Wrong Reflection

The Lack of Something Overcomes Everything

Time ticked on.

America's sense of time had begun to blur the longer he was stuck in this world, the longer he was separated from his land and states.

He dissociated a lot nowadays. It was hard to stay in control of his body when his soul was rioting so fiercely against it. It was so hard. He tried. He really did.

America just didn't always succeed.

Alfred and Matthew were attending a world meeting in Britain, and they dragged America along with them. They weren't going to make him attend it, but they did bring him so he could talk to the British Isles and get an update on their progress in finding him a way home.

A way back to his states.

To Kansas's Gentle Soul, Ohio's Unending Stubbornness, Rhode Island's Defiance, Washington's Calm Mind, US Virgin Islands' Mischievous Nature, New York's Changing Spirit, Guam's Ability to Collect Parents, and Nebraska's Faith In Humanity.

He needed them.

What was the United States of America without them?

America hoped they were close to a solution. He felt...ill. Really ill. It had only gotten worse since leaving Alfred's land. The exhaustion and dizziness grew worse when the plane landed and worse still when they landed on British soil.

It wasn't anything his soul could anchor itself to.

"You'll survive," Caleb said, although America couldn't tell if Caleb was trying to convince America or himself.

"It's not helping that you're separated from your land. I bet if you had your land but not your states, you'd be better. But you're missing half of what you are, and... let's just hope they've found a solution," Newport said, worry in his voice. America nodded.

"I hope so too," America said.

"Hope what?" Alfred asked. America gave him the smallest half-smile.

"Hope there is a solution or something that can be worked for. We'd rather have a half-hearted plan rather than no plan," America said. If he knew there was a chance, regardless of how small, of him getting home, it would be easier for him to cling to life because he knew there would be a chance at getting back.

"You better not get us all killed," Molossia said. Newport laughed, something bitter and painful.

"Like he controls that. If the body gives out, it gives out. No one can change that," Newport said.

"We'll get you home," Alfred said. America smiled.

"I know you'll try. But we don't even know why we're here, and we wouldn't blame you if a solution doesn't come," America said. While he had been thinking about how that other result, finding no way home and dying here, was becoming more and more likely by the day, he wasn't going to bring it up in front of Alfred.

It was better to keep his mind off that outcome before he worried himself to death.

"Ironic coming from you," Caleb joked.

"Let's not be pessimistic!" Alfred said with false cheer in his voice. Caleb snorted.

"I love it when I can tell he's your counterpart," Caleb said, causing America to roll his eyes.

"Caleb, please leave me alone. What did I do to you?" America asked, annoyed at how the man was being...annoying.

"Caleb is one of the alters, right?" Matthew asked. America nodded.

"He's being really annoying right now," America groaned before checking the time. "Don't you guys have a meeting to go to? I remember where they live, and three of them will be there to babysit."