Book 16: Chapter 8
“Wake up. Wake up, Son. Wake up.”
I opened my eyes and, in a bleary state, checked my surroundings. I didn’t know when I fell asleep. The promise of the rising sun came after the velvety night had its say. The golden orb and land prepared to rest once more. It no longer beat on my skin as it did at noon. In fact, the air outside was slightly cold.
Mom gently shook my shoulders. The book on my chest slid off. I sat up. My back ached a little as I slept in a chair. My teacup was no longer hot. The fruit was still glimmering thanks to the last hues of red from the entity on the horizon. I looked at Mom with a tinge of bewilderment then stood up and slowly stretched my back out. My back cracked refreshingly. My blanket slid down. I picked it up and put it on the chair. I asked “Mom, how long have I slept for…?”
Mom stroked my head. She pitifully answered, “I’m not sure, either. You might’ve fallen asleep not long after we left. Son, if you want to sleep, then sleep on the bed. It’s not good for you to sleep on the chair, and it’s cold, isn’t it?’
“It’s not bad. Mom, did you sleep until now, as well?”
Mom smiled: “Uhm. The kids slept until now, as well. With the girls by my side, I feel so blissful that I don’t want to wake up. I came over after they woke up to find you asleep, to my surprise. I woke you up because I was worried you’d be cold and uncomfortable sleeping in the chair.”
“I’m all right. I don’t even know when I fell asleep… I remember I was reading a book.”
I picked up the book. I felt ashamed after I saw it, for I discovered that I passed out after having read… practically nothing. Mommy Vyvyan touched the teacup then called a maid to switch it for a new hot cup. She sat down next to me and looked at the letter in front of me: “Son, what’s the letter about…?”
“Oh, the maid handed it to me. It’s addressed to you. I haven’t opened it, so I don’t know what it’s about myself.”