Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

-Anne’s POV-

    “Waking up every morning is so.. horrible. It feels like I’m supposed to still be in Amphibia, with Sprig and Polly, and Hop-pop. Forgiveness.. Change.. It’s all so- different. I'm not used to it. I want to go back to amphibia but I can’t. There’s no chance to. The music box was left in amphibia and even if it still worked, there aren't any stones anymore. It’s not possible to go back. But I oh so wish I could. I just wanna go back home.”

    “I understand this transition must be incredibly hard for you Anne, especially since there barely was one. It all happened in less than 24 hours, which is never good for your mental health when it’s something so serious. You Should’ve been eased into the change, but I know there must’ve been no way to do that.” I nodded. She was just repeating my thoughts back to me while giving me sympathy. “Do you have anything that reminds you of Amphibia?” I thought for a moment. “The pictures I took on the phone I gave to Sprig went to the Icloud once I came back and it was able to. I guess if I could access my ICloud I’d be able to see them?” Thinking about the possibility made me excited, but I knew that I needed to keep my expectations low.

    “That’s an amazing Idea, Anne. When this session ends, go onto a computer and visit your ICloud. Maybe try and save the pictures you really enjoy onto your current device. Then you can revisit Amphibia in a small way whenever you need to.” She smiled warmly, and I knew she was trying to help. But it wouldn’t help. It would make my situation worse. If I saw a picture of Sprig again anytime soon I’d burst out into tears, and “Whenever I need to” Would be every second of Everyday. I’d be expelled from school before I would even have the pictures for a day. “I know it sounds weird but.. I don’t think that would help. I think it’d make it worse.. My feelings, I mean.” I felt so bad. She really cares.. Right? “Of course. I know that could be an effect for some people; I’m glad you told me. Is there anything you feel would help you?”

    I have no idea. That question made me think for so long. I can’t think of anything, except something that forcefully alters my thought process. Like.. Medicine. But Mom would hate it if I had to take medicine.. Especially for something like this. Even if she didn’t, if I can’t help myself then what’s the point in even coming here? I have to be able to do something about it.. “I… I’m not sure, Mrs. Lim. I can’t think of anything except.. medicine. Or sleep.. or- my friends.” Her face lit up at my last word. “Of course! Your friends fought alongside you and were stuck there just like you, weren’t they? Maybe you all should hang out again sometime soon, maybe that could help bring up your mood.” That sounded like it might work. I missed Sasha and Marcy anyway, so anything I could do to see them would be a good idea.

    “Okay. I’ll message them later today to ask them if they would want to hang out. We haven’t in a while so.. that sounds nice.” Mrs. Lim nodded and smiled, checking her watch. “It looks like the session is over, Anne. I hope I’ve helped you today. I look forward to seeing you again next week.” She grabbed the bowl of Candy on the table in front of her and offered me some. I smiled and grabbed a sucker, unwrapping it and grabbing my bag as I popped it into my mouth. “Bye, thank you for the help Mrs. Lim.” I walked over to the door and threw the wrapping in the garbage next to the door. “Of course, Anne. Bye!” She waved to me as I walked out of the door, and I closed it behind me.

    I walked along the Tan hallway full of office doors and turned right at the end of it, spotting the elevator. I walked inside, luckily being alone. I pushed the button for the first floor and watched as the doors closed. The elevator in this building oddly enough didn’t have music, So I pulled out my phone and earbuds and turned on my playlist. I went into my messages app to text my mom that I was on my way home, suddenly pausing as I was about to close the app. Ding I was halfway done with the elevator ride, when the door opened on the 8th floor and an older man with dark black hair and sharp brown eyes walked in.

    “Hey, Mr. Wu.” I said. He looked at me and smiled. “Hello, Anne! It sure has been awhile! What’re you doing here?” He pressed the button for the ground floor. “Oh- I just started my therapy sessions. I’m with Mrs. Lim, if you’ve met her.” I forgot he worked here.. “Ah yes! She’s one of my favorite Co-workers. She’s always a big help, around here and with her clients.” I smiled, closing out of my messages app, pausing my music, and stuffing my phone and earbuds back in my bag. “Have you and Marcy hung out much recently?” He reached for something in his back pant pocket. “Not really, but I still have 4 classes with her so we still talk.”

     He nodded, pulling out his phone. I watched as he went into his messages app and clicked on a contact with the name “Trouble Maker” and a picture of Marcy as the picture. Huh. He started typing and I looked away, Not wanting to invade Marcy and her dad’s privacy. The elevator dinged again and stopped, opening the doors on the 1st floor. I stepped out and waved at him, Seeing him wave back as the doors closed again. I went to the front desk and signed out, Putting 2 dollars in the small glass jar labeled “tips”. I walked out of the building’s automatic sliding doors and started walking down the road, heading for Thai Go to get some food before I went home. And to see Dad. 

