[Randomly accessed memory]
[Without sheep, one can only dream of rams]
Return to Function
I watch myself leave Mommy’s room. I put my hands to my face.
He’s ashamed, embarrassed. Why do I get so stressed over having tea with Mom? All I have to do is be the little kid she thinks I am… I fight off fixers every week, so- why am I so pathetic here?
He’s been at this every day for two weeks. Usually Mommy only asks for tea parties and storytime and plushy-play-time a few times a week, and usually for only an hour or two, but she’s been more needy lately.
It’s because of Uncle Claudius! He scolded her for being frozen in time again! It’s not her fault! It’s not! Every time he does this, she gets worse for a while! Aagh! That’s it! I’m going to kill him!
I-
Hamlet takes a deep breath in and out. I… really need to keep my cool. I’ll just tell Dad that Uncle Claudius bothered Mom again. And then… Yeah, Dad’ll punish him. Make him muck around the Great Lake and scavenge stuff from trash crabs. That’ll teach him! I smirk and head to my room, sit on my bed.
Sniffle.
I hug a pillow and start crying into it. I don’t know why. I’m so stupid for being upset. It’s not like I got hurt or anything. Some of the other kids got hit by their parents a bunch when they were young so- I don’t… ugh, I lost my train of thought.
There’s a knock on my bedroom door, and it opens. I look up, my face a teary mess. “…Dad?”
Dad sits down next to me on my bed and rubs my back with his arm. “Having a rough time, Hamlet?”
I nod, sniffling. “Mhm.”
Dad smiles gently at me. “I’m already working on getting Claudius taken care of, alright? Just hold in there for your mother, okay? She needs you. You’re the only thing that makes her happy.”
“It- It’s hard, Dad. I’m so tired. I’m so tired…”
Dad pats my head gently. “It’s going to be okay. Things are going to get better. Just wait.”
“T-thanks, Dad.” Hamlet lies down. “I… I think I need nap time now. I’m really, really, really worn out…”
“That’s fine,” Daddy says. “Have a pleasant nap, Hamlet.” He turns out the light and leaves the room.
And I’m out like a light.