From the moment the sun began to light up the courtyards of the academy, Yoshi sensed that this would be another day of internal struggle.
His body weighed him down as if he had crossed endless deserts. Every step into the classroom was a battle against fatigue. The voices of the students were distant, irrelevant echoes, unable to pierce the thick fog that enveloped his mind.
It could not go on like this.
Not after last night.
Every time I closed my eyes, she was there. No matter how hard he ran, how hard he begged. She reached for him. She claimed him. The day before, he almost felt as if his soul had been ripped to shreds.
Something had to change.
At the first recess, without a word to anyone, he left his seat and walked out of the classroom. His destination was clear: the infirmary. He needed help. Any help.
The corridor seemed endless. Every step made the wooden floor creak like a wail. Some students passed him, waving briefly or simply ignoring him. Just as well. He didn't have the strength to keep up a facade today.
In front of the white door of the infirmary, he swallowed. His hand trembled before he knocked lightly.
-Go ahead!
The voice was soft, melodious.
He pushed open the door and entered.
The woman who received him was dazzling in a way that was almost painful. A young woman with long, wavy, pale pink hair and golden eyes that seemed to hold sunlight. Her figure was slender but generous, wrapped in an impeccable white uniform.
For a moment, the pain faded. He stared at her like an idiot, mesmerised by her soothing presence.
-Ahem!" The nurse smiled with a mixture of gentleness and professionalism.
-Oh... I'm sorry..." he blurted, looking away in embarrassment. I need... help.
She nodded and approached with a confident stride.
-All right! Do you have a fever? Pains? Come on, I'll check you!
He bent slightly to examine it, the lavender scent of her hair enveloping him.
-It's not that," he muttered, turning away awkwardly. I don't need a check-up. What I want is... something to sleep.
-To sleep," he repeated, cocking his head to one side like a curious bird.
-Yes, something to keep me from dreaming. -The words came out more desperately than he meant them to.
The golden eyes blinked in surprise.
-It's not that simple, young man. I cannot give such strong medicines without an approved recommendation or diagnosis. It would be irresponsible of me!
Yoshi's heart sank.
-Please..." he said, his voice trembling. I have an ability that... affects my dreams. They're realistic. They hurt me. I can't go on like this...
For an instant, he thought he saw a glimmer of understanding in her. But immediately, her face hardened back into the professional mask.
-I'm sorry... I really am. But without official permission, I can't give you what you're asking for.
Feeling his strength leave him, he simply nodded, turned and walked out of the infirmary. He did not look back.
-...
He shuffled back to the classroom, ignoring the stares of those who had already returned from their break.
He slumped back in his chair, rested his arms folded on his desk and hid his face between them.
-If I can't stop myself from dreaming... I'll have to choose the right moment!
He knew Kyria would be in class at this time. That she would probably be busy, let alone be able to intercept him in the dream world.
It was a risk. He could get a terrible scolding if the teacher found him asleep.
But he didn't care.
I needed a break.
A little piece of peace.
He let sleep claim him.
At first, it was darkness.
A warm, welcoming emptiness. Like a deep lake where nothing could reach it.
He smiled faintly, just a twitch of his dry lips.
-Just for a while... just for a moment... without her.
Calm spread like a blanket over his shattered mind.
Maybe, just maybe, this time I could rest.
If only for a moment.