I woke up abruptly, sweat pouring down the side of my face. Hot, sticky breath collapses out from me and I find myself back in my bed, the sun not quite up yet. My eyes closed slowly.

“Is this a bad time?”

I shrieked, falling onto the floor, the blankets tangling around my legs. A cinnamon colored hand was held out to me. She laughed. “Sorry, Less.”

Liana hauled me back onto the bed, covers and all, and I plopped back onto my pillow. “You should be.” My words were muffled by her hand.

“Don’t say anything. It’s early. I don’t want your mom waking up.” She whispered lightly. “I am sorry. I didn’t realize you were having a bad dream again.”

“I wasn’t!” I whispered indignantly, prying her tiny hand off my big mouth. “It was just… a memory. That’s all.”

“And there’s a difference?” She crossed her arms and her eyes.

“Yes.”

No. Not really.