Denial.

The books felt like a mountain.They were heavy,heavier than his school bag.His legs trembled under the weight of the books.They were all big with thick heavy covers.The books he picked earlier almost slipped from his hands.Kate noticed the books and asked what kind of books they were.Luca replied nonchalantly that they were kid's stories.They went back to the corridor, which was now pitch black except the moon behind the clouds.They started walking towards their room.

'What kind of books are these?'said Luca,somehow managing the weight of the books.

Kate who was staring at the walls, turned to Luca.

'Oh.these? these are just books on plants.'said Kate'

'You don't look like someone with plants....'muttered Luca.

'What was it?'said Kate as he couldn't hear Luca's words.

'Oh nothing. Nothing at all. Oh look. We have reached the bedroom.' said Luca, changing the subject.

They entered the now quiet room.The children were all asleep.There were no adults present.The babies were sleeping peacefully.

Luca followed Kate to their bed and placed the books on the neighboring drawer.Nearby,Kate was changing into his pyjamas.He noticed Luca stares and mouthed a what.

'What is the time now?'

'Almost three.. I guess?' whispered Kate.

'WHAT!!?' said Luca loudly.The voice made a few babies stir.

'shhhh..You will wake the kids. Stupid.'said Kate.He went to his bed and sat on it.

'We have been out for four hours it seems.'said Kate,as if it was something completely usual.

Luca changed into his nightclothes and went up to his bed.The bed was quite tall for him .He layed on the bed and pulled on the sheets.He closed his eyes and now could only hear the small snoring of the babies.

He could now see sea.There was sun and sand.But his eyes started to burn .His body started burning and flames erupted around him.All he could see was the bright flames, dancing around him.Every cry of agony went unnoticed.

Luca woke up,gasping for breath and found himself covered in cold sweat.The weather was cool.He went down and poured a glass of water from the nearby pot.Still shaking,he went to Kate and tapped him lightly.Kate was awakened by the tapping,confused, he saw Luca shaking.

Kate didn't say much but moved to a corner of the bed.Luca laid on the bed exhausted.He could feel the pain of his flesh burning even thought it was a nightmare.He turned to the side and found himself staring at Kate's back.The sight of another human was comforting enough to send Luca to sleep.He started feeling the warmth he missed.His mother's hugs and her warm hands.He missed the feeling.