry of if she just didn’t want to deal with a costumer being angry. With that answer, Kallamar seemed to be more confused than frustrated.
- Then… then why do you have the phone number on your contacts if you can’t even supposed to pick it up?- he asked, visibly lost.
- Because we use it to receive the said messages…- she answered before releasing a deep sigh- Listen, I am sorry for the misunderstanding. Anyways, thankfully someone just canceled their reservation so you will have your room.
At those words, the squid’s eyes sparkled again and he smiled again.
- Thank you…- he thanked her merging his hands as he was praying, while the receptionist was handing him the key of the room- What is your name?
- Cherry.- she smiled back at him, tilting her head- Nice to meet you! Inside you will find a little buffet and if you need more food you’ll be able to use the small computer for the order.
- Thank you Cherry, see you soon!- the squid waved at her while the other two did the same as they followed him, Heket especially who gave one last long glance at her fluffy pink hair. A few seconds later Kallamar pulled his smartphone out of his purse, smiling slightly.
- I’m gonna get her so fired…- he chuckled, but Heket at that point shook her head in disapproval and stole his phone.
- Hey… !- he exclaimed in disbelief, looking at the frog with disdain.
“I won’t let you mess with that poor girl…” she quickly gestured “Also, she was kind of cute.”
- Heket is right, she was kind and we got our karaoke room, which is what matters the most now…- Shamura added with a serious expression- We will leave a positive review if this place deserves all those stars, of course.
Kallamar rolled his eyes and snorted, crossing his arms- Hmpf, whatever.
Meanwhile Leshy was too lost in his thoughts to care about what was happening around him: that place reminded him a lot about the karaoke he went to a few times with his friends, and even if it wasn’t the same place the smell in the air and the sounds reminded him about those times.
He really missed everyone: not just Felix, but also Amdusias, Valefar and Barbatos. He knew the last three for more than a decade, he met them at boyscouts after all.
✿ ✿ ✿
Their room was on the second floor, and when Kallamar inserted the card in the opening near the door, the device let them in. The walls and floor were exactly the same as the one in the entrance, except for the furniture who looked slightly off palette, but somehow it still worked with the rest. Hanging on the wall, along with the big screen and the coat hanger, there were also some decorations like some strands of lime green fairy lights looping around the perimeter of the room.
As soon as they sat down and browsed the list of the songs, Leshy unleashed his nervous appetite on the buffet, what seemed to be his only consolation in that moment: Kallamar was right, it was pretty obvious that he didn’t originally feel uncomfortable about singing, even if he knew his voice was a bit terrible he never truly felt ashamed about it, but when he knew Felix things changed. He really started to admire her for her voice and daydreamed about her teaching him how to sing, but now that she left he knew it would’ve never happen, and he disliked his own voice even more.
Leshy was devouring his tenth sandwich when Kallamar finished singing the second song, of course it was one of his favorite Hatsoone Miko songs. Meanwhile both Shamura and Heket were clapping their hands in sign of closeness and support.
- Thank you, thank you…- he smiled as he made a few bows, before turning to his worm friend - Now! It’s your turn, Leshy!
Leshy deeply sighed, standing up from the purple sit and walking towards Kallamar, who gave him the microphone.
- It is a terrible idea…- he murmured, slowly taking the microphone with him.
- I don’t think it is!- the squid smiled confidently, making the worm raise his eyebrow and then sigh.
- Don’t tell me that I didn’t warn you…- he added, while the frog approached him. When he whispered her the song, he selected the track he would have sang in a few moments. Meanwhile Kallamar sat with a smile between Shamura and Heket.
- I wonder what he will sing…- the spider whispered to the two, while the big screen on the dark grey wall turned into a hue of deep red, accompanied by the distorted whining of electric guitars, echoing in a dramatic introduction.
While the melody unfolded, the three looked in direction of their friend, Kallamar seemed particularly worried.
- No way he’s going to sing emo metal boy music.- he commented, sweating coldly.
“What’s wrong?” Heked gestured into Kallamar’s direction, slyly smiling at him “Didn’t you want him to sing?”
- Yes but it’s going to hurt my ears, even though I have a hearing disability.- he instinctively covered his ears, before Leshy even started singing.