    I walked in the door and saw my dad at the cash register. He looked up because of the bell hanging on the door and smiled, waving. “Hey Anne! I didn’t expect to see you. How'd the session go?” I put my hand up and did the “ehhh” hand motion. “Aw, well, want some food to make you feel better?” I nodded. “Yes please. I’m super hungry.” He smiled and went into the back, grabbing some food and putting it into a to-go bag. He gave it to me and I waved, walking out of the door again. “Thanks dad!” And I went home.

    I opened the door to the house and kicked my shoes off, putting them on the shoe rack neatly. “Hey Anne! How’d it go?” Mom hugged me and I set the food down on a surface next to us. “It went okay. She told me to hang out with Sasha and Marcy more, it might help.” I shrugged, Pulling my bag off my back and holding it by the handle on the top, unzipping it and putting the bag inside of it. “That sounds like a good idea. You should invite them over for dinner sometime next week, maybe some food could make the night even better!” I smiled and nodded, pulling my bag up and starting to go upstairs. “I still gotta ask em to hang out first, but I’ll let em know you want them over.” I walked into my room and kicked my door closed behind me, pulling out my food and phone from my bag. I set the food and phone on my bed and put my bag on the floor next to it, climbing up onto the bed myself.

    I opened my phone and went into messages while pulling out my food and started to eat it. I went into the group chat Marcy had made named “Calamity Trio” and started typing my message.

<— Back            Calamity Trio 💙❤️💚  \/                \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

    Sasha: Okay weirdos. We’ll call tonight, right? (4/4/20)

    Marcy: Yes!!! I can’t wait to talk to you guys again!! >O< (4/4/20)

    Anne: Lol Okay Marcy. I might not be able to join for long though, Still gotta help around the restaurant. Sorry!! (4/4/20)

    Sasha: That’s fine, Anne. We know you have a life, unlike marcy XD (4/4/20)

    Marcy: Ò.Ó (4/4/20)

-New Messages-

    Anne: Hey guys! It’s been awhile since we all hung out and talked for stuff that wasn't school.. Would you guys be okay with going to the Mall sometime this weekend to Hangout and catch up? I’m available whenever except for 3-5 on Saturday because of tennis practice Lol. (Today at 6:53pm)

    Sasha: Oh hey Anne! Yeah, It has been awhile. I’ll be able to hang out whenever on Sunday, but not at all on Saturday Lol. Depending on Marcy’s answer, would you be good with going to the mall at around 2:15 on Sunday? (Today at 6:59pm)

    Anne: For sure! What about you Marcy? (Today at 7:00pm)

    Marcy: Hey sorry! I was doing some homework lol (Today at 7:08pm)  

               But yeah that sounds like fun! I’ll def tag along <33 (Today at 7:09pm)

    Anne: Yay!! See you guys then! (Today at 7:11pm)

    Sasha: Yep! Cya! (Today at 7:12 pm)

⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛  | Type Message…           |  ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛

    After sending the messages, I reached into my bag and got out my Laptop. I opened it up and started typing in the search bar. I looked at the Mall movie theatre’s website, and bought some tickets to the most popular one that I knew we would all like. I opened a new tab and went into my favorite streaming service, opening the continue watching tab and clicking on the most recent show. 

    I sat there for hours, occasionally munching on my Thai Go order and watching the show until my eyes hurt. When I finished the 5th season, I decided to put it on pause and do something else. I threw away my trash and tidied up my room, changing into more comfortable clothing to sleep in. I looked at the clock and saw that it was almost 2am. I turned on my alarm for school and plugged my Laptop in to charge. I grabbed my phone and checked the battery. 45%. I decided on staying up a bit longer until it gives me the 10% battery message. 

    I set my phone down on my bed and got up, heading to the kitchen. I passed my parent’s room and saw them both in bed, asleep or not; I have no idea. I walked down the stairs and turned the corner, walking onto the cold and smooth tiles of the kitchen. I grabbed a glass out of the cabinets and walked over to the fridge, grabbing the water pitcher out of it and pouring some in my glass. I put the pitcher back and took a sip, closing the door. 

    Domino walked up behind me, rubbing against my leg. I smiled and set my glass on the counter next to me. I leaned down and picked her up, cuddling her. What’s 78 years more? I jumped, dropping Domino on accident. “What the heck..” I apologized to Domino quickly, grabbing my glass and speed walking back to my room. “Of course this happens now ..” I thought. I set my glass on the nightstand next to my bed and pulled back my covers, climbing in and grabbing my phone. I opened TikTok and started scrolling mindlessly. I eventually got the “Your phone is at 10%” Message and turned off my phone, plugging it in and setting it next to my glass of water. I drank the rest of it and then turned over in my bed, my hand in between my head and the pillow, eyes open and mind racing.

