Not okay

I couldn't tell much on the trip out, to be honest.

I mean it was a lovely trip, all things considered.

But I couldn't really enjoy it without my glasses.

Could you imagine how it must have been like?

Here we have a statue.

Ooh, a popsicle kart!

Oh! ARE YOU SEEING THIS!? THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!

'No, I didn't see it! Stop talking about how amazing it was and tell me what happened, Dang it!'

'I mean I could fire up my runes or cast a spell matrix, but a kid holding that type of spell isn't exactly normal. Plus, I might need it later on.'

'I mean... I'm not in any current danger right now. I could hold on for a few minutes to get some glasses.'

'I'm very incredibly close to danger, but not immediate danger. I'm not running for my life. Besides...'

'IT'S NOT LIKE I'LL BE ABLE TO SEE WHATEVER HAPPENED AGAIN SINCE I MISSED IT!'

I told myself in order to resist the urge to channel my mana as I was dragged around by hand.

It wasn't a pleasant drag either.

Don't get me wrong, the girl meant well. Thread was just that kind of person.

She was too energetic, and always ran off at speeds my legs couldn't keep up with.

'Which is weird. Shouldn't my legs have recovered a bit more than this? I mean, I got a good night's rest, had a hearty meal, and was in a mana rich environment.'

'I just don't understa- ahh!'

I flinch as my head throbs with unrelenting force.

Thread had been rushing, and accidentally made me crash into something for the umpteenth time.

'It's not worth it. It's not worth it.'

"Oh! Sorry, sorry! Are you okay? Sweetie, are you okay? Are you okay? Sweetie speak to m-"

"I'm fine"

I cut her off before she could continue.

'Honestly... She's more like a child herself. It'd be a miracle if an actual kid made it this long without bursting into tears.'

Even now, she's still asking repetitively if I'm okay. To which I have to repeatedly assure her that I am.

'Seriously, though. It feels like your more worried about your guilt than the actual child at this point. Ask once! Maybe a few times if you're worried, but not fifty! If you were really worried, then stop slamming me into things!'

"Where are we going?"

I ask in the hope of distracting her.

She seems startled, but quickly finds... resolve?

'Why are you finding resolve now of all times, girl!? There's literally no reason for you to suddenly look so determined.'

"U-uh-oh! We're heading to the Doctor to check you up. She gave everyfey a quick once-over when you arrived, but we need a more in-depth check before we go."

"Oh."

I answered as if hearing about the weather.

"Here we are!"

Thread let go of my hand and displayed the building with zeal.

I could feel her enthusiasm radiating as she started explaining everything about it.

"This place has been here since the founders!"

"Really?"

"Yeah! I mean It's had a couple of renovations and had to be rebuilt a couple of times. But this specific area has always been medical."

"Cool."

"You better believe it's cool! And guess what?"

"What?"

The conversation continued for a while with Thread progressively getting more and more animated with every example.

I think she was trying to get me excited, but I just couldn't be bothered putting up an act for her.

...

...

...

She slammed my face into a wall multiple times. Whadaya want from me?

"Thread!"

The mom called out from behind us.

"Oh, there you are! I was starting to get worried for a second."

"MOM!"

Thread yelled like the cavalry just arrived during the dying light of the storm.

Yes, I stand by that metaphor.

I heard footsteps and an oomph. I assume that she ran over and gave her mom a hug after dealing with my dead-faced schist.

"I need your help."

I heard her say as she started whispering at a volume too low for me to hear.

I could hear the rest of our group catching up during this time.

I got a popsicle.

"Yay."

I said quietly as thanks for the sweetness the 'Dad' gave me.

I swear I could hear the awws they let out as I chewed.

That's right, chewed. I ain't no wisp.

I chew my popsicles like a real fey.

You do not survive in an orphanage unless you prove yourself to your peers.

Huh, the staff?

Let's just say that we weren't exactly raised to be flowers given the test.

I 'froze' in realization.

'The test. What happened with the-'

"That's brilliant! Thanks, mom!"

Thread cut through my thoughts with her noise aggravating my headache.

'Why are you so loud?'

I saw their blobs squat down in front of me.

"Hi, there sweetie."

Thread started with a more normal, yet somehow creepier tone.

"How're you doing?"

"Good."

I said trying to remember what I was thinking about through the pain.

"Got any problems?"

'It's a good thing we're going to a doctor. No focus, what was it?'

"No."

"You seem a little quiet."

'That's cause I'm trying to think, and you aren't helping!'

"That's just how I am."

"Oh, are you sure there isn't anything we can do for you? Anything you like to do?"

I nodded my head.

"*mhmm."

I could hear her dying inside as I refused to explain.

"Well, what is it?"

'Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!'

I fought desperately against the growing pain in my skull.

"Doctor."

"What?"

They asked in confusion as they failed to find my meaning.

"Doctor, now."

"What is it? Is something wrong?!"

Thread asked in worry, and with a stupidity unlike anything I have ever seen before in my life, started shaking me vigorously.

The pain grew by magnitudes. As darkness started to crowd my vision I had only one thought, and I'm certain I said it aloud.

"I blame you for this."