It was quiet. Warm. Soothing. No -- no it wasn't. There was something lurking in the quiet darkness, something that moved every time he twisted to look over his shoulder. He needed to run. Run!

"Carter? Carrrrrterrrrrr!
Brooooooooo. Bro bro brooooooootherrrrrrrrrr!
Come on!
It's time to get up!"


There it was! What was it?! He didn't know. He couldn't see. He couldn't see!

Broooootherrrrrrrr!
Hey!
Heeeeeeeey!
Come on!
You can't sleep in!
It's after Christmas! You said you'd go make a snowman with us!
...
MOOOOOOOOOOOM! Carter's not getting up!"


Something brushed his leg! It wasn't just that -- it had him! He couldn't move! Why couldn't he move?!

"Hang on sweetie, give me a moment.

...

Now, what's all this fuss abo- oh my god. Carter! You're burning up! Go get your father!"


Something had his shoulders!

"Is he going to die?"


He was going to die!

"No, now go get your father."


He wanted to scream, to cry out.

"If he does can I have his room?"


Where was everybody?

"NOW!"


Was he alone? He didn't want to be alone.
Not like this.
Not like this.
Not like this.

"What's wrong?"


Nothing. Everything.

"He's burning up! He has a fever!"


The thing that had his legs eased up, the pressure easing as each layer was peeled back and away. Skin, muscle, blood, bone -- he kicked violently, forcing whatever it was away.

"Carter! Calm down! That's it, nice and easy..."


A sudden chill hit him, melting the darkness into bliss. His heart slowed as someone smoothed his sweat-soaked hair back, murmuring quiet reassurances.
Everything was going to be okay.
Everything was going to be okay.



Carter's struggles stilled, ending as the medicine began to take effect. His dreams continued to lurk, just out of range. For now, he was claimed by sleep. Perhaps later on when he could gather his thoughts would he remember to be more careful when outside in the cold, especially with what he does as Sailor Merope. Salting the roads and sidewalks may be a community service, but given the fact that the process of salting also includes gallons of cold water? Not exactly the best idea. Nice try, Carter, but be a bit more careful next time.