The Obelian Anthology

Nightmare

He looked much better compared to a few days ago, now that he's been having his meals on time and his symptoms are abating. When I saw Claude doing well, my worries began to fade.

"Oh... I woke up and just suddenly missed you."

I told him truthfully the reason for my strange action. But somehow Claude slowly gave me a concerned look. It might seem absurd to just come and go like this, but I've achieved my purpose anyway (to check on Claude), so I turned to leave the office.

"Now that I've seen you, I'm leaving."

"Wait a minute."

I thought I heard a faint call from behind, then suddenly, a shadow fell over me. Claude was looking down at me, definitely closer than before.

"You..." he muttered, but soon abruptly cut himself off and shut his mouth.

"Athanasia."

A soft voice was heard after that. The name he whispered drifted in my ears and soon scattered in the air. A suppressed breath lingered above me for a moment, and soon I felt my body lifted.

"I never imagined myself doing weird things like this."

I could only blink my eyes in bewilderment when I suddenly realized Claude was carrying me in his arms, and when I heard a sigh of lamentation, I choked up.

"No, when did I ask you to do something weird like this?"

"You've definitely infected me with your weirdness."

Suddenly bursting into the Oval Office at this late hour was definitely very weird, so I don't have anything to rebut. When I raised my head, Claude's troubled face made me all the more emotional.

This, this is a bit embarrassing. Claude never carried me like this when I got older... Besides, it's a princess carry!

With just a glare, Claude was able to make the people by the door go away, and then he carried me down the hallway. I felt very embarrassed but I couldn't ask him to let me down because of the awkward mood we're in and could only fidget and stay still.

"I'll let you off for today. Sleep tight."

When Claude arrived in the bedroom, he put me down on the bed and wrapped me in a blanket. I quickly became sulky because it sounded like I was an annoying nuisance.

"Do you take me for a child who can't sleep alone after a nightmare?"

Haha, I, I did come here because of a nightmare, but my pride would not allow me to admit it.

Then Claude just ruined my pride with a single snort.

"You don't think you are?"

Ugh, I hate you!

Claude clicked his tongue as I overturned the blanket and trembled in anger.

"Don't think too much and just sleep."

Suddenly, I felt a rough touch on my head and I stopped moving.