CHAPTER 78: NIGHTMARES

In life, many things are beyond our control; instead, they choose us. Nightmares are one of those things. Personally, I rarely experience them anymore. However, when I do, even one can overshadow all the peaceful nights I've had until then. My nightmares are far from ordinary; they're extraordinarily vivid, to the point where I can almost feel myself suffocating in my sleep at times.

You already know that there was a time in my life when I shut out those closest to me. During that dark period, my existence revolved around darkness. What I didn't mention was that I hadn't had a nightmare like that since then.

Max, on the other hand... Well, let's just say that seeing him tremble that night evoked a different kind of pain.

...

"Max," I mumbled, still somewhat coherent. "Dude, quit pushing me." I shifted around, attempting to return to my peaceful slumber. But when he drew closer—this time, wrapping his arms around my waist and clutching me to his chest as though his life depended on it—