A Slow Experience.

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-[Recap]-

As soon he was out of sight, I collapsed to my feet, hugging my legs close to my chest. Is he going to harm me afterward? I can't stay here, can't stay here when he's here. I can't let that happen to me again. I let it happen to me for far too long, even when I could've do something! He tricked me, he trained me into a coward whenever we meet. He loves to see me in pain. I... I...

I... can't.

I-I-I can't... stay here...

It's unsafe.

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- Kahlil's POV -

I woke up. I stood up so fast, looking around to see where I was at. I stood in a vast dark room. There was no light, nothing. Was I dead?

It sure feels like it. Is this where the dead people go? My limbs began to tremble, although I don't feel fear. I lifted up my hands to see them shaking, was I having a panic attack? What was happening to me?

I turned around and started to hear once more. I listened to my last recall, "It's unsafe." I began to wonder if my dream was reminding me about what happened last week. How I feel spooked by some scary beast. Although, nothing can scare me, besides... him.

I don't want to think about that moment. It was horrible. The feeling "to run away from a dangerous source that I couldn't do anything" got in the way, ruining the mood...

I felt bad about leaving Mason there. I wonder how their conversation went...

If I wasn't such a coward, I could handle it. I crushed my hands into a fist by my sides, ignoring the trembling in my limbs. ``I hate it all.`` I said out loud.

``I hate everything about this mess!`` I said in anger, tearing up. I took a deep breath and let it out. ``I can't do anything about it. It happened, I can't change it. I don't have the power to.``

I relaxed and calmed myself. I looked up, noticing a light above me. It was creating a small range of light around me. That is different.

I know that I appear here every time I fall asleep. Everything is dead, dark, a bit scary, depending on my mood. There is no life in my dreams. I always get nightmares, those would come and haunt my soul forever until I couldn't take it.

I wonder why I still haven't done that action yet.


- Dipper's POV -

This week has been okay. Okay? Very fine! At least I say it is. It really is!

Okay. I made another friend last week, of course, it's Gideon, but... I don't think we're real friends. I don't know. I still have that gut feeling not to trust him. He seems pretty normal to be around, besides the whole "compliment" thing. It got a bit annoying, and I had to say something to him to stop; he listened as we attempted to get to know each other. I barely told myself as he speaks about himself and what he has. A bit irritating, but at least he gave me a turn after realizing how quiet I got.

I still don't know if I want to trust him or not. Let's see how this "friendship" goes. Speaking of friendship...

All week, I've been worrying non-stop about Kahlil. He was here when we arrived at the Mystery Shack last week but was gone when Gideon appeared. I feel like something is going on between those two. I never asked Gideon about it since he went on and on about himself... This friendship will not last long.

Here's how the past days went.

``Hey, you got my text messages! How's your phone been doing?`` Wendy asked me. I was standing out in the small park that this town has.

``I love my phone, and besides the point. You do notice, too, right?`` I asked, looking worried at Wendy.

``Yea. It's been two days, and I have not heard word from Kahlil. This is not the first time he's done this.`` She said. I tilt my head in curiosity.

``"Not the first time?" So he has done this before?`` I said, crossing my arms.

``Unfortunately, yes. It's horrible that he tends to get like this, and it always sparks a worry system in my brain. Although I'm sure it's not like last time, it was worse last time.``She added on.

It was worse last time? I'm learning about these events from these two. I wonder what happened to him? I sighed. ``Should we give him a call?`` I asked.

``I've already called him today, he didn't answer it, of course. I know he's dealing with his family troubles so, he may be busy. I'm sure he'll get around to it.`` She said.

``Alright...`` I said, unsure about this all.

``Hey, he'll be alright! He made it out of this once, he can do it again.`` She said. Right... I should stop worrying about him and focus on what I have right now. As long as it doesn't bother me, we're good.

The rest of the day, I spent it with Wendy. At the same time, I couldn't get the thought out of my head. I didn't say anything about it because it may ruin the mood we were having. I got to meet the rest of her friend group, but a few of them were moving away for college. That's good for them, speaking of it. I should start looking for a college in the future. I always wanted to be a detective, so I think I will follow that dream.

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Time went on as the thought keeps reappearing in my head. I told myself not to worry, Kahlil can take care of himself, I'm sure of it. If he needed anyone, he has Wendy or me, he just needs to call us. I say that as I get more worried by the minute. I swear, I overthink about the future. Nothing will happen to him, Dipper, he can make it, promise me that.

I sighed, going back to the present time as I am heading my way after serving a customer's drink. I got to my place in front of the register and thought to myself. I swear I'm going paranoid by the second, I shouldn't worry. Maybe only a little bit, not a whole lot where it could ruin my mood of working.

``HELLO?`` I jumped at the voice, seeing an angry customer in front of me, waiting to take her order.

``Pay attention next time, Mason!`` I hear Chris's voice in the background.

I sighed. ``I apologize.`` Okay, it's already ruining my mood.

