the depths of sleep, yet I decided to push it aside and not dwell on it. I fo

ld. The fire rapidly engulfed the structure, with f

s though I had transformed into a statue, stiff and resolute like the Statue of Liberty. As I attempted to pivot and fl

intensifying, yet I remained frozen in

ilence. The same child, their face obscured, emerged once

ty. "Marie, Marie, it is time to wake up!" "Are you feeling alright?" He asked. "I found myself completely immobilized," was all I cou

"Thank you very much." He gi

you o

ead. "Please do not

t a deep,

t," he

reciat

in the space. He settles into his seat, tucking his legs beneath the warm covers

ndes," he declares with a serene confidence. I turn my head and look at hi

ters through my windows, casting

you!" I

urposeful strides. He seizes the moment and draws me nearer to him. He then coils h

ch. "Are you feeling at ease?" he inquires. I turn sharply t

e soft, inviting surface of my pillow. I sense his warmth pr

, Marie!" His voice drifts softly from the rear. "Goodnight, Jason!" A g

st, I would rise from these haunting nightmares, my heart racing and sleep eluding me; yet now, I find solac

es, I am enveloped in a

to know how he succeeded in being so irritating!" In a swift motion, I shed my cozy pajama

me of all that is holy to you are you doing?" I shout, recoiling at their sharp intakes of breath as they hurriedly try to shield themselves. "Who is she, Jason?" the brunette

yourself or to me?" I asked, my arms tightly c

declare, a wicked smirk playing on my lips. Jason lets out a soft, amused

houts. "Who?" the brunett

r hands flung dramatically into the air. I pivoted, allowing her the space she needed as she slipped i

and then treat them in such a dismissive manner. I have a sense of sympathy for this brun

disgusting,

ead back slightly, my eyes narrowing in disbelief as he approaches

e recollection of him moaning that brunette's name s

on. He leans in, and a burst of laughter spills forth from his lips. "Did you really believe I woul

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did not venture there; boys of his kind typically just frequent the grocery store. In an unexp

upon you, could you kindly assist me?" He wears a sly grin. "Lower your self-esteem," I mumble. His smirk l

s what happened last night?" he inquires. "Not really," I respond, my voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "Yeah, sure," he replies, his hands busy with the task