DAY 45: LIBRARY

[byname_bynature]

Even before he got sick, Sean had enjoyed reading. His teachers had always said that he read 'ahead of his age group', but he figured that was just because he read more than most kids his age did. He liked everything: fantasy, science fiction, biographies, journal articles... There was just something satisfying about holding a book--something

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[moral_liberty]

Addison followed his nurse as readily as ever. He noticed that she had begun to smile when she spotted another patient, not far from his age, by themselves. She ushered Addison over to where they were sitting, looking through a book. They had exceptionally long, dark hair, and what seemed like a quiet demeanor. Addison wasn't able to say with any certainty whether it was a boy or a girl he had been shown to.

"Why don't you go keep Chris company today?" she advised, though she scarcely needed to voice her request. There was a routine to Addison's days, and being guided towards other patients to provide or gain company was a part of that pattern. Addison didn't mind it; everyone he had met had been kind or interesting, though now that he thought back on some of the things they had said, some of the things he had said...

Regardless, talking to someone he didn't know, and who expected nothing of him would help to distract from breakfast. He could still remember the older man's expression too clearly. The distress in his eyes, that Addison could still make out from behind the glasses.

"Can I sit with you?" he asked Chris, smiling down amiably.

[faithful_frost]

Looking up, Chris reached up and tucked some of his hair behind an ear. "Of course," he said with a smile, gesturing to the spot beside him.

At least this new person looked like they would be nice and would probably not throw things at him like that strange man at breakfast...

[moral_liberty]

"Thank you," Addison responded, taking the seat that had been offered to him. He slouched in the chair, looking even shorter than usual as he sunk into it comfortably.

"My name is Addison," he said, and extended a hand to the long haired person. Now that he was sitting, he could see just how much hair there really was, and he found himself leaning towards female pronouns when he looked at them - her. A pretty girl, but with a boyish edge, he guessed.

[faithful_frost]

Chris carefully took Addison's hand and smiled. "I'm Chris. It's nice to meet you Addison. Have you been here long?"

He did seem nice, and his hair and eyes were very pretty, though he wondered if it was natural. Lots of people here seemed to dye their hair.

[moral_liberty]

"No, only a few days," he said, slightly surprised that it had really been so short of a time. It felt like it had been an eternity since he had seen his home. "I had not realized it was so recent that I came here. Time passes strangely when you're separated from familiar surroundings, from responsibility. Every day is much like the last."

He shook his head apologetically, as he realized his thoughts were meandering again. Addison needed to work on not vocalizing every realization he came to. "How long have you been here?" he asked, a bit awkwardly, but with a smile that the hoped would make it more natural.

[faithful_frost]

"Really?" He smiled back and nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I've been here for about two months now." And it felt like years. He blushed a bit, embarrassed.

"I guess that means I'm sicker than some people that stay for only a few days," he said softly.

[moral_liberty]

Addison's smile softened, and he shook his head slowly. He shifted his position, facing more towards Chris, looking intently at every change in his expression.

"I won't try to say how sick you are or are not," he said gently, but surely, "But don't compare your mind to others. Everyone has their own obstacles to overcome, and there is nothing to be gained by measuring them against one another, or judging the apparent differences. It is innately impossible for one person to truly, wholly understand another human being. It will hurt us, but it is the price of... individuality."

[faithful_frost]

Chris smiled at that and looked up shyly through a fall of hair. "That's sweet of you to say Addison. Thank you." It was probably the nicest thing anyone, especially a stranger, had ever said to him.

"You're right too. I shouldn't dwell on my short-comings like I have been. I need to look for the positive things."

[moral_liberty]

Addison grinned back, feeling a little self-conscious himself now that he had finished with his speech. He was pleased that Chris had understood him, as there was always the possibility that it would come out warped. Addison suddenly heard a too familiar voice in the back of his head, desperately yelling I don't understand what you're saying!, but it was far away. Over the telephone. He couldn't see the others face, but he could imagine what it would have looked like.

"If you are feeling better, and you have already been here for so long, it seems likely that they will not keep you much longer," Addison suggested optimistically. "You are more likely to be let go than others. They know you well, and I think that you are gentle."

[faithful_frost]

"Do you really think so?" He smiled happily. He hadn't been called gentle before. "I'd like to get out before winter's here. I miss the snow."

Looking up at Addison again, he beamed. "I think you'll probably get out of here soon too."

[moral_liberty]

"I hope so," Addison said, looking pleased himself. "I have a friend I need to see again, now that I'm feeling well." He exhaled a long breath and closed his eyes, briefly imagining his own home. There was some fear of the unknown, and he couldn't know whether or not they would keep him away from Sean still. Before he could stop himself, he hoped that this whole mess had taught the adults in his life a lesson. They should know not to interfere anymore. He tried to tell himself that he felt guilty for that thought, but he didn't think that made it any less honest.

"Do you ski or anything like that?" he asked, tilting his head to the side curiously.

[faithful_frost]

Chris didn't really have any friends. His uncle hadn't allowed it, and before that, his father had always treated him like glass or something and hadn't allowed him to really play with others. He did have Sean here though and that was a nice start!

"Ski? Oh, no. I don't really do any sports. I like the snow though. It's calming and makes everything look so clean and pretty." He smiled happily. "I'd like to learn how to ski. I've seen it done before and it looks exciting."

[moral_liberty]

"It does," Addison agreed, exhaling deeply and imagining the way his neighborhood looked, coated in snow. It did have a way of making everything picturesque. "Nothing looks real right after it snows," he murmured. "It covers the imperfections, and allows us to idealize what we normally take for granted. Even when we recognize it's only an illusion."

Addison smiled back up at Chris apologetically, awkwardly. "Er- That is, I mean that I don't ski either. But it is a nice season. I hope I'll be home in time for Christmas."