Grant

Why lightning?

I know that's not the part that should bother me most. I mean, why the fuck are we suddenly casting around magic or something in our sleep?? Or why is there a connection between what's going on in our dreams, e.g. in our heads, and actual serious shit going down in reality.

A sadistic dream-demon was bad enough. Did it really have to pick up real-world arson as a side hobby??


Ugh.

And yet, through all of it, all I'm thinking right now is:
'Why lightning?'

Because that's helpful.

(Eric with fire-powers on the other hand, is perfect, and completely kick-ass. I kinda wish I'd been able to see him slinging the brilliant flames of righteousness at the shadow bastard's head. I would pay money to see that.)

Ow!

Has anyone else been having problems with static this fall? or late summer or whatever.
It must be extra dry this year, or something. It's fucking annoying getting the crackly little buzzy sound whenever my clothes rub on things.

Jona, you're a science person, and Con you know everything: Is there a way to reduce it? There's enough shit going on in my life right now without me getting zapped each time I touch the doorknob.

What do I do?
What's happening?

Eric was fine, we were figuring everything out. And then this happened.
I couldn't wake him up, I couldn't get him to hear me, I just...

Did I do everything okay? Did I do everything I could have?

He was bleeding. And burning up. And in so much pain.
Oh god.

Maybe there's something else I should have done that could have woken him up sooner. Maybe there's something medical I should have done to get that fever down.

He's awake now. We're at the hospital, while the doctors check him out. I hate waiting here. At least he was awake last I saw him.

What do we do? Was it just toying with us to give us false hope? What do we do if we can't wake each other?

God, I'm such a mess right now. I know I gave up asking anything of you a loooong time ago, but please let Eric be okay.

All right. That's it. I think I'm going to go for it.

Not sure I should have something to drink to fight off the nerves. Or if it would be a better gesture to try it sober.

It's a weird feeling.
But I think, despite the nightmares and ominous looming questions, last night made everything seem a bit brighter. It was awesome just chilling with everyone after all the serious talk was done. And even the serious talk wasn't bad.

Maybe it's Eric.
I can't tell you what a relief it is to see him healthier, to see him in control of this situation. Now that he knows what's happening, he's been doing what he does best: organizing, planning, managing our knowledge and our resources. It shouldn't be as comforting as it is, sitting with the others and listening to Eric. But it is, and hell, I'm not going to complain.
It's like we have a game plan now, and things might turn out okay.

( personal thoughts )

Downsides of me drinking?
Hangover
Fuzzy memory
Humiliation
Disappointing Eric

Upsides of me drinking?
Relaxing
Time with friends
Absence of horrible painful nightmares


If that's not a quandary, I don't know what is.

Went out with Jona and Lyle after class. I didn't mention some of the things bothering me, but I don't think I could easily broach those topics without alcohol. And after last night, I'm trying to avoid the stuff for today.

Still, those two have managed to cheer me up. Now that this nightmare stuff has been confirmed, Jona is having a hypochondriac's field day worrying about the health implications. So, I'm not the only one with problems to discuss. I should take a page out of his book, his worries never seem to get him down. Speaking of which, Lyle's full of his usual humor, come hell or high water or shadow monsters. We had a good time shooting the breeze.

When I've seen Eric today, he's refrained from bringing up anything more from last night. If he's not going to, neither am I. At the moment, it's easiest to just let that water go under the bridge.
The dream recording fiasco is done. And we're focusing on how to tackle the shadow. Not to mention getting used to mental roommates.
As for the rest...

I'll try to help him with his projects. And not think further.
Why am I so bad at thinking when I need to, and so good at thinking when I'd rather not?