The Reset

"Alex," I hear my mother call. An odd thing to be dreaming about. It's been years since I've been able to hear her voice, to remember it with such clarity, it's almost frightening, yet almost comforting too. "Alex Winchester, get down here now!" I startle. Awake and on my feet before my body is able to process its new surroundings. Where am I? I wonder. Long gone is my little dumpster behind a long since abandoned McDonald's. I find myself in a plush room. Thick pink carpeting complementing the pale white walls and deep brown bed frame. Disheveled sheets wrap the bed, making it seem a rare type of t*****e more than an innocent bed. There is a door, unlocked, hell it seems I couldn't lock it if I wanted to. There is no place for a lock on it. Next my eyes snag on a curtain, barely containg the warmth and glow of the sun. Wait the SUN?! "Where am I," I wonder aloud this time. Approaching thuds break me of my trance. Instinctively, I reach for my knife - the one always conceiled in my sleeve - but it's not there. These aren't my sleeves. I spare a glance to find a sweater paired with my favorite, yet long gone, pair of shorts. Three light knocks, "Alex, are you up?" No, it can't be. This is a trick. Some twisted mindgame they thought would break me, but it won't. The door opens, and my previous resolve crumbles. "Mom?" my voice escapes, tentatively, shaking, and hoarse from misuse. "Yes, who else would it be? Honestly Alex, we are late, we have no time for your games. Grab some clothes and brush that godawful hair," and with that she leaves. Walks away leaving me with nothing more. I decide to play along. Wandering around the room once familiar and I scrounge up a clean pair of jeans, underwear, and a jade green shirt. My feet carry me on instinct across my room and through the door adjacent to the one my "mother" came through. I find myself in a pristine bathroom. My bathroom. The walls the same pale white as the bedroom, yet the lights are near blinding in here. I catch my reflection in the mirror. Who is this? My hands go to her face on instinct. Feeling the plump cheeks nearly f*******n. Her shiny and clean hair, even her full form. How? My gaunt frame is gone, the deep bags under my eyes like constant bruises, vanished, and the filth, the filth and stench you could never be rid of replaced by shiny hair, smooth skin, and a pleasant lavender scent. I change as fast as possible and go through my room and out the other door. I'm in a hall now, one where the walls are covered in framed photos. Photos with me in them. I pause on one, "Ryan." The name escapes my lips without permission, bringing a wave if memories so powerful I nearly collapse. "Hi Awex." I turn so fast I nearly knock him down. "Hi, Ry." "Why are you crying?" I drop to my knees and envelop him in a hug I know must suffocate. "I'm so sorry Ry, but it's all okay now." I speak the words so quietly he must not hear me. He pushes me off and takes my hand, "Come on, you know mom will pitch a fit if we aren't at breakfast."