Chapter 32: A New Game

The disjointed dreams lingered for a long time.

It was like watching a movie, experiencing the lives of many people.

Someone performed as Claudius, the great antagonist in "Hamlet" on a tiny stage; someone edited film in a dim room with an old-fashioned splicer; someone practiced piano in a bright music room, watched by an admiring young girl; occasionally, a small figure huddled in a corner, eyes shut, ears covered, as if hiding from the whole world.

There were even memories of a graduation ceremony where someone played guitar and everyone sang together:

*At the beginning, we sang songs.

*In the end, we walked away.

*The most beloved you, like scenery in a dream.

*I believe, after waking from the dream...

*...

The song ended and many were moved to tears.

Then,

They fell into the mundane world.

Having too many memories of others would likely feel like this. But, it seems impossible to find another reference.

Eventually, it became confusing whether these were dreams or memories.

Disliking reminiscing.

Those always dwelling in the past often have lost their anticipation for the future. The road ahead is so broad, so long; it's not worth living in the past.

And so, he woke up.

After a brief moment of haziness, the memories of the previous night flooded back, instantly alert, he sharply turned to look at the figure beside him.

Janet Johnston, with her wild blonde hair, was sitting on the edge of the bed, her posture somewhat lazy. She held a white bowl that almost covered her face, her blue eyes wide open, and the air was faintly scented with oatmeal, indicating she had just been eating.

Now, she seemed startled by his waking gaze.

Relaxing his body and feeling a bit apologetic, he noticed the purple-red mark on Janet's fair arm holding the bowl and looked at it, making a joke, "So, is this the new game everyone's playing these days?"

Janet blinked several times, finally recovering from the chilling gaze she had just experienced.

Carefully, she set the bowl on the nightstand and reached under Simon's pillow, which he lifted to assist her.

Then, she fiercely smacked the pillow down onto his face.

Bang—Bang—Bang—

"Little rascal, take that for your new game, take that for your new game."

Waking up to see the surroundings and Janet's exhausted demeanor, Simon deduced that she must have had a hectic night. He was always grateful to those who were kind to him.

Now, facing her sudden outburst, Simon simply tilted his head, letting Janet smack his head a few times with the pillow before pleading, "Your Majesty, at least explain before you hit me?"

Hearing Simon's words, Janet, holding the pillow aloft, suddenly stopped, carelessly stuffed the pillow back under his head, and warned, "Don't call me Your Majesty. I hate that title. Call me Janet."

Simon nodded, adjusting the pillow himself.

But.

Something seemed off. Was it backward?

Janet sat back down at the bedside, then stretched out her bruised right wrist towards Simon, "Look, little boy, this is what you did last night. So, what are you going to do about it?"

Simon examined it closely, noticing marks that looked like handprints, though he couldn't recall what had happened the previous night.

He was about to crack a joke, but noticing Janet's expectant eyes and knowing her crazy antics, he stopped himself and responded seriously, "I'm sorry, Janet. I'll take you out to eat when I can. Also, where's Katherine?"

"I almost died because of you last night, and you think a meal will cut it? Don't even think about it," Janet shook her head disapprovingly, then explained, "Katherine stayed up all night with you. I just sent her to rest in my studio, you know, the one by Venice Beach. And I've only slept for three hours myself. Look how good we are to you."

Simon sincerely said, "Thank you, Janet, and Katherine too."

Janet seemed pleased with his gratitude, picking up her bowl again, not bothering with a spoon, and started sipping directly like a cat. She then blurted out, "So, what exactly happened last night? Five broken legs, all serious comminuted fractures, and one guy even lost seven teeth. It was brutal."

Feeling the residual pain all over his body, Simon shook his head, looking at the hospital room ceiling, and said lightly, "I'd like to know too."

Janet continued, "The police questioned those five guys last night, but they didn't say anything, seems like they want to talk to a lawyer first. Oh, and my lawyer will be coming over soon; he's very capable. Although those guys were badly beaten, they were the attackers. The police

 last night were on our side, so we can still sue them."

Simon just nodded, "Hmm."

Janet finished her oatmeal and seemed to suddenly remember Simon, asking, "Hey, are you hungry? I made this especially before coming."

Simon shook his head, feeling his state under the blanket, and looked around. It was a room with a bathroom. He then said to Janet, "Janet, could you step out for a moment?"

Janet blinked in confusion, "Why?"

Simon, seeing her feigning ignorance, just pointed towards the bathroom.

"Oh, that won't do," Janet immediately shook her head, getting up with a look of concern, "You're seriously injured. Let me help you."

Simon had already silently assessed his body; apart from pain in multiple areas, he didn't notice any difficulty moving his limbs. Seeing Janet's serious expression, he finally displayed a helpless look, much like Katherine's usual demeanor.

Janet stood by, seeing Simon staring steadfastly at her without any intention to get up, eventually chuckled sheepishly. She picked up a bag from the bedside, placed it by Simon's bed, and said, "Fine, you're so stingy, not even a look. If I weren't afraid of you grabbing me again, I would have already seen everything. Your clothes were thrown away; I just bought these. But you have injuries, so for the next few days, just wearing shorts will do."

After rambling for a bit, she reluctantly left the room.