    I wouldn’t say racing, actually. It was jogging. Or- walking. My mind was walking along the path of memories, thinking about amphibia and everything that happened in the past year. Or.. more than a year I suppose. I went into amphibia in May, and it was august. August of freshman year. I’d basically skipped all of 8th grade, but I did enough classes in the summer that I was able to still go into high school with my friends. And, because of the way the summer had gone, I grew to love doing schoolwork. There was fun in it that I hadn’t found before, but now that I have it wasn’t an issue when I stayed up until 2 watching a show about fictional people. Because I’d already done all my work. 

    Eventually, my eyes started to close unconsciously. My thoughts kept on with the journey along the path, but my body fell unconscious. My dream that night was so.. real. It felt like it was actually happening, and It felt like it was real. It.. made me feel better, oddly enough.

    I started out in a Lake, drifting along on my back with my eyes closed. The water was creeping into my clothing slowly, causing me to shudder at the cool touch. I opened my eyes when my head hit something. I got off my back and started treading water, looking at what I had bumped into. It was a dirt ledge, Specifically the edge of the Lake I was in. I got out of the water and somehow, I wasn’t wet at all. I started walking and noticed a path in the forest near the lake. I walked along the path until it came to a stop. I looked up from the ground and, in front of me was the Plantars house. “Wait but- how..?” I slowly walked up to the door, noticing a new button next to it. I pressed it and heard a ding ring out inside the house. “They have a doorbell now…”

    “One second, I’ll get it Hop-Pop!” I heard from inside. Sprig’s voice.. Was this real? I had to be dreaming. I reached up to pinch myself, but before I did the door opened. Sprig was standing there. “Hello! I’m Sprig Plantar, Hopediah’s son and the heir to the “throne” of the Plantar family’s-“ He opened his eyes and noticed that it was me standing on his doorstep. “A… Anne..?” He slowly said. I saw tears forming on the corners of his eyes. “Is.. Is it really you..?” He started crying, and I couldn’t do anything but cry too. “How- How did you get back?” He choked out. He ran into me, and hugged tightly. I hugged back,,,,, closing my eyes tightly, letting the moment happen in the best way it could. “I’m.. not sure, Sprig. I.. thought this was a dream..” I fell onto my knees, hugging him tightly. “I missed you so much you.. you don’t even know.”

    He looked up at me and smiled, tears still falling down his cheek. He grabbed my left hand and drew something on it with his finger. I stared at him, not looking at my hand. I needed to look at him again.. “I missed you too, Anne. But.. You were correct. This is.. a dream. I wish it wasn’t.. But, when you wake up, please tell Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy I said hello.” The tears in his face started flowing harder, and he finished his drawing. I looked down at my hand, but before I could make out what it was, everything around me was black and the dream ended. 

    I sat up quickly. My face and palms were sweaty and my left hand felt numb. I looked at the time and saw that it was 10 minutes before my alarm went off. I got out of bed and turned it off, Unplugging my phone and Laptop and putting them on my bed, along with my backpack. I went over to my door and lifted my hand to turn the doorknob. But, as I lifted my hand, I saw something on my palm. It was a small message, and kind of hard to read. I went over to my bed and sat down, trying to focus on my hand.

    “Hey Anne! I know you won’t be able to respond but I wanted to let you know that I miss you, and I wish you were here! Life’s pretty fun around here, but It just isn’t the same without you. I hope we see each other again, whether it’s this life or the afterlife. Bye!! “Love you girl!” (Polly says) -Sprig. (P.S. Maddie found a spell to communicate through dreams. Thank frog for Maddie! :D)” 

    He can communicate with me. I grabbed my phone and quickly took a picture, just in case it faded with any kind of touch. I breathed, knowing that I’d document it more after school today and on Saturday tomorrow. I got back up and opened my door, going downstairs and suddenly remembering what Sprig had told her in her dream. I went into the kitchen and got out a bowl and a box of cereal. Mom and Dad were sitting at the table, and as I sat down after making my bowl of cereal and milk, they said good morning. “Good morning Mom, Dad. Oh, by the way- Sprig found a way to communicate with me through my dreams, and he said hello.” I took a bite of my food and looked up, suddenly realizing how nonchalantly I said that. My parent’s looked shocked, but after a moment realized it wasn’t the weirdest thing that had ever come out of my mouth.

    “That’s nice. If he visits again, tell him we said hello to him as well.” Mom said. I nodded and continued eating, ignoring the prolonging look of shock on my dad’s face. I finished my cereal and put my dish in the sink, walking back upstairs. I put my school necessities in my bag along with my Laptop and phone. I put my bag on my back and put my shoes on. A different pair of yellow sneakers, my signature shoe choice. I got a hair tie and put it on my wrist, walking out of the door.

    I went Back into the kitchen and grabbed a lollipop, unwrapped it and put it in my mouth. I said bye to my parent’s and left, walking down the street and towards my school. Hopefully that message yesterday will make Sasha and Marcy wanna talk more today, but who knows. All I can do is hope.

