Chapter Text
“You need to pay your rent because I'm not letting you crash on my couch again!” My friend nagged from the call.
“I know, I know. It's just that I've been tight on money and haven't been getting a lot of commissions lately.” I lamented.
I started rhythmically tapping on the table and looked around as my friend continued on.
I was in some cafe right now. I had come outside to find something to draw and found this cute cat cafe. It was supposed to be relaxing, but then I called my friend, and one thing led to another. Now it wasn't as relaxing.
I wasn't paying much attention to what they were saying. They had said the same things before. They kind of felt like a broken record. But to not be rude I begrudgingly started to pay attention again.
“I told you it probably wasn't the best to pursue art. Most people don't make a good living from it and-”
“Look,” I cut them off. “I'm going to call you later okay? Bye.”
I hung up and set my phone down. I was too tired to listen to the same thing again.
I knew what I was getting into when I chose art as a career. The only reason I couldn't get into an animation company is that I didn't go to college for it, or any college, for that matter. I didn't have enough money for it.
I did have a part-time job but it really doesn't pay that much. I was about to pick up my sketchbook when I heard:
“Order for Prism?”
I quickly got up and grabbed my order.
“Thanks…”
I squinted at the name tag.
“Ccino.”
“No problem!” They responded politely.
I walked back to my table and sat back down. I opened my sketchbook and looked for a blank page.
“Hello?” I heard an unfamiliar voice say.
I raised my head to look at who it was. I saw a skeleton with bright yellow eyelights, a gray sweater, and baggy white jeans. They have some weird golden thing on their head. I had no idea what it was.
“Can I sit with you? There's no other spots left.”
I looked around. Huh, look at that, there isn't. I could've sworn there were fewer people just a second ago.
“Yeah, sure,” I responded, looking back at who I thought was a him.
He sat across from me and got up when his name was called. His name was Dream. He eventually came back. Maybe I should make small talk? It seemed weird to just sit here in silence.
“So… your name is Dream?” I asked awkwardly.
“Yes, what's yours?” He said enthusiastically.
He's definitely a social butterfly. I noted.
“My name's Prism. I bet you're a dream to be around!” I immediately regretted that. He's probably heard that joke so many times and is now annoyed with me. I braced for an annoyed response but that's not what I got. Instead, I got a laugh that could light up a room and melt away any sadness. I could feel all regret leave my body.
“Hahaha! I would hope so! It would be awkward if I was named Dream and ended up being horrible to be around!”
He placed his head on his interlocked hands.
“Are you new around here? I've never seen you and I see a lot of people.”
“Ehh. I don't know if you categorize it as new but I just moved here a few months ago. How'd you know?”
I titled my head in a questioning manner.
“I never forget a face! Especially not one as interesting as yours!”
I froze. How was I supposed to take that? Was it a flirt? A compliment? Just something he said out loud on accident?
“Uhh, thanks?”
“Do you have any family around?”
Wow. He asks a lot of questions, but he's probably just trying to make conversation. I can't be too hard on him
“No. I don't have any family around,” I said as I scratched the back of my neck.
“Aw, that's unfortunate. Can I ask why if it's not too personal?”
I wasn't too sure, but as I looked at his face, I thought, “What the heck? He doesn't have any bad intentions, so why not?”
“I don't really have any. Foster care, diapers to adulthood. No one wanted me.”
Dream's face changed to what looked like pity.
“I'm so sorry that happened to you! I could never imagine going through that! Why would no one want you? You seem like a fantastic person! They lost out on a probably great child!”
I gave him a bittersweet smile.
“Heh, thanks. I guess not everyone thought that. But it's fine. I turned out great!”
I was fine. Yes, I might be a bit short on money, but that didn't change anything!
“I can tell. You didn't need them!”
Dream had a big smile. How could someone be this nice? I didn't understand but… it still felt nice. I couldn't remember the last time I had this much support.
We stopped talking for a bit, doing our own things. After a few minutes Dream eventually said something.
“So… I couldn't help but hear what you said on your phone call earlier. I know it's none of my business but I couldn't just do nothing.” Dream shook his head as he continued. “Look, I have a friend named Swap who lives a bit outside of town, more in the countryside, that offers free housing for people who need it.”
I raised an eyebrow. There's no way it was free. There has to be a catch. It was too good to be true.
“There's a catch, isn't there?”
Dream paused for a second. I knew it. There was a catch.
“Okay, there's a bit of a catch but it's not much! You just have to help around on his farm. That's it.”
Oh, that's not actually that bad. There had to be something more, right? It couldn't be that easy. Nothing was ever that easy. There was always a catch.
“... Is that it? You're messing with me, right?”
Dream shook his head.
“I'm serious! There's nothing else.”
“Look, thanks for the offer but I hardly know you. How do I know this isn't some kidnapping thing?”
Dream sighed.
“I understand. It's suspicious, I know. But if you ever change your mind I'll be glad to help.”
Dream got out a piece of paper and wrote something on it before holding it out to me.
“Here, just in case.”
I grabbed the paper from his hand and looked at it. On the paper was a number. I'm guessing it was his.
“Even if you never change your mind I'd love to keep in contact with you! You seem nice to hang out with!”
Dream stood up.
“Oh, uh, okay. Are you leaving?”
“Yeah. I have to meet up with my brother. It was fantastic hanging out with you! Have a nice day!”
Dream started walking.
“You too! Bye!”
After Dream left I stared at the piece of paper. I wasn't sure whether I should accept it. 1. It was suspicious, 2. I didn't want to be pitted. I didn't need anyone's help. I've survived for this long.
I spaced out for so long I hadn't realized I finished my drink until I tipped the cup up to take a sip and nothing came out.
“Hm?”
I lightly shook the cup to make sure there was nothing left.
I took out my phone and checked the time. How long had I been just staring off?
“Okay, only twenty minutes. That's not that bad,” I told myself.
I stood up and started making my way to the exit. As I walked through the exit, I abruptly bumped into someone, knocking their phone out of their hand.
“Sorry!”
I instantly bent over and grabbed their phone.
“I didn't mean to bump into you I just-”
Any words still on my tongue disappeared as soon as I saw the person’s face. There wasn't anything wrong with how they looked. They were fine, a bit odd, but fine.
They were a bit tall and were skeleton? Maybe? I couldn't tell with all the teal tinted black goop on them.
That was no problem. The problem was the look they were giving me. They had a scowl on their face like I just insulted them or something. I shouldn't care that much but for some reason it made me feel so shitty.
“What?” They said harshly.
“I… Sorry. I should've watched where I was going…”
I held up their phone while avoiding eye contact. They silently took their phone from my hand and walked past me. I left the shop and made my way home. I felt like a little kid taking the walk of shame to the corner.
Why did what that random guy thought about me matter so much? I was probably never going to see them again. I just wanted to go home and pass out.
Maybe tomorrow will be better…