Chapter Text
Clover found herself lying awake in bed, again. The stars glittered outside, a subtle reminder sleep should be on the way. This had been going on for many weeks, she couldn't remember the last time she wasn't starring at the roof late.
Her head pounded, leaving the poor plant begging for relief. Memories flooded in from the days before. Balloon's anxieties, Suitcase's visions, TestTube's limited resources, it all brought a bigger wave of helplessness onto Clover.
She tossed and turned, no position comfortable enough to forget. God, why did this happen to her? As her eyes fluttered shut, pure exhaustion finally winning, she was reminded of Cammy's request the weeks before;
"If you ever need some guidance, I'm always open to talk about it! MePhone4 would never judge those in need!"
Clover's eyes opened, sunlight streaming in from the windows. She crawled out of bed, and checked herself in the mirror.
Her leaves were starting to brown at the edges; and they drooped lower than before. This had been happening for a couple of days now, but they looked worse than ever.
She stepped outside her room, passing by anyone requesting a session with her. She just... needed to talk to them, hell, anyone, about this.
She spotted Cammy near the OSC building, writing in some sort of diary.
"Oh! Hello Clover! Sorry, I was just writing some passages, heh! Do you, need anything?"
Clover sat down beside them, breathing deeply to ease the pit in her stomach.
" I just... can I talk to you about something... serious?"
Cammy's eye flickered,
"Of course, I'm all ears! Especially since you've been there for me during my rough patches, and well... everyone else."
Clover sighed,
"That's just it, I'm the only counselor here. They all rely on me to solve their problems. I've listened to the entire town's hopes, fears, worries... It... feels like I'm not doing enough for them, like I can't. I wasn't made for this, none of us were. But... somethings gotta change... I... just need some advice, well, from someone who isn't me. Sorry, was that too much?"
Cammy looked away, pausing to think.
"Seems like some time away would do you good."
Her head tilted to the side,
" Time away? How could I... Hm... "
"Y'know... a break! I'm sure letting yourself breathe and be alone would ease some of your worries! I know that works for me... Oh! Here!"
Cammy pulled out a black, leather journal, titled "The Blessings and Teachings of Him" written in white ink near the top.
"A Bible, about Mephone4. I actually... wrote it myself. It's got a lot about Him, and good advice, too! I would appreciate if you at least skimmed it. I am open to criticism."
She took the Bible out of their hands,
"Thanks, I guess Candle could handle my duties for a little..."
Clover stood up, clutching the book. She looked around, whispers floated into the air.
"Ugh, that cob..."
"Have you tasted Trophy's cooking?! I swear, that man has never eaten anything more than rocks and dirt in his life!"
"Does Cabby still have those files? I wonder what mine says... it better be good!"
She walked faster to her room, staring down to avoid any looks or eye contact.
Clover closed the door behind her, letting a breath she didn't realize she was holding out. She sat on her bed, opening Cammy's book. She flipped through it, and stopped when she spotted her name.
"-Clover, the one blessed by Him. Given the power of luck, beauty, and undying love for all under His gaze. She shall find Him, under fallen brambles or deep mountains, and bring peace unto this land. His devoted disciples will carry on His fortune, even if He seems far."
Clover stared at the page. Where did this come from? Was she really going to bring Mephone back? Why did Cammy believe it was her duty? Did they really call her beautiful???
She fell back onto her bed, thinking about their conversation. A break, hm? That would be nice... Her eyes slowly closed, not bothering to fight it. Besides... a nap would help...