TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF PREMATURE BIRTH AND INFANT DEATH.
Winter slowly gave way to spring in the waking world, but their little dream land was much as it always had been. Some nights where spent studying as Will taught Lizzie the simpler ideas from his own learning. Sometimes in his exuberance he would go to fast or try delving into too much detail for a child so much younger than himself, though the girl never complained. She didn't mind in the least as Will had a seemingly endless patience with her and her questions. And when an idea or lesson was one beyond her young mind Will did his best to explain at least some of the basic concept. Overall the children grew together in wonderful friendship.
On other nights they would read or play games. Lizzie was shocked to find out that her friend had never played Spillikins and they spent a lovely night honing their skill, and in turn Will had taught her to play chess. A decision he soon regretted as he realised the strength of her strategical mind.
They also enjoyed their own time outdoors. Lizzy still insisting on climbing the trees with Will standing beneath in case the insane child fell. She never did of course, but she enjoyed knowing that he was below ready to catch her should she so need. And this is how their nights passed, happy and free. Time drifted on, as did their daily lives. Spring inevitably gave way to summer once again and before they knew it Lizzies eighth birthday honed into sight.
He knew she was there, even without turning. The view from his window had caught his attention, the moon sat bright and high in the black inked sky.
"Birthday girl, shall we take a turn in the garden tonight. Its so beautiful outsi..." His words caught in his throat as he turned and saw his friends pale, pained countenance. "Lizzie, Lizzie what's wrong?!" Her red rimmed eyes stood in stark contrast against her normally mischievous face. She gave no answer besides a barely perceptible shake of her head. Her little legs, how small she looked, carried her stiffly to his bed. He was at her side immediately having crossed the room in just a few determined strides. Carefully he helped her climb onto the mattress. There she sat, bolt upright and ridged. He could see that although she was sat there she was in no way with him. Her tired eyes focused off somewhere in the middle distance. Uncontrolled tears built up and quickly gave way, streaming down her cheeks. Will sat beside her. Gently he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into his side.
"Come here" he whispered. Her head flopped down to rest on his offered shoulder. The ensuing silence was only disrupted by the occasional sob of the very broken little girl.
The moon retreated and the sun rose. As light filtered in through his window Will found himself suddenly alone. Lying back on his plush pillows he hoped he would soon wake.
The next night was one of those rare ones where Lizzy was already waiting for him. It really wasn't all the often that the girl appeared first. But there she was, sat right where shed been the day before.
"Lizzy?" Oddly blank eyes turned to meet him." Lizzy, please tell me what has devastated you so!" He pleaded picking up her hand tenderly. She surprised him by grasping at his hand, holding on to it for dear life. He face however remained expressionless, a disturbing contrast to her normally lively disposition. He sat beside her, waiting, allowing whatever time it was she needed.
"I turned 8 yesterday Will" Her voice was robotic, weak. " I turned 8 and it honestly and truly didn't matter" Will waited patiently, barely daring to breath. She wasn't talking to him, not really. He kept hold of her hand, anchoring her to this shared world they had. "Mama had the baby. Such a tiny, quiet little thing" She finally looked at him. Actually saw him. "Mama had the baby Will, but it was too soon. He died!