The Bird and the Wyrm

At first, I thought I’d just been imagining it (I usually have you on the brain after all) so I walked closer and crouched under the window where your voice seemed to have come from.

"Some people have illnesses that take far longer to treat." This time it was Aunt Yeung’s distinct voice.

"But at least they get to be awake for all it it," you said. "If I go to sleep again, and manage to wake up, I’ll be waking up to a completely different world. Again."

After the initial surprise of running into you I quickly became anxiety as I realised just how personal this conversation was. I was preparing to carefully crawl away to the little staircase I’d just spotted when Aunt Yeung spoke again.

"Have you spoken about this to Misha?" she asked and of course I stopped.

"Talked to him? You just told me you need to redo the seal. When could I have told him?"

"I mean about the seal as a whole."

"I’ve... mentioned it, I think."

Aunt Yeung scoffed. "I really don’t understand what that kid sees in you. You treat him like this yet he’s still willing to move the heavens for you."

I blushed to no one in particular at that.

"So?" you asked.