Chapter Text

Hey y’all! Sorry if you really liked this work. I’m unmotivated to finish this one and I’m sooo sorry. I don’t like how it was turning it and it didn’t have much thought or planning put into it. Again, I’m super sorry. So- I never actually finished Chapter three, And it was still being worked on. Sorry! I had a few things of it tough, so here’s what I had:

    “No. It’s okay, Anne. I figured this would happen. That’s why I didn’t message you.. I knew it wasn’t on purpose. It’s okay Anne.” My mom pulled me into a hug and I couldn't stop  the flow of my tears even after comfort. I don’t know why but.. I had felt like such a failure on my way home. I thought she’d be mad, or at least disappointed, but she wasn’t. She wasn’t angry. She wasn’t upset. I was okay.

    “I.. Sorry, mom. I don’t know why I got so worked up over this..” She let go of me and smiled. “It’s okay,” She wiped my tears and put her hand on my cheek. “How about you go ahead and go to bed.. You seem tired.” I nodded, grabbing my bag off the ground where I had dropped it trying to explain myself quickly when I first got home. “That’s a good idea. Goodnight, mom.” She said goodnight to me and I went upstairs, closing my door and leaning my back on it. I sighed heavily and dropped my bag on the floor under me, not caring a whole lot about where it landed. I started sliding down and right before I hit the floor got up, grabbing some Pjs.

    I changed and climbed into bed, my plugged in my phone in my hand as I scrolled. I looked at the time after a while and read 10:36, so I set it down and turned over in my bed. I looked out the window and started to quietly sob. I haven't seen Sprig in 3 months yet.. As soon as I do again I don’t want to? It’s so weird, it just feels like seeing him will make it worse. I close my eyes, breathing steadily and readying myself.

    “Anne! You’re ba-” I quickly cut him off. “I’m sorry, Sprig. I can’t.. I can’t look at you anymore. We can’t- You can’t visit me anymore. It’s.. It’s hurting me.” I slowly opened my eyes and saw Sprig staring at me, eyes wide and starting to tear up. “I- I’m sorry nevermind that was stup-” This time he cut me off. “No. It’s not stupid, Anne. I understood that that was a possibility going into this, so I’m okay with it. If you need me to not come, that’s okay. We’ll see each other sometime later, It’s okay.” The tears that had been swelling up started flowing down his cheek, dripping off his face and onto his hat. He was holding it tightly, and twisting it..

    Suddenly I was back in the field where we said goodbye 3 months ago. Sprig and I were talking but I couldn't hear anything. I could only hear polly and hop-pop sniffling behind us. I realized I had no control and noticed myself moving. I hugged sprig and suddenly I felt tears going down my cheeks. But they weren’t.. “My” tears. I was crying present time, suddenly remembering the feeling of the last hug. The last touch.. The last talk.

    I realized right then and there, none of it was real. I snapped back to where me and sprig were, scowling. “I know this is just my brain. You aren’t real. It’s not possible, only those gems that a literal god made would allow it. And.. And they're gone.” The pink frog smiled, slowly turning around and walking away. I felt hot tears stream down my face, soaking my shirt. I must’ve written those messages in my sleep. I brought my hand to my chest and gritted my teeth, Gripping my shirt tightly and feeling my tears hit my hand. I couldn’t stop crying, and I fell over. As my head hit the ground, I woke up.

    I stayed in bed, tuning out the alarm blaring right next to my ears. I felt my tears soak the pillow, so I turned it over. I soaked it all the way through before realizing I needed to get up. Can’t do June all over again. I slowly turned over and stopped my alarm, noticing the time. I had been crying, with the alarm going off, for 30 minutes. I guess it’s not loud enough for mom or dad to hear then. I slowly got up from under the covers and noticed my hand had nothing on it. I picked up my phone and deleted the pictures, but not before realizing it was in fact, my handwriting that was on my hand. Of course.. Of course it was all just my head.

    I grabbed some clothes and changed, quickly packing up and going downstairs so I could just go to school already. I stopped for a minute in front of the kitchen, looking at the fridge. I don’t need breakfast. I turned around towards the door and left, heading for school.

    I walked into the tall building again, noticing a rushing Mr. Wu. “Oh- Hey Anne! Here for Mrs. Lim again?” I nodded and stepped into the elevator he was holding for me, smiling. “I hope she’s doing you good, she’s one of our best.” He winked and I giggled a bit. “Haha- yeah. Because of her I reached out to Sasha and Marcy- and uh- yeah we hung out on Sunday and some yesterday after school.” I scratched the back of my neck, sudden;y realizing- He hadn’t asked. He didn’t care. The elevator stopped on his floor and he got out, waving. The door closed again as I waved back and I exhaled deeply. I closed my eyes and steadied my breath, calming down and getting ready for another session.

