Weaved Reality

Peculiarites

The sun was bright in the blue sky, birds were chirping happily, people were conducting their daily lives without a care in the world; and Roman hated every second. He wasn't sure why, he had the perfect life but everything was too perfect, too mundane. Nothing was a challenge, he supposed, he was simply handed anything he wanted. Even as a college student, he cruised through his courses in psychology with little difficulty. The one idea that amused him through the day was the thought he might could use his tricks of mind manipulation to rule the world. It was highly unlikely, but it kept his spirits high as he dealt with the world he was given in life. Although, there was one aspect of his world that kept him happy and complete.

His boyfriend, Oliver, was one of the most wonderful people he had ever encountered, let alone able to have a serious relationship. He was perfect for Roman: adventurous, funny, occasionally sarcastic. After an arduous day dealing with the world, Roman knew he could always come home and there was someone who loved him waiting for him. He never took Oliver for granted, not like everything else he was given, for he knew one day Oliver might simply slip away and life would no longer hold value or meaning.

"Hey, wanna help me make dinner?" asked Oliver from the kitchen.

Roman loved cooking with him, and although they had little money between them, it was an activity they could always enjoy together. That night was spaghetti, Roman's favorite; it became an evening of laughing and smearing sauce on one another.

Later that evening, he and Oliver cuddled together on their old couch, their shirts still stained from the earlier sauce incident, watching one of Oliver's favorite movies. Perhaps it was because Roman couldn't get comfortable, but his muscles were sore as if he worked out, which he hadn't; perhaps he walked too much on campus.

"He's responding well to the sedation," said Oliver, out of nowhere.

Roman frowned. "Who?"

Oliver turned to him, a small frown on his forehead.

"Who what?"

"Who's responding to the sedation?"

Oliver's job was with the local newspaper as a photographer, he wouldn't know anyone being sedated.

"I don't know what you mean. C'mon, let's watch the movie."

Roman was bewildered by his random comment, but let it pass his mind; it was entirely possible he imagined it, his stress in class was increasing as finals approached.

Toward the end of the movie, as they were turning off the lights, Oliver said something else peculiar.

"But how long can we sustain him in this state?"

Roman didn't ask him what he meant, figuring he would have the same reaction as before; so, he only observed Oliver closely the rest of the evening for any change in mental state. But Oliver continued to straighten up the living room as if nothing had happened, unaware of Roman's growing concern. He decided to let it go for the time being, if something was truly wrong, it would manifest itself in other ways later. For the time being, they both needed sleep to get through the next day.