I needed only open my eyes forcefully to be thrust back into the waking world. That sweet, nascent scent of the surface was one I had forgotten, but the Starflower brought those memories back.
I stood up slowly, the feeling of weight fading from my body as I became a phantom once more.
I needed to find Hollyleaf.
The tunnels felt gloomier than ever before. But that was only because the dream-world had been so ethereal and luminous, such that everything in the real world paled in comparison.
Finding her was not as difficult as I expected, considering the vastness and complexity of the Tunnels. Hollyleaf was drinking from the broadest end of the river when I spotted her, her leg splayed out awkwardly beside her. She looked up and, noticing me, blinking her eyes welcomingly. "You again."
"Yes, me," I said, laughing breathily. It had been so long since I'd laughed sincerely. "Have you been getting on okay?"
She shook her head slowly, eyes dark as the shadows cast behind her. "Everything hurts. But..."
"But?"
"I think moving is the best thing for me. When I ever got injured, on the surface, I would just keep doing my duties. That's the best way to heal."
"That's certainly optimistic of you," I meowed warmly when she had finished. I was conscientious with my words; I knew she was delicate.
"Thanks." Hollyleaf's voice had dropped to a whisper. "Ever since I fell... I've had time to think. That's all I've had time for, really. And I realized... I realized that I have to try harder this time, to stay hopeful. I have to, if I want to see the surface again."
Hope... Was that what I heard?
No. I saw something different in those eyes. Her speech had reminded herself of something; I could see memories washing through her expression, her mind drifting someplace from which I was barred.
This chapter was a total bitch to edit... much thesaurus-ing was required! Sorry for it being especially short, but that's because I'm prepping for a biggie on Thursday. See you then!!