I slowly stand up and turn to find Ted sleeping on a small cot. My smile grows as I walk over and poke his forehead. He frowns and mumbles something but his appearance has me freezing. He was so much thinner... and why did he look older? He even had a thick beard!
I reach out and gently shake him as I say "Ted? Are you okay? Wake up, Ted." He slowly opens his eyes and looks at me before giving me a sad smile while saying "I'm having another good dream. Will you stay with me a little longer this time?"
Worry eats away at me as I say "This isn't a dream, Ted. Wake up." He blinks his eyes twice before I see clarity slowly seeping in. He suddenly jerks up and grabs me by my arms. I flinch at his grip but I don't say anything or pull away from him.