    The door opened on my floor and I stepped out, walking over to Mrs. Lim’s office and knocking. “Come in,” I heard from inside. I turned the doorknob and opened the door, stepping in and setting my bag down next to the chair like last time.

    “Ah, Anne! Hello, hun.” I smiled slightly and sat down, putting my hands in my lap and looking anywhere but at her. “So, to get this session started, did you hang out with.. Sasha and Marcy? Marcy is Dr. Wu’s daughter, yes?” I nodded. “Yeah. Eh- to both. I hung out with them on Sunday and it was.. Relaxing.” She looked relieved. “That’s great to hear! Now, Is there anything that you wanted to mention today?” Well.. there’s my mind doing that weird Sprig thing.. I.. “Nope! This week was surprisingly tame.” I smiled nervously, wondering why and HOW I just lied to her face. “That’s amazing to hear! So, how about we start…”

    I waved goodbye and walked down the hall with my earbuds starting up. I turned on some music and stepped into the elevator, pressing the 1st floor. Luckily, Mr. Wu didn’t stop the elevator this time, making the ride smooth and Uninterrupted. I got out of the elevator on my floor and walked outside, heading home. At first.

    I suddenly noticed something in the grass, but only because it was hopping. There was a tiny green frog in the grass. I looked around and then scooped it  up, turning around to go to the park. I sat down on the bench we.. Anyway, I sat down and relaxed, opening my hands and letting the frog see. It looked frightened, but I think I relaxed after realized that I meant no harm to it.

    I let it hop off my hands and smiled, closing my eyes and looking up at the sky. “Come here for a break?” A familiar voice said, making me jump and look in the direction it came from. “Sometimes I come here to cool down, to have some alone time. I guess today I won't be alone.” She smiled and sat down next to me, making me slightly smile as my stomach started twisting again. Why was it doing this? “Hey, Sasha. Yeah I guess I just.. Needed a break, like you said.” She nodded and grabbed my hand. I felt my cheeks heat up, making me a little shocked. What-? I would never have reacted like this last year.. “Mhm. Sometimes everything that happened just.. Abruptly intrudes my thoughts, y’know? I’m guessing it’s the same for you.” She looked over and probably noticed my blushing, as she made a weird face that.. I can’t describe, and let go of my hand. I calmed down so I could actually continue this conversation. “Yeah, It’s.. It’s hard to get over it. My brain keeps making stuff up and.. Those ‘Sprig Dreams’? That was just my head.” Her eyes widened. “Really? What about the writing on-” “My hand? Yeah.. I eventually realized it was just my own handwriting and not in fact Sprig.”

    She looked down at her lap and I could tell that I made a huge mistake telling them about the dreams. “Are you okay, Anne?” I sat there frozen for a second. That.. wasn’t what I expected her to say. “What..?” “Are you okay, Anne. That seems.. Pretty.. Hard. To deal with. If that happened to me I probably would burst into tears every two minutes.” She laughed slightly and I did too, thankful that she wasn’t upset with me.

    “It’s.. yeah it’s fine.” She gave me a weird look. “I.. I told my therapist about it and she uh.. She told me to just.. Meditate..?” I was being so obvious with the lying, and I knew Sasha knew I was lying. Luckily for me, she let it go and just nodded. “So, anything specific other than Sprig Dreams interrupting the peace bring you here?” She said, putting her hand on mine again. I blushed, thinking for a moment. While thinking, I suddenly realized why I was acting so differently around Sasha. “Uh.. not particularly. Just- the usual teen stuff.” She smiled, looking over at me. I could tell she noticed my cheeks again, but didn’t move her hand. “I know it was all hard but.. I’m glad it happened.. In a way.” I nodded, knowing what she meant. “I changed so much from that experience and- You and Marcy did too! We all changed, for the better.” She smiled warmly, looking down at her lap again and tightening her grip on my hand slightly.

    “Thank you, Anne. You were a big part of everything and, I don’t think I said it before.” She muttered. I saw tears starting to form in her eyes, so I wiped them away, nervously. “It wasn't just me, y’know. You and Marcy helped me so much, I couldn't have done it without you guys.” I smiled, hugging her. “It’s weird, haha. I.. sometimes I think of ‘Anne’ as this person who saved multiple worlds and died saving Amphibia. Not.. me. And- it’s technically true. I’m not.. Anne. Well.. I am but-” Sasha stopped me from talking by putting her hand to her lips in a shush movement. “You are Anne. You are you. You saved 2 worlds. You are important.” I started to tear up, suddenly realizing just how much I had needed to hear that. We sat there hugging each other while crying for a minute, until Sasha got a text. “Marcy wants to hang out again tomorrow or Sunday, and she wanted me to ask you about it since she.. Can’t get a hold of you?” She looked up at me and I was confused for a second, before realizing my phone died as I was putting it away after listening to music. “Ah yeah sorry- Tell her my phone died.” Sasha giggled and started typing, then pressed the top of her screen. Her phone started ringing and reflected on Sasha and I’s faces. “What-” “Shh- I’m calling her. We might as well.” I smiled and saw that Marcy had accepted the call. “Hey girlfriend!! I’m at the park right now with Anne.” Marcy’s camera was facing something.. Probably a surface, and the screen was black. She suddenly picked up her phone and revealed it was set down next to some of her homework. Classic Marcy.