My shift was almost up as I was cleaning the front counters off. I noticed I was being watched by my two older co-workers. I decided to ignore them and finish up what I was doing. I make sure everything was alright in the correct order, and no errors left behind. I then hear footsteps approaching me from behind, I turned to see Chris and James.

``Hey, have you seen that teen? Some people were coming in here and questioning if he disappears already.`` James asked.

``No... not recently.`` I said. ``I do hope I can see him.``

``Why hope-``

``Your beliefs may be different from mine, but he's a friend of mines. I must be friendly about my actions, or else, I will lose it.`` I said, interrupting him. I quickly took my gaze off of him and over to the clock, seeing it was 5 o'clock already. I looked back over to them. ``Sorry for interrupting you, I am just stressed right now.`` And I don't want to deal with your crap right now.

I turned and walked past them into the back room. They didn't say anything, I thought they would... strange. I took off my work cloth and place it in my locker, as well as taking my bag and things out. I clock myself out, wave goodbye to my co-workers, and before I knew it, I was outside of Greasy's Diner. I breathe in and out, calming myself. My mind was filling with questions, answers, and all sorts of guesses that is making my brain stress with unhealthy choices. I decided to ignore it and walk quietly on my way home.

I stared down at the sidewalk as I walked. I didn't listen to my music, I just listen to the sound of the town's activity. I slowly lifted up my head before looking around at my surroundings. I would see the sun's light fade through the holes of the tall trees or above its top roofs. I see the evening came with its orange sky already. I turned my gaze to what was ahead of me, only to be surprised by a familiar figure ahead. I stopped in my tracks, getting a closer look. The figure was wearing a grey jacket with a hoodie, although it was hanging down so I could see their hair color, a blonde shade.

I don't want to make assumptions, it could be anyone who has blonde hair. I continued my steps, but instead, I sped up a bit. I didn't want to be seen as a creep or out of line, but I believe people would just see me hurrying to get back home. Unless one of them is smart and gets the wrong idea. I just want to make sure that person isn't him, I don't want to be right. I slow my pace as I walk over to the right side, where they were on the left side of the sidewalk. The person pulled their hoodie over their head. I darted my gaze away from them as I pretended to look at something. I don't need to be looking creepy at someone...

I halted when I heard my name called in a weak, quiet voice. I slowly turned to the faint voice. I wish I wasn't correct. ``...Hi.`` I said quietly, looking at Kahlil, who seemed to have a facial expression of fear. I slowly turned my body and carefully walked over to him. I see him hesitate in his limbs, afraid to move an inch. This isn't him.

``... Are you... alright?`` I whispered to him. My friend was hugging himself tightly, shaking slightly. ``...I... don't know.``

``Do... you want to talk about it?`` I whispered.

``... I don't know.`` He answered, staring at the ground in fear.

I took a look around before looking back at him. ``Well, let's go somewhere secret instead of standing in the middle of the road.`` I whispered. I see him slowly nod as I took the lead. While on the path to this place in mind, I kept looking behind me in case he was following me. He was... slowly... at least that's a start. When we were near, I stopped and turned over to my friend. We were at the beginning of the path to the Mystery Shack, barely anyone was here. I only saw a few walking by their selves to whatever they needed to be at. The way my friend was acting, it really triggered a wave of concern in my mind, making me more stressed as it is.

I walked over to him and grabbed his hand, I pulled him forward as I gave him an assuring expression, letting him know it was okay, nothing is out to get him. I'm not quite sure if that worked, he seemed quiet about it, at least he didn't jump when I grabbed his hand. We made it halfway to the gift shop before turning left to enter an opening of the Jungle trees to my hidden place.

I found this place when I wanted to relax on the ground level instead of on the tree branches. This area is not that far from the Mystery Shack, I can just quickly exit and enter this place with ease. At least I don't feel that mystery pull like I did the other day. I took Kahlil to this place so I can know what is going on with him, it may not be easy to get the answer out of him, but at least I will try to help him out.

The hidden place was surrounded by tall trees, large ferns, and bushes. A lot of moss covers the ground and the trees, and a few small animals come here to relax too. It's small, though, but at least it works for us. I stopped us when we entered the place. I looked over to Kahlil, who made an attempt to look at the environment, even if his grip was still tight.

``Is this better?`` I whispered. I see him jerk his head towards me with a surprised expression. He mouths the word "yes."

``Good. Now, can you let go of my hand, please?`` I whispered. I wanted him to get used to the surroundings here without my help. Maybe it'll ease him up and won't make him fearful. His grip loosens as we let go. ``Sorry...`` He whispered.

``It's alright.`` I said, walking forward. I headed over to the mossy ground next to a tall tree, where I usually sit to relax here. I put my bag down, letting it lean on the tree bark. I stretched out my limbs before sitting down. I looked over to see my friend slowly making his way over to where I was. Okay, I guess he didn't want to leave my side, that's alright! I could easily handle this. He sat down next to me as I stretch my legs out.

