It was like any other shut-in, but Sprig couldn't help it.
He kept hearing noises from outside. It wasn't like he could go outside and investigate. Sprig knew it was a bad idea either way. It didn't help that it sounded like some of it was inside the house as well. He just didn't know where it was and, in all honesty, he was scared to look. His heart pounded as his eyes darted. Sprig's hands were shaky as he kept his slingshot ready.
He started backing up. He gripped the slingshot even tighter. Sprig bumped into something and he jumped. The pink frog went back as he aimed. It took him a moment to realize it was only Hop Pop. He released a breath he didn't realize he held in. He lowered the slingshot. Hop Pop helped Sprig off the floor.
"Hop Pop, what are you doing up?" Sprig asked. "I thought you went to sleep hours ago."
"Woke up to use the bathroom," he explained. "Why are you up?"
"Couldn't sleep. I keep hearing noises from outside and now I hear them inside the house and-"
"Sprig, take a few deep breaths first." Hop Pop instructed.
Sprig stopped and did as he was told. As he breathed in, he counted to three. He did the same thing when exhaling. The process repeated a few more times before his mind became clear. When he was done, Hop Pop grabbed his hands. He smiled at him reassuringly.
"You're tired, you're hearing things, and you're becoming paranoid. Do you want to come back to bed with me?"
Sprig thought about it for a moment before nodding. He held onto Hop Pop's arm as they went up to his room. They got into his bed. Sprig turned his head but Hop Pop moved it back.
"Don't focus on anything else, okay?" Hop Pop whispered.
Sprig buried his head into his lover's chest and closed his eyes.
He was calm enough to fall asleep.