Later that night, Topsy was having yet another nightmare; only this time, he was dreaming that Thud along with a herd of fast biters and Red Claw were ambushing him in the Mysterious Beyond. Just before Red Claw could sink his jaws into Topsy's neck and end his life, Topsy woke up panting and broke out in a cold sweat.
"Phew; it was just a nightmare," Topsy told himself.
Just then, he placed a forepaw on his chest and began to take in some deep breaths in order to regain his composure. It took about five minutes before he could breathe normally again. Just before he could fall asleep, he noticed that Cera was sitting at his paws.
"It's a little late to be up, isn't it?" Topsy asked.
"I couldn't sleep knowing that you're still suffering; you were tossing and turning in your sleep; it woke me up," Cera explained.
Topsy hadn't realized how much his mental state was affecting Cera. He then nuzzled her head with his chin to try and cheer her up. Cera understood that nearly dying in the forest fire had indeed changed both her and him, however, she seemed to be okay.
"I know I haven't been myself lately; not even letting go of my emotions and talking to the old longneck was enough; I guess I have more negative feelings to get rid of," Topsy admitted.
Cera nodded.
"You're not suffering from nightmares are you?" Topsy asked.
"No; but, I have overheard you complaining of stomach pain; of course, it's understandable considering that you're constantly under stress due to your actions during the forest fire that could have cost us our lives if Grandpa Longneck hadn't shown up to save us," Cera answered.
Topsy nodded and bowed his head.
"Don't worry, Dad; I still love you," Cera added.
Topsy smiled and nuzzled Cera once again. However, that didn't ease the adult threehorn's nerves at all. He was still feeling really uneasy and at times really queasy along with getting headaches. Cera felt bad about not being able to help him; and not knowing what to do was making her feel worse.
"I wish there was something I can do to make you feel better; other than being there for you," Cera claimed.
Topsy nodded.
"And I thought you felt better after that talk with Grandpa Longneck," Cera added.
"Sometimes, just talking about your problems with the one person you trust more than anybody else and letting go of your emotions isn't gonna cut it; I'm not sure how long it's gonna take before I stop experiencing flashbacks and nightmares," Topsy stated.
Cera nodded.
Soon enough, the threehorns saw Grandpa Longneck coming up to them.
"Wide awake, I see," Grandpa said.
Apparently, Topsy didn't notice him right away and he was startled.
"How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me? Just imagine the mess I'd make if I had the urge to pee," Topsy exclaimed.
"Sorry if I startled you like that; I thought you were starting to get better after you got the chance to let go of your repressed emotions when I offered you a shoulder to cry on; as well as the chance to talk to me about the nightmares you were experiencing," Grandpa told him.
"There's now a new problem; since I killed Screech out in the Mysterious Beyond, I have a feeling that Thud is out for revenge; that's what I was dreaming about; it felt so real; I could feel Thud's breath on my face; I could smell my own blood being shed by a herd of fast biters, the same kind as Thud; and before Red Claw could sink his jaws into my neck, that's when I woke up panting and sweating; I thought I was gonna suffer a heart attack; and that's when Cera woke up to come and check up on me," Topsy explained.
Grandpa nodded.
"I guess that explains why you're still on edge; whenever you need to talk, let any of us know; we're all here for you; well, anyway, hopefully you two can get back to sleep; I just thought I'd check up on you; see you in the morning," Grandpa told them.
"Good night; and thanks for caring," Topsy commented.
Grandpa smiled and walked back to his own nest.
After a few moments, Cera and Topsy finally were able to get back to sleep.