``Everything is nice and pretty, isn't it?`` I said, attempting to start a conversation. I was also nervous if he decided not to answer back. If he does go down that route, then it'll be hard to cheer him up. I look over to him, watching him watch nature unfold in front of his eyes. I looked over to see two mice eating their food far apart from where we were sitting. I guess he's enjoying nature, I'll let him have it.

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I leaned against the tree bark, hearing the sound of pounding in my head. The headaches were starting as I stayed there, trying to ease it away. I just had to listen to what my mind is telling me, and here lies my former mental state. If I could just focus on something else, but whenever I try to, it always falls back to these current thoughts. I wish my thoughts would just disappear off of the earth.

``Mason.`` I jumped at the voice as I looked over at Kahlil, who seems like he's back to himself. He looked annoyed at my reaction as I frowned. ``I did it again...`` I said.

``I'm sorry.`` I quickly said. I didn't mean to say that out loud, now my conscious is getting the best of me.

``Do you want to go home?`` He asked me. I looked back up to him, tilting my head.

``What'd you mean? I like being out here, why ask an unnecessary question.`` I said, confused at his question.

``I'm sure I didn't notice it once or before when I saw you, but you looked stressed as hell.`` He said, pulling his hoodie down. I really do look stress? I try not to be stressed, but... I really do?

``I'm fine.`` I lied. Please worry about yourself, not me. I'm not the victim here, you are. I crossed my arms and looked away from him.

``... Fine. If your going to be that way.`` He said. ``Thank you for your company, I think I'm fine now.`` Is he leaving? That's all he needs? Then my mission was a success. I looked back over to see him disappear into the jungle. I froze for a moment. ``Not even a goodbye?`` I whispered. I return to the feeling of my head throbbing, wanting to escape my skull. I slowly stood up and picked up my bag. I exit the hidden place as it grew dark within seconds.

It was already night time before, probably it turned dark after our silence. I pulled out my phone and looked down at it. It was around 7 o'clock, a bit much after that. Okay, our long silence. Damn, I got to stop drifting off in nature and pay attention to reality. I followed my way out of the jungle and onto the path once again. My phone was the only light source in the darkness, so no one was here out. Uncle Ford is going to kill me again. I stood out for too long again, although... he didn't question me that night. That's good... ugh, let me get home so this headache can disappear.

I arrived at the door of the Mystery Shack. I went to knock on it, but it creek open. I was confused, did Uncle Stan forget to lock it? I chuckled as I enter through the door, I walked in the dark gift shop area, closing the door behind me. ``Uncle Ford, Uncle Stan, I'm home!`` I called out. I looked over my shoulder, staring at the staff exit. I turned and walked over and through it, moving over to the living room, which is oddly quiet. Actually, all of this seems quiet, all of the lights are off. I'm guessing they went somewhere while I was gone. I shrugged and turned to the staircase.

I climbed up the staircase and into my room. I put my bag down and changed out of my work clothes and into something comfortable. I sat down on my bed and staring off into the darkness. Something feels off, I turn and pull out my phone, noticing its screen is glitching. I quickly put my phone down as it gave me the chills. I looked over to my lamp, I immediately turned on the light, but there was no click to the sound of it. Infact, I didn't even feel a little turn handle, no light bulb either. There was one this morning, but...

I looked over to my phone, which is now vibrating on my bed. Were my uncles calling me? I grabbed my phone and turned it over. I heard a terrible shriek from my phone as I threw it away from me. I got scared so fast that every corner of my room started to turn black, it was like the darkness is catching up to me. What is going on? Did something get infected? Or... something worse, someone must have entered! I grew more paranoid as my vision started to blur.

I looked up as the black shadows started to form hands, trying to reach out to me. I scooted back and hit my back on my wall. I widened my eyes in fear, tears were streaming down my face. Everything was normal! Why is this happening to me?! I didn't do anything wrong!

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I woke up screaming, hugging myself to death. ``What's wrong?!`` I heard one of my Uncles say. ``Dipper! Are you alright?`` I teared up, hiding my face in my blanket. ``What... happened?`` I whispered. Was it a nightmare? How can it be a nightmare? It felt too real to be a dream! And... how is- where am I?!

``Dipper! It's alright, it was just a dream.`` I felt my uncle's hands straighten up my face from my blanket. I stared at his face, noticing I was back in my room with the light source coming from my lamp. He removed his hands as I looked around. ``...How did I get here? I was out-`` I stopped myself, almost speaking the truth.

``Your friend brought you here, you suddenly passed out.`` Uncle Ford said.

I looked back at him. ``I passed out?`` I said. I probably couldn't take it anymore earlier. I should have taken care of myself... now I got nightmares of darkness trying to kill me. It's must be the darkness from the jungle that scared me. I let out a sigh of relief, calming myself.

``You did. Are you alright, now?`` He asked me.

I nodded. ``I'm fine now. I don't have that headache anymore.`` I answered.

``Good.`` He stood up as I watched him halt before the door.

``There is some news I want to share with you before you head off to bed again.`` He said, turning towards me.

``What is it?`` I said, waiting patiently.

``Your sister is coming here.``

End of Chapter 5