Todd turned the doorknob and poked his head through the door.
“Nick?” he called softly. It took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dim room. The only light came from outside.
Nick was tangled in the sheet, asleep but clearly not resting. He tossed his arms one way and his head the other, mumbling, “No…no…don’t…please…not, can’t, no.” Nick’s words were more a whimper than anything else.
Todd slipped inside and shut the door quietly behind him, and crossed the small room to the bed. He dropped down onto the edge and didn’t hesitate at all, but reached out and took Nick by the shoulders. “Hey, Nicky, come on, buddy, wake up, just a bad dream.” He shook firmly, gently.
Nick gasped, his eyes opened wide, and he sucked in a breath and held it, gaze darting around the room. “T-Todd?”
