Noras POV:
Springtime in Pennsylvania was absolutely beautiful. So much inspiration. Especially today. All my senses seemed heightened.
everything felt more, I don't know, euphoric and for absolutely no apparent reason. Well no matter how well the day felt it wouldn't change the fact that I have deadlines to meet. Still, I've never wished to just be in the moment more than I do now. Oh well, I needed to focus on getting home and framing the paintings I did have ready. It took Grace and I ages to save up enough money to open our own art shop. Making sure it was successful was my priority. I know my mother would be all too happy to say " I told you so."
She wanted me to be a lawyer like her or maybe an architect like my brother or as she would say,
"Even a teacher like your father."
My dad was an English teacher, he died years ago and when I lost him I lost my greatest ally. I know it sounds cliche but he didn't care what I did as long as I was happy doing it. Reminding myself of that was motivation fuel. My mom made sure she lived close enough to visit whenever she was inclined, which is ok but I do prefer her in small doses. My brother thought the smaller the doses, the better. He moved 3 states away! Before I knew it I was walking up the front steps to my house. Just happy to be home. I flung my purse on the love seat, walked to my room while kicking my feet free of my shoes, then belly-flopped onto my bed. Not graceful but who cares. I exhale and feel so completely tranquil. I think I'll just lay here for a few moments and enjoy it before I get up and get started framing. The day is becoming evening and before I know it I feel myself getting sleepy. I know I should shake it off and get busy but instead, I surrender to the peacefulness and slip into sleep.
CainsPOV:
We reached a small ranch style home. The lawn was well kept with a small flowerbed lining one large picture window. Nora seems to be eager to get inside. It was a cozy home. I could tell she spent a lot of time here. Off to the right was a kitchen with a light-colored breakfast nook. To the left, a small living room, it had an organized messy look to it. Magazines stretched across the coffee table and assorted house plants decorated the corners. Straight back were two rooms adjacent to one another. One was an art room with paints and easels. The other was Noras' room. I only assume it was her room because she went directly there and fell onto the bed. I stood there wondering what I should do next. I knelt down, studying her as she lay there so peacefully unaware of my presence. I wonder if she has someone special. Allowing myself to imagine I had a chance was torture I'd gladly welcome. She let out a soft sigh. At that moment I was certain. I was falling in love and Nora, well Nora was falling asleep. It was time to reach her. It had been a while since I reached someone and the process is exhausting. Creating and entering someone's dream is what I call reaching. And depends solely on ability. Now, to my credit, I've had to learn how to do these things all by myself. No one mentored me. In fact, I've never seen another spirit, ever. It's like I'm in my own personal waiting room but I'm not waiting here, I'm existing here. There is one thing I do know for certain, the stronger the ability the better the reach. Last time I did this I placed men and the sleeper in an empty park with just some grass and a hole. It completely drained me. Even still, it was most definitely worth it. The sleeper was a man I followed home after witnessing him steal a money cup form a homeless man. I waited so long for him to fall asleep just so I could terrorize his rest. I placed him in the hole and slowly filled it with dirt till he woke up grasping at his neck and fighting for air. Good times. But I couldn't take Nora to a park. No, for Nora I would stretch my abilities to their breaking point. This had to be perfect. Ok, let's do this. I straighten my shoulders, tuck my chin into my chest, ball my fist, and focus. Squeezing my eyes closed I allow one to peek open just a little to check my progress...damnit! Nothing. Ok I'll loosen my posture, and this time I try to relax. I picture Nora's face and the curves of her waste in my hands. I'm so close to her I can see my reflection in her eyes. I give myself completely to the fantasy, keeping reality far at bay. Passion is fueling me and I feel my abilities start to flicker and grow to ablaze. Then I hear it, so faint but so clear. Like a trickle-down rain before a storm...