“Still better than Hatsoone Miku.” She silently chuckled, while the purple spider was too focused on Leshy to pay attention to the banter between the two.
- Why would you say something like this?! I thought you liked her…
“Yes, but not the ones you listen to.”
In that moment Leshy started singing a haunting song about going though a major hardship and asking asking the rain to wash his wounds away. His voice was squeaky and shrill, enough to make Kallamars cover his ears and clench his teeth, while Shamura clapped their hands at the rhythm of the music and Heket stared at him while eating some lime and pink pepper flavored potato chips.
Leshy kept singing and whining until the end of the song, until everyone in the room enthusiastically clapped their hands, except for Kallamar, who did it slowly and with a tired expression.
- Thank you.- he bowed down, making the squid sigh deeply.
- Alrighty Leshy, that was… certainly something.- he massaged his temples, before looking back at him with a dazed expression- Anyways we need to talk about your taste in karaoke music.
- What’s wrong with it?- Leshy asked, raising an eyebrow under the bandage.
- Well… let’s say that the song you picked is not for karaoke…- Kallamar gestured with a frustrated expression, while the worm took a deep breath with an expression that seemed almost exhausted.
- Why… ?- he asked, even he didn’t really care at all.
- It’s too loud!- the squid answered, gesturing even more comically with his hands- You know I am very sensitive to sound, even though I suffer from severe hearing loss!- he explained, pointing his finger to his bad ear.
At that point Leshy assumed a very heartbroken posture, enough to make Heket suddenly type something on her phone to say something to communicate to everyone with the text-to-speech option, but the worm had an idea.
- Alrighty, then I’ll go ahead with something else…- he smiled, while handing the tablet with the list to Heket- How about this very cheerful song from this famous video game about mafia?- he asked, while the frog already knew what song he was talking about and started looking for it.
After giving a look to the selected track, Kallamar’s expression got even more unhappy.
- … It’s literally one of the saddest songs ever written in history.- he sighed deeply.
- Exactly.- Leshy kept smiling, as his expression got even more sly- I am sad. I think it is appropriated.- as he replied, Kallamar noticed his phone, laying on the small table, brighten up and revealing the notification of a new message. When he saw the preview of the text he raised his eyebrows and nodded with a small sigh.
- Alright… you can go.- the squid smiled a bit, grabbing the smartphone to unlock the screen.
Leshy tilted his head in confusion: he expected his friend to insist as usual instead of giving up that easily, so after a while he shrugged and told the frog to play the song, while Kallamar was looking outside the window, as he was looking for someone to arrive.
Leshy kept singing his heart out: he was very self aware about his voice, but he didn’t care this time. He felt like, despite what he thought when Kallamar proposed that idea at first, he actually needed it. It was like it helped him understand his own feelings a bit more.
While he was singing the very last part of that bittersweet song, he didn’t know there was someone outside the door, waiting to come in at the most appropriate time.
When the song ended, Kallamar walked towards the worm, while Heket went to open the door.
- Leshy… I know this is kind of unexpected, but you have got a visitor.- the squid said with a more calm tone, making Leshy tilt his head in confusion, again. In that moment, when the frog opened the door, a shy Barbatos shyly stepped inside the room, then smiling once he saw his friend.
✿ ✿ ✿
He was quickly running in direction of the building. The air was so thick he could see his own shadow cast in mid hair, and the structure was looking worse than the other times, like a neglected memory.
He knew why he was there, and yet he couldn’t feel anything.
Once past the threshold, a labyrinth of doors unfolded in front of his eyes: they all looked the same on those pale grey walls, but he knew staying there wouldn’t have brought him anywhere else.
So he opened the closest door next to him, but it didn’t matter which one he opened, because he always found himself in the same room.
When he reached the room at the end of that labyrinth he felt his heart racing in anxiety and fear. He didn’t even touch the knob, the door opened itself as he approached his hand, like some strong wind or invisible hand opened it for him. He expected it to reveal her ghost staring back at him, floating in mid air, but this time too the room was completely empty.
Valefar slowly opened his eyes with confusion, finding himself in his own bed, at home.
When he realized what he dreamed again he let out a sad sigh, covering his eyes with his hands: it has been 9 years, and yet he didn’t process anything of what happened.