    “Hi Sashy! Hey Anna-Banana!” We all laughed and started talking about when to hang out. We decided to hang out BOTH days and on Friday night come over to my house for dinner with my mom. With her knowledge of course. “Okay- I have to get home now guys. Sorry! Bye Mars, Bye Sasha!” I said, getting up and heading out of the park down the street and to my home. “Bye Anne!” I heard them both say as I started walking away, and I smiled to myself. “I’m glad we’re back to how things were.”

Again, Super sorry I’m not continuing, and please check out the one I’m working on or the ones I have finished. I’d like to say those are MUCH better. Thanks for reading!

Chapter Text

-Anne’s POV-

    When I got home from school, I did my usual routine. I said Hello to just my dad, since my mom was working. I kicked my shoes off again and headed upstairs, throwing my bag on the floor and getting out all my work from the day. I’d sort them into 2 stacks: Finished and not finished. I put the finished work in my folder and kept the unfinished still on my desk. I grabbed a pencil and set up my area, figuring out what I’d do first. Then, I get up, go downstairs, and make myself a snack with some water. I brought it up to my room and started finishing my work. At around 4:15, I was finished and put everything up. I got out my Laptop and phone and set them on my bed. I brought my dishes back downstairs and then ate dinner.

    After I ate dinner, I went back up to my room and opened my Laptop. I went into my streaming service again and started watching more of that show from yesterday. Sitting there for an hour, wasting my day yet not having anything better to do. Until I did. I went to click the keyboard to go to the next episode, but then I realized that the message on my hand was gone. “That’s odd.” I closed my streaming service and opened the website I use to talk about amphibia, and ask questions that are “Unrelated”. I started scrolling across everything looking for something to use, and I did that for hours. Eventually, I knew I needed to stop for now. I closed out the website and got out of my bed, getting ready for bed and looking at the time. 12:39. I went downstairs and grabbed some water again, putting it on my nightstand after I got back in my room. 

    Climbing in my bed, I silently hoped I’d see Sprig again. Whether it was my mind tricking me or genuinely Sprig, I have no idea. But.. It’s nice. To see Sprig after so long.. I missed him. So, I closed my eyes and drifted off into sleep.

    “Anne! You’re back! So, assuming you read my message, Maddie found a way to make it so we can interact during the dreams- and remember it!” Huh? Wait- I’m back! “Hey Sprig! That’s great, but I could already remember before.?” I noticed our surroundings while saying that. We were on the shore of the Lake we went to when we first met.. “Oh, yeah I knew that. But I couldn’t remember anything you had said after you woke up, and it wasn’t my old noggin messing up haha!” I heard his answer but didn’t listen to it, as I had another question for him. “Do you choose the spot we’re in for the dreams?” He looked at me with an odd expression. “Yeah, I can. But- I like to think of these as ‘Visits’, since we are actually interacting with each other. That message was proof! You did read it, right?” I stared off into the lake, suddenly actually appreciating how beautiful amphibia is.

    “Yeah, Of course I did. I even took a picture of it on my phone. Speaking of- How’s the one I gave you working?” His expression suddenly fell sad. “I broke the jar we used to charge it a few days ago. Hop Pop says he’ll make a new one but- I don’t think he should. He’s having difficulty moving recently and I’m afraid he’ll hurt himself going up that mountain again- let alone getting stung.” I grabbed his hand to comfort him. “It’s gonna be okay Sprig. I’m sure there’s other ways to charge that old thing. Maybe if you get some lightning in a bottle that’ll work.” I joked with him, winking. We both laughed. I looked back out over the lake and breathed deeply, letting the cool air flow against my skin. Sprig looked out as well, and the silence was quiet yet comfortable. 

    “Before you have to wake up, I wanted to let you know something. Or- more figure something out with you.” Sprig suddenly said, cutting through to silence. “Hm?” He looked at me, and I looked back. “Are you okay with this?” I didn’t understand at first, but as I opened my mouth to question him, I realized what he meant. I closed my mouth and looked at my lap, Pulling my legs in and holding them with my arms. “I’m not completely sure, Sprig.” I sighed. He looked up at me. “I missed you so much and- I love being able to see you again but..” How do I say something I don’t know yet? “I like the visits. I like you, and all that- and I don’t wanna lose you again. But I think-“ …I’m not ready to Let him go yet.

