Honestly, what do you even tell a person when they're grieving? How do you make them feel better?
I hadn't known Leo for long, but from what I could tell, he seemed composed. A bit arrogant, sure, but also strong overall. And now he was on his knees, saying he was sorry. How do you help that?
With the group by his side, I figured I'd leave it to someone else. And as for emotions… yeahh, they aren't really my strong suit.
After Leo recovered a little, we had to find somewhere quieter. Other students had seen the scene and wanted to ask questions, thinking Leo knew something since it was public knowledge he and Ryan were best friends.
There was only one place we could think of to go. Reluctantly, we headed for that classroom.
The second we stepped inside, the vibe changed. All of us started feeling sick, but strangely it also felt nostalgic, like a place we've been to 100 times before. The conflicting emotions didn't sit right with any of us, but again, we didn't have a choice.
Emily was the first to speak. Her words came out shaky.
"This, this makes it worse. I hate that we had to come here."
Her voice grew louder. "Leo-how did the nightmares find out about Ryan? They obviously knew him. They're the ones who got to him, right? Does this mean they can come for us when we're not asleep? And even worse… what about our family and friends?"
Tears filled her eyes. "I've already lost most of my family. I can't lose my grandma too. I just can't!"
Emily's voice cracked with fear, her breathing speeding up into an anxiety attack. Lia rushed to her side, holding her tightly. It was clear they'd grown closer, which was good to see at the very least.
Lia's eyes hardened as she looked at Leo. "Everything Emily said, it's what we're all thinking. So, Leo what did you do? How did the nightmare, or rather your nightmare, find Ryan?"
"Your nightmare?" Simon asked.
"Yeah," Lia snapped back. "Think about it. We've been terrorized constantly, but when we all get together, they connect too. It's obvious-we're all linked to a nightmare. And Ryan's death proves Leo's nightmare knew way too much. So, what's going on?"
Her voice was cold. Her Distrust could be heard with every word, and I knew I had to intervene before things got worse. The last thing we needed was bad blood between us. If we started turning on each other, we'd die even faster. And I couldn't take that chance.
"Look, everyone," "I get that we're all confused and desperate for answers. But no matter what anyone says, the fact remains: Leo just lost his best friend. So go easy on him."
Leo exhaled shakily. "Thanks, Nathan… I'm ready to talk now. It was just hard to compose myself. I've known Ryan my whole life, so this has been a lot."
I get it, "But you need to tell us what happened."
Leo nodded slowly. "I know we all agreed not to talk about the dreams or nightmares to anyone else, but I was just so confused. I just wanted to talk to my friend. I didn't think much of it. If I'd known this would happen, I never would've done it. And now, now my best friend is dead. I killed him."
"You didn't," Simon said firmly but his voice still trembling. "I know it sounds cliché, but I know what it's like to lose someone. Especially when it feels like if you'd just done one thing differently, they'd still be here. But thinking about it over and over does nothing. It doesn't bring them back. And even if you don't want to, time will move forward. So move along with it. And we'll move along with you too." I won't let you get left behind
He realized all he had said and immediately turned his face away. "Uhh… I hope that made sense."
We all smiled a little. Even laughed.
"What?" Simon said, covering his face. "That was my first time giving a speech."
"Thanks for the pep talk, Simon," Leo replied.
And for the first time in days since we met, it felt like we were actually connecting. Like we were actually growing closer. And although it felt cruel to think, at least now we know what happens when we break the rule about telling people. Ryan's death was proof.
"So, guys, "I was thinking, we need to have actual rules to describe the dreamscape, or whatever you wanna call it. At least That way we know what to avoid. So what can everyone point out so far?"
"Easy," Leo said. "Rule number one-don't tell people about the nightmares."
"We all end up in the white room before waking up," Simon added.
"And the nightmares can't enter inside," Emily said softly.
"I've got another theory," Lia spoke up.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I think the reason the maze was empty most of the time during our last trip was because they were with Ryan. And when they were done, they came back for us."
"That actually makes sense," Simon admitted.
"Wait," Leo said suddenly. "So does that mean if we told random people, strangers about the nightmares, they'd get killed instead? While we'd avoid danger?"
We all stared at him.
"What?!" Leo protested. "I'm just saying what we're all thinking. I just said it out loud."
"Hold up," Simon said. "What if someone did that to us? Told us about the nightmares without us realizing, so we got dragged in?"
I shook my head. "Unlikely. I don't talk to people much. And I'd know if someone dropped something that heavy on me. So I don't think that theory works."
"Honestly," Lia muttered, "does it even matter? We're just making guesses. The truth is we don't know what we don't know. We don't know anything about that world. How long we can be safe there. How long will it take before we're gone. I'm sick and tired of it. I'm so tired."
Her words made the room heavy.
And we all fell silent, realizing classes had probably started by now. And honestly "sigh" I'd call that our worst group meeting yet.
Moral was low. Everyone was scared. And the truth? We didn't actually know a single thing. Except one: every time we went to sleep, we were in danger.
So what the hell were we supposed to do?
When school ended and we met up before heading home, an idea hit me.
"Okay guys, I'm about to say something crazy. But hear me out."
"What is it?" Lia asked.
"Tonight, when we go to the dreamscape… we're going to try and talk to a nightmare."
"Are you insane?!" Emily snapped, looking at me like I'd lost my mind.
"Look," I said, "this all started with a question. And we're already screwed as it is. So why not at least try? What do we have to lose?"
The group exchanged uneasy looks. But the truth was, we didn't have any better ideas. So, reluctantly, everyone agreed.
And with that, the plan was set. Tonight, we'd talk to a nightmare.
Of course, we were terrified. But it didn't matter, anything was better than nothing at this point.
Night eventually came.
And as I drifted toward sleep, one last thought echoed in my head probably me trying to psyche myself up." Sigh ok nightmares"
Let the games begin.