Fakir's eyes opened to the sound of raindrops hitting the windowpanes. They sounded like little drumbeats. He rolled onto his back, then turned his head to see Duck, still asleep on the pillow beside him.

She was breathing softly, with just the faintest trace of a smile on her lips. The covers were pulled down below her shoulders, and the ruffled sleeve of her yellow nightgown was popped up. He started to reach over and adjust it, but then thought better of it, since the imperfection was what made the image perfect in his eyes. Instead, he moved closer, and draped his arm over her, softly. He felt her curl up in his arms.

He smelled her hair. It had a faint scent that reminded him of roses. It was because of some perfume that he had bought her, or rather, Mytho had talked him into buying for her, when they had visited the Story Kingdom, after the wedding.

The wedding. It had already been three months. Exactly three months, as he thought about it. Strange. It felt like only the day before.

He smiled as he remembered that day and night. He was so lost in concentration, he didn't notice that Duck had woken up and was watching him.

"Hey there, lover-boy." Duck raised her chin to look him in the eyes.

"Good morning, baby." He smiled as he kissed her lips, gently.

She snuggled closer.

"Hey, Fakir?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Good, you've figured it out, then."

"Excuse me?" He moved back, and half sat up. "What are you talking about?"

"It's time for you to wake up."

"But I-"

"Now, Fakir. Close your eyes."

He did.

And they opened to his bedroom. He was in his bed, alone. And Duck, the bird, slept in her nest on the windowsill.

He had been dreaming. Duck wasn't human. Which also meant-

He put his face in his hands.

"No. No." He moaned.

Then he looked back to the windowsill.

"Duck?" He whispered.

The bird moved slightly, but remained asleep.

He sighed. "I do love you. I really do."

No response.

Fakir cried.