[coppercanary]

you wake up.

your body feels stiff and your eyes unclear as you blink them open, needing a moment to take in your surroundings. from what you can make out, you're in a room- a familiar room at that, though it is a moment before you remember that this is in your base. a number of figures surround you, watching you with an emotion you can't quite place. you blink. your vision clears slightly, details becoming more apparent. the way the others are looking at you, you now realise, is with concern. why are they concerned? why are so many of them in your base to begin with? most mornings you wake up alone, or with one or two others should they decide to pay an early morning visit. something is wrong.

one of the figures steps forward. you recognise him. he looks tired. they all look tired, dark circles under their eyes and half smiles plastered on their faces, hiding whatever they may be thinking behind a static exterior. they talk to one another quietly, sharing words not meant for your ears, words that you are unable to pick up. the first figure begins to speak, silencing the other voices and telling a tale of how you've been asleep for five weeks, how they have tried everything to wake you up, how everyone had been worried and had done their best to bring you back, with you only now awaking after their best efforts.

you blink.

one of your best friends is not here.

the story seems plausible. they would tell you if something was wrong. they did tell you something was wrong, as a matter of fact- you fell asleep for longer than usual, they woke you up again. you go along with it. you have missed a lot, they tell you; they speak of an election, of progress on their projects, of new shops and farms and of how much they've missed you. it is a little overwhelming, in all honesty. five weeks is a long time. you will have a lot of work to do on your base, you think.

you try to stand up, needing support from one of your friends in order to walk. you suppose you will have to get used to your body again after your time asleep. your mouth quirks at the thought. the others begin to file out, seemingly considering their duty done now that you are finally awake. a couple stay behind to help you tidy up your base, a little helping hand. you need it more than you are willing to accept. as you speak with one another, you truly begin to register how much you have missed, and how much you need to catch up with everyone. after some time together, talking and relaxing, they too take their leave. the quiet is strange after the life they brought into your base. you are alone.

outside, it starts to rain.

[Keen]

10/10 Would Hermit Again