    “mm.. I want the visits to happen whenever you want, Sprig. Daily, weekly, monthly, I don’t care. Just- whenever you need me.” That’s not- what I meant to say.. But, What did I mean to say? I.. don’t know yet.. “What about you? How do you feel about it?” He put his hand on mine and I stared into his eyes. “It doesn’t matter.” We stayed silent for a moment before Sprig got up. “The dream has to end soon. I’m gonna write another one of those messages before you leave.” I nodded and got up beside him, putting my hand out. He took it and started drifting his fingers along my palm.

    “Don’t look until you wake up. It makes it fade.” I nodded, looking away. He finished writing and let go of my hand. I looked back at him and tears were in his eyes. “I miss how things used to be..” He cried. He jumped at me and pulled me into a hug, and I hugged him back tightly. “I miss you every night. Every day. Every adventure. I don’t know how I lived before you were in my life..” Tears started pricking at my eyes and I couldn’t help but smile. “I love you Sprig, I always will.” I felt him smile on my stomach and he let go. “The dream’s about to end.” I nodded, letting tears flow down my cheeks once more. “See you tomorrow?” I ask, and he nods. Then everything goes back to black.

    When I woke up on Saturday, it was normal… Or- at least it wasn’t sweaty and startled. I was laying on my right arm, facing the wall of my room. I sighed, bringing my hand up out from under the covers and reading what he had written on my palm. “Hi again! I just wanted to let you know, me, Ivy, Polly, Hop-Pop, Wally, Mrs. Croaker, Mayor toadstool, Toadie- everyone basically! Really miss you. I heard Mayor Toadstool talking about making something in honor of you, so I’ll update you on that when I can. -Sprig :)” 

    I smiled, grabbing my phone and snapping another photo. I selected the photo I took and the one from yesterday and made an album. I put my phone down and got out my Laptop, opening up Doogle Docs and working on a project for school. At around 9:15, I got up from my bed and got dressed. I decided to set my Laptop on my desk and plug it in before going downstairs to grab something to eat. I saw mom in the kitchen and said hello, grabbing some cereal and sitting at the table.

    “Hey Anne! How was your sleep?” I looked up at her after taking a bite and saw her washing some of the dishes in the sink. “It was- fine. Sprig visited me again.” She nodded and continued washing dishes, leaving me to eat in silence. I finished my cereal and washed my bowl, going back up stairs after. I sat down at my desk and turned my head, looking out of my window. “I wonder if I’ll ever see him again.. In real life.” I thought, my mind wandering off and away from schoolwork. I eventually snapped back into reality and opened my Laptop, working more on more schoolwork.

    I finished it all around 12, so I put my Laptop away and went downstairs for Lunch. I made myself something Thai and Spicy and brought it to my room, eating it while looking out the window. I watched as the clouds flowed through the sky, gliding across in a steady motion being all their purpose in life. Except for when it rains, I suppose.

    I spent the entire afternoon lounging around in my room, not bothering to do anything but scroll the internet and watch the sky. At 9pm, I got into comfy clothing and watched more of my show, not bothering- or- more like not remembering to eat dinner. I fell asleep in the middle of the last episode I was planning on watching, and when I woke up I had a wicked headache from using my keyboard as my pillow. I groaned and got up, charging my Laptop as I got dressed. I checked my phone and realized that I was supposed to hang out with Marcy and Sash later. My mood immediately went up and I had more energy than before, tidying my room for absolutely no reason and going downstairs to make myself something for breakfast that wasn’t cereal. 

    I finished eating and went to my room, making a list of things we should try to do while at the mall. We hadn’t been there in FOREVER, at least not together. So this was a great opportunity, and I needed to make the most of it, while making sure they both have fun! I wrote down a list of around 7 things so as to not overwhelm them if I show the list to them, and I put it in my bag. I put some shoes on and grab a jacket, tying it around my waist. 

    Going out the door of my house, I start skipping along happily, unable to figure out why I was so happy and excited to see them again. I ignored that part of my brain telling me something about my feelings were off, and set out to the mall. It may be awhile till they get there, but I just can’t wait!

    I set my bag down next to me on a bench in the main area of the mall, plugging my phone in and putting on headphones. I put on our collaborative playlist and added a few songs, soon after setting my phone down and listening to the music calmly as I watched the Mall customers race around, shopping. I eventually closed my eyes, letting the music flow through my ears and have the beat pound against my brain, letting it play the instrument that is my imagination. I fell asleep by accident, and only realized when I opened my eyes to look at the time. I opened my phone and, 12:38? I got here at 9:30 or 10! I must’ve fallen asleep..

