Sun Mote Copse Shedding aches for truth in a shape that's new

Eljay had actually not been dreaming about puppies. Quite the opposite, even: nightmares plagued him. He was surprisingly still in his sleep, showing little of it but perhaps a frown that was easy to overlook. He dreamed about a great river and the rain making it overflow. There were little islands with everyone he loved on them but he couldn't possibly save them all. He had to watch as little Owen crashed into the river because he was running towards Wiffle to save her. Then as he saw a flash of gray on his side he skidded to a halt. Mommy. He had to save moomy! But Wiffle was still out there too! The rain kept crashing and the islands became smaller and smaller as he stood, too torn between the two women he loved (what?) to choose.

Eljay! She called out. Wiffle! he cried out in his sleep. No! Don't die, I never got to tell you I love you! Which was a pretty ridiculous reason for someone not to die, but okay. Dream logic.

When he blazed into awakened Eljay only remembered the blurry outlines of the dream -- choosing between mommy and Wiffle and standing there torn while everyone around him died because of him -- and he jumped up, breathing heavily and looking around with a bewildered look on his face until his eyes eventually fell on Wiffle's sweet face and his nostrils were filled with the scent she left behind everywhere, that drove him crazy.