1



It takes a long time for you to open your eyes even once you realize you're awake. It was late last night when you got back from Marlowe's house, and you were ready to fall asleep as soon as you turned off the light. But as it happened, sleep didn't come to you right away. Maybe it was all the thoughts that came bubbling to the surface once you closed your eyes—or maybe it was just the slight apprehension of what kind of dream you might have.

But now that you're awake, you realize you don't remember having any dreams at all. Part of you thought that last night of all nights, you might find yourself walking through the forest once more. Turning through the trees in search of—something. Whatever it is they seem to want you to know.

Almost as if she can sense what you're thinking about, Arctus stirs beside you and gives a questioning mew. Opening your eyes at last, you find her pressing her face almost nose-to-nose with yours. You know that look; it means: "Are you ever going to get up?"

You smile.

"Yeah, all right, I'm getting up. Just…do you ever have dreams, Arctus?"

"Mrr?"

"…Yeah. Not sure what I expected with that one."

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