    I unplug my phone and stuff it and my charger back in my bag, getting up to find somewhere to eat. I decided on McDaniel’s, the basic place but still good enough for a Mall lunch. I get a burger and fries, with a Dr. Popper OF COURSE and sit down, munching on my food while scrolling on my phone. When I realized it was now 1:20 something, I finished my food and headed towards the entrance to the Mall. I sat down on a bench, A different one this time, and waited, lookin at the doors.

    I checked the time around 2, and got up to move outside. I decided to just stand to wait instead of sitting on another bench. I closed my eyes for a minute because of the sun and I suddenly felt arms wrap around my torso. “Ah-! Oh- Hi Marcy!” I turned to face her and gave her a hug. I saw Sasha behind her and waved. “Ahh! It’s been so long since we all hung out. I’ve missed you guys!” Sasha said. I laughed and marcy agreed. “Yeah! Especially after everything that happened- I’m really glad we’re gonna catch up. It’s been like- what? 2-3 months? That's CRAZY!” Marcy threw her hands up and made a face, making us all laugh. “I missed you guys too- what were guys planning on doing?” I said, turning to start walking into the mall. They both followed me, walking on either side. “Well, we were planning on letting you take the lead.” I stopped for a second, going behind them and looking straight at them. “No! I can’t do that. We’re all hanging out together, We ALL have to play a part in the planning of what we’re doing.”

    We started walking again, heading unconsciously(?) to our old usual spot. “I don’t know Anne.. We really owe you-“ Marcy hummed in agreement and I lightly smacked them both. “You already made up for it all by-“ I looked at Sasha. “Saving Marcy. And-“ I looked at Marcy. “Defeating andrias.” They both blushed a bit and looked away. “Come on! It’s true. Not to mention saving my lif-“ Suddenly I remembered something I hadn’ thought about since that day.. “How about- What’s your favorite store here marcy?” She looked at me and Sasha looked at her. “Em- probably Warm Subject..” Sasha laughed and I smacked her arm to shut her up. “Okay! Let’s go there first.” I grabbed both my friend’s arms and started heading towards the Warm Subject right in front of us. 

    We shopped there for a while and Marcy got 3 new hoodies. Paid for by me “B)”. I dragged Them both over to Sasha’s favorite place next: SunDollars. Everyone's favorite drink place, and definitely Sasha’s all-time favorite hang-out and Chill place. I could tell her eyes lit up when she realized I still remembered and- that we were there. “Awesome! I haven’t been here in FOREVER!” Marcy said, grabbing us both and running to the counter. “Can we please get.. 2 Pink drinks, oh and can one of them be dyed blue? And.. a Star drink?” Marcy said, pulling out her wallet and.. Blue.. Food dye.. “Mar-Mar.. why do you have blue food dye in your purse…” I asked, very confused. The cashier took it and the money and started on our drinks while Sasha giggled, finding us a seat as Marcy tried to explain her weird logic on bringing blue food dye everywhere.

    Eventually I gave up trying to understand and headed for Sasha, and sat down next to her. Marcy, looking defeated, Sat down soon after me. I giggled and we all started to talk, getting up to grab our drinks at one point but then going right back. 

    I threw away our empty cups and we headed out of Star- SunDollars to go to MY favorite Mall spot. I walked along with them, no dragging them this time. I went down one of the halls and into a less busy area. The Mini-Zoo. Not real animals, but always an unpopular and calm spot. I walked over to the fake cherry blossom tree in the middle and sat down on the picnic blanket laced carefully under it, patting the areas that were next to me.

    “Wow Anne! This is so-“ Sasha cut her off. “Nice. It’s so calming and- therapeutic. I understand why this is your favorite spot in the Mall now.” I blushed slightly and put my bag down to pull out my phone. “I wanted to show you both something..”

    We all sat there, hugging each other while lightly crying. “I missed you both so much. I miss amphibia.. I.. missed this.” Sasha slowly said. “Thank you for showing us those pictures of amphibia, Anne. It really helped. I had almost forgotten how nice wartwood is.” I smiled, picking my phone back up. “And.. something even weirder.. Sprig’s found a way to communicate with me.” I pulled up my album of his notes and noticed their expressions. They were a mixture of pure shock and amazement. I showed them the pictures and they read the messages, still shocked. “That’s- That’s- AMAZING! I can’t believe Maddie is so powerful now! That’s- it sounds like it’d be a really hard spell.. and to do it two nights in a row? WOW!” Marcy was definitely amazing, while Sasha on the other hand was thinking. “Does that mean Grime could do it too? I wanna know how his arm is doing.” We all giggled and I noticed the time.

    “Oh jeez- I was supposed to help with the restaurant some late afternoon.. It’s already 7pm.” I scratched my neck and got up. “Sorry to cut this short you guys, but I need to head home. See you guys at school tomorrow!” They both nodded and said bye, waving. I ran out of the mall and realized my stomach was twisting and turning in ways it never had before. I ignored it and continued on my way home, Hoping i wouldn’t be in too much trouble.