After a few days in the hospital, Billy was finally allowed to go home.
His wound had healed so quickly it even left the doctors puzzled, but Billy barely thought about it.
As soon as he walked through the door of his apartment, he sighed with relief.
"Finally home."
He tossed his bag on the couch and went straight to the kitchen, stomach rumbling.
He opened the fridge with confidence… and immediately frowned.
"Empty…?"
Nothing but a lonely bottle of mustard, a shriveled tomato, and an expired yogurt.
He closed the door with disappointment.
Billy grabbed his phone.
"Well, time to do what every hungry adult does: order food."
He scrolled through the delivery app, eyes scanning for salvation.
"Two pizzas… just for me."
He hovered his thumb over the order button for a second, thinking,
Should I invite Marie?
He hesitated…
"Nah. I don't want to bother her."
He hit "Confirm Order" and flopped onto his bed.
About thirty minutes later, the pizzas arrived. Billy devoured them both without shame, enjoying every bite.
Afterward, he changed into pajamas, stretched, and said,
"Alright. Bedtime. Big day tomorrow…"
He fell asleep quickly, full and satisfied.
---
Later That Night…
Billy dreamed.
He was in a glowing space that looked like a fast-food commercial—floating burgers, golden fries, sparkling soda.
He reached for a juicy cheeseburger, perfectly grilled, melting with cheese. The fries beside it were crispy and hot.
He took a bite in the dream, and everything faded into a warm, pleasant haze.