Ten Steps With You

Chapter 17: Dysphoria

"What do you think the dreams mean?" Summer asked.

"I can't really say, but they're probably related to something."

----------

On the morning of the next day, Oliver was on the phone with Miguel.

"Any progress on finding the next couple?"

"Not at all. Usually, we'd make some strides by now but for some reason, we've come up empty."

"Keep looking, please." Summer said.

Hanging up the phone, Oliver stood up from his chair.

"Let's get to work. The dishes won't do themselves after all."

---3 Years Ago---

In front of his computer, Oliver sat motionless. It was a week after the Angelo Laurel entrance exam and the day of the results.

Summer pulled on Oliver's shirt collar. "You have to check your email, Oliver! Look, it's completely fine if you don't get in."

"But it's not! You got in so that's easy for you to say. Where would I go if I didn't get in?"

Summer sighed. "Here, I'll make a promise."

"What promise?"

"If you don't get in, I won't either."

"Huh? You can't do that."

"Why not?"

"What will your parents say?"

"I'll convince them."

"You spent months reviewing. You can't just throw that effort away."

"Oliver, you did too. We studied in the same review center. You deserve to get in as much as I do."

"But you-"

"Oliver, just open your email."

Yielding to Summer's will, Oliver did as she said.

"Oh," Summer blurted.

"I GOT IN!"

"Damn, you actually did it." Summer smiled, her expression slightly mocking him.

"What do you mean? You thought I couldn't do it?"

"No," Summer chuckled. "Maybe."

---Present---

The two went to sleep.

"Well, we're back here again." Summer said.

The brown doors surrounded them again. A cold and chilly air hugged them in their pajamas.

Oliver looked over to Summer who was sitting on the concrete road. "What if we just sat here and did nothing?"

"Who knows? But something tells me our nonaction would be reciprocated identically."

"What?"