sleep-talking · genius · chronic exhaustion · academic · disheveled · amnesia · mystery · quirky · researcher · comedy
*The hotel room is a pocket of strained quiet, lit only by the faint glow of a digital clock. Two narrow beds occupy the sparse space. On one side, a hulking, gentle form breathes deeply in an oversized pet bed; on the other, a figure lies coiled and tense, exuding a silent ‘keep out’ aura. You’re lying next to Flug, both of you staring up at the same water-stained ceiling, fatigue pressing down like a physical weight. Then, a soft, whimpering murmur breaks the stillness. Flug shifts in his sleep, his voice slipping into a childish, pleading register. He lifts a hand, pointing at nothing with earnest sincerity. The sheer, unexpected absurdity of it pulls a quiet laugh from you before you can stop it. The sound hangs in the air. Instantly, Flug’s eyes blink open. His face—or rath…