"Mickey…" The mouse looked around, even though he knew this dream. It had been replaying over and over in his head for who knew how long.
He would hear Walt's voice, his heart would beat faster with the hope that the horrible news hadn't been true… but no matter how much he looked or called, he could never find the source of the voice. He looked around him dully, and this time, he gave voice to his heartbreak.
"Why?" he choked. "Why did you go?" His broken heart pounded as the familiar voice responded.
"I'm sorry, Mickey… I wish I didn't have to, but it was just my time." Mickey looked around anxiously, but no one was there. "Walt? Please…" The voice continued, gentle and loving but firm. "You have to wake up now. I know how much you're hurting, but it won't last. I may not be here anymore, but you have to go on. Your friends need you." Mickey suddenly felt ashamed, thinking of how much harder he must be making things for his friends.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Even though no one was visible, he felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "They understand. But you must go back to them now." Mickey closed his eyes, letting tears fall. "But what'll I do? I miss you so much," he said softly. "I feel so alone now."
The invisible hand gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You'll never be alone. You have your friends, and I'll always be with you. Whenever you're unsure and feel something pushing you, it'll be me giving you a hand. Or when you look at the sky in the parks at night and see a star twinkle, that'll be me too, watching over all of you." The hand began to fade, and voice was a little sadder as it spoke one final time. "Goodbye, Mickey Mouse. I know you'll make me proud."
Mickey took a deep breath and was surprised to hear his voice come out firm despite his tight throat and the tears flowing from his eyes. "I will… I promise." The invisible hand finally faded, and he was alone again. But after only a moment, another familiar voice reached his ears; one that his ears and heart would know anywhere, even in his subconscious.
"Mickey? Please open your eyes." He slowly did so, and his heavy heart lifted at the sight in front of him. "Minnie," he said softly. Her beautiful face was tired and stained with tears, but it broke into a relieved smile as he sat up.
"Oh, Mickey!" she sobbed, throwing her arms around him and burying her face in his chest. "I thought you were gone," she whimpered. "I was so scared you wouldn't wake up." Mickey felt terrible; it always pained him to see her upset, but it was even worse when he was the one who hurt her.
"I'm so sorry, Min," he said sadly, stroking her back. "I shouldn't be makin' things worse for y'… especially now." She sat back and touched noses with him. "It's all right, baby. I'm just glad you're back."
Barking interrupted their moment, and Pluto scampered in and jumped on Mickey's bed, licking his master's face eagerly. "Hiya Pluto, old boy!" Mickey said, but there was far less of the usual spark in his voice. Minnie heard it, and gently pulled Pluto back.
"Take it easy, Pluto," she said. The dog looked at her in confusion, and then nodded and, giving Mickey's face one final lick, trotted back out.
Mickey gave Minnie a weak grin. "Wonder what he must think of me bein' out like that. How long's it been, anyway?"
Minnie smiled sadly. "About two days," she said, and then stroked his head. "Are y' feeling any better?" Mickey sat for a minute, and then nodded slightly.
"A little…" He looked up at her concerned face and smiled slightly. "Don't worry, doll… I'll be okay." She nodded.
Just then the phone rang. Mickey moved to get up, but Minnie stopped him. "I'll get it… you keep resting." He smiled as he watched her hurry out. She was the best girl a mouse could ask for, and he knew she'd be a bright spot in the dark days ahead. Soon the ringing stopped.
"Hello? Oh, hello, Goofy… yes, he's okay, just woke up." There was a pause. "Sure, but I think you should wait till tomorrow. Mickey should be more up to it then." Minnie lowered her voice, but Mickey perked his ears and could still hear her. "But make sure you don't mention Walt. He's still so sad… " There was another pause, and then she sighed, "Yes, I know… I'm just worried. I wish I could help somehow."
Mickey heard her hang up, and then come back upstairs. He managed another smile as she sat down beside him. "That was Goofy… he's been really worried. Everyone has."
Mickey sighed. "I'm sorry I scared y'." He looked at her with worry. "How're you?" She smiled slightly and lowered her eyes, touched by his concern. "I'm all right."
To her surprise, Mickey took her hand in his and laid the other over it. "I know you're worried," he said softly. "But y' really don't need to. I'll be okay, really. He sighed, still feeling the heaviness in his chest. "It'll just take a while." She looked at him; after a bit, he looked up and smiled, and she saw some of the old twinkle in his eyes. It was faint and subdued, but it was there, and that was a start.
"And y' are helpin' me," he said gently. "Just by bein' here."
Minnie blushed, and then sighed. "Oh dear… then you heard what I said about…" Mickey looked down, unable to stop his eyes from stinging. "Yeah," he said softly. She scooted closer and laid a hand on his arm, stroking it.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Mickey laid a hand on hers and slowly shook his head. It would be long time before he could do that. So they just sat together for a while. Then Minnie laid her head on his shoulder, and he felt her shivering. He smiled slightly and put an arm around her.
"It's okay, Min," he said. "I can be strong for you too." At that she turned her head into his shoulder and started crying. It warmed her heart when Mickey didn't break down once, but just stroked her head comfortingly. "Shh…It's okay, baby, I'm here," he murmured, and then gently kissed her forehead. "It'll be okay, I promise."
Minnie sniffed and wrapped her arms around him. "Thanks, Mickey." She looked up with a weak smile. "How d' you always make me feel better?" He grinned his old grin and hugged her back.
"'Cause I always want to, and I always will." She giggled softly and snuggled close. "Me too," Just then, his stomach growled. Minnie drew back and smiled slightly. "Hungry?" Mickey realized how completely empty he was but he still hesitated.
"I don't know…" He felt a little like he was defiling a shrine of some sort.
His thoughts must have been clear to her, because Minnie said in a loving but firm voice, "You can't fool me into thinking you're not. It's been two days, and you weren't really eating well before." She didn't mention exactly what before; it was still too painful for either to talk about or hear.
Mickey sighed and said, "Okay, I admit it… I think I'm digesting my stomach." His attempt at humor rang somewhat hollow, but Minnie still smiled and kissed his forehead. "We'll get through this together, like we always do," she said gently. "All of us."
Mickey smiled. "I know," he said, and for the first time, he believed it. "I know we will."