He sat in front of the fireplace. Although he'd told everyone he was going to bed, he decided not to. After all, he wasn't really very sleepy in the first place, so there was no point. Instead, he watched the flames. He began to feel drowsy, as he stared at the fireplace.
He heard Genie's footsteps, and Iago's and Abu's complaining down the hall. He smiled, knowing that Genie was probably deciding whose turn it was to be tucked in today. Well, he'd talk to Genie in the morning. With Iago and Abu going mad, pretty soon everyone in the Palace would be.
Just as the water had a few nights ago, the flames began to change their shape.
"Mom?"he asked, as he saw the flames, suddenly waking up. "I'm glad you're here!"
He wanted to get up, and run to her, just as he would have when he was little.
"I don't know what to do."he said.
"I know you're confused, Aladdin."
Knowing that he couldn't run to his mother, he embraced his knees.
"But you must be strong."she said.
Aladdin looked up.
"I just don't know what to do."
"You must remember to see that she is as comfortable as you can make her. She is just as nervous and confused as you are."
"But I just don't understand her! She...she gets...just,"he threw his arms up.
"You must be patient."
"Thanks, Mom."he said, as he closed his eyes.
The next time he opened his eyes, it was to find himself, not in sitting on the hearth, but lying in bed.