Chapter Text
I strode down the stairs of the cabin. I was weary enough to almost trip. When I finally got downstairs and into the dimly lit living room, I saw Avery on the couch. He seemed to be holding an oddly shaped knife and a palm sized square of wood he was carving. It looked like he just started. I watched the small pieces fall into the small tray on Avery’s lap for a second before Avery spoke up.
“Whatcha doing up so early, Crystal?” He said without glancing over, he just continued softly carving the corners of the wood away. The quiet was calming, but a small chill filled the air. Before replying, I took a deep breath.
”Can’t sleep.” I mumbled, It was three in the morning and I had a shitty headache. That’s not even mentioning the anxiety bouncing around my head like the DVD logo, but he didn't need to know that.
”Why are you just standing there?” He asked. Before I could reply he gestured to the space next to him. I sat down, the sound of the couch creaking filled the silence. I stared down at the crackling fireplace, letting the crackling noise calm me down.
“What are you doing up?” I whispered, I wanted to sound more snarky, but I couldn’t seem to speak up.
“Insomnia.” He continued carving his wood, not daring to look over at me. I sat there, unsure how to respond.
“Yeah…” we sat there in silence for another minute, “are you always up at this time?” I asked
“Yup, sleep is not my strong suit, but you know what is?” He sat up, letting his back straighten, “Whittling.” He grinned to himself before passing over his current project. The block was slightly carved, I couldn't tell what it was meant to look like yet, but I didn't have much of a creative side in the first place.
“it's going to be a figure, like those ones,” he said, pointing up to a small shelf above the fireplace. There were dozens of little figures of people and animals. Each figure seemed blocky, but really detailed at the same time.
“When did you start making them..?” I asked, astonished. I looked at the unfinished figure in my hand. “This is cool.”
“I started making little characters in my twenties. Never stopped.” He said, gazing at his collection like it was his one true love. I smiled, passing the wood back, letting him continue to carve. Avery sighed, "Why can’t you sleep?” He seemed uncomfortable asking it, like he knew something I didn't. I hesitated, trying to decide what to say.
”Headache.” I stated, my leg bouncing on the wooden floor. It was true, but not the complete truth. Maybe he’ll let me be.
Avery looked me in the eye. “I know that’s not all.” I froze, unsure if I should continue.
“What if it is…?” I tried to beg the question, but I knew he was probably going to get through to me eventually
”Then I don’t believe ya kid. I know something is going on in that head of yours.” He announced. I sat for a second, unsure if he was serious or not. “Im not going to be mad, if that’s what your wondering.” I stayed quiet before quitting. He was probably going to find out either way.
”Anxiety.” I mumbled, curling up into a ball on the couch. We both stayed quiet. The crackling sounds of the fireplace was all I could hear for a few seconds. I sighed, breathing in slow heavy breaths. I looked down and twisted my finger, unsure what to do.
“Do you want a snack?”
”I'm not hungry…” I didn’t dare look up, feeling tears pool up in my eyes. I was hungry-kind of, but now was not the time to eat.
”You said that for the last few meals. You don’t think you can go so long without eating can you?” He asked, not seeming angry or disappointed. I just stayed quiet, knowing there was nothing to say that would prove him wrong. “I’m worried about you yaknow, you're very important to me.”
”I…” I was speechless, utterly speechless. Am I important to him? I mean— I know I am, but him saying it out loud felt different. It sounded really dorky but it felt way more real out loud. I looked up at him, a tear running down my face. He gave me a sad smile and stood up. “I’ll grab you a snack.” He said, walking to the kitchen. I laid down on the couch, breathing in.. and out… holy shit. I sat up again, rubbing my forehead. I followed Avery to the kitchen. I swayed back and forth, my headache coming back again.
“You ok..?” Avery asked, putting bread in the toaster. I felt nauseous… and tired… and very headache-y… and ugh.
“I’m fine.” I sighed, finding a chair at the kitchen island. I rubbed my eyes, thinking it would help, but when I opened my eyes my vision was foggier than before. I still felt like shit.
“Butter, jelly, or both?” He asked, reaching into the fridge
“Idoknow.” I mumbled, resting my head on the table.
“Crystal…?” I heard, or at least I think that’s what he said. The sounds around me seemed to fade as I stopped noticing everything around me.
When I opened my eyes again I was… in my bed? How did I get there? The smell of bacon hit me when I sat up. The sun shined through the cracks in my blinds. Did I fall asleep???
“Mornin,” Avery said once came back downstairs. I rubbed my eyes,
“Already..?”