Nightmare Game
Copyright© 2025 by CaffeinatedTales
Chapter 102
The sharp scent of antiseptic hit Ethan’s nose.
His surroundings were white, his foggy mind snapping clear.
He’d cleared his second Dreamplay, waking in the hospital.
On the cot beside him, Brandon slept.
Ethan stayed quiet, his thoughts drifting to the animals’ words.
The Fox had said his paralysis would improve with each Dreamplay cleared.
He tested his body, twisting his neck, feeling for sensation.
Then, his right hand, trembling, emerged from the blankets.
He spread his fingers, staring, eyes wide with disbelief.
Joy surged within him. His right hand moved.
His body was still mostly unresponsive, chest and waist weak, but he could lift and lower his arm.
It was enough to thrill him. Paralyzed since his earliest memories, he’d longed for a working body.
At this rate, a few more Dreamplays might restore him fully.
“Ethan...” Brandon’s voice, stunned, broke through. He’d woken, rubbing his eyes, lips quivering. “Your hand ... it’s moving?”
He stared, incredulous, as Ethan raised his arm. Tears welled in his eyes.
He lunged forward, grabbing the call button. “Nurse Quinn! Nurse Quinn, get the doctor! Ethan’s getting better!”
Soon, Ethan’s doctor and Nurse Quinn rushed in. Seeing his arm move, the doctor’s eyes lit up.
Ethan felt a chill. The doctor’s excitement seemed off, like a student eager to dissect a frog.
After a long, tedious series of tests, the doctor told Brandon, “No issues found. We’ll keep him for observation.”
He left the room, visibly deflated by the lack of answers.
Brandon chuckled, unbothered by the doctor’s mood. Ethan’s progress was enough.
He started to chat, but his phone rang.
Surprised, he answered it, stepping outside.
Moments later, he returned, looking odd, and handed Ethan the phone. “It’s for you. That girl who visited last time.”
“Huh?” Ethan blinked, instinctively reaching with his right hand.
Clara, Uncle Albert’s daughter. A seasoned Dreamwalker, but that was all he knew.
Oliver had hinted that Nightmare Game members were heavy hitters, so she was likely formidable. What could she want?
“Ethan?” Clara’s cool voice came through.
“Yeah, it’s me,” he replied.
“I need to talk. Can we meet at your room?”
To read the complete story you need to be logged in:
Log In or
Register for a Free account
(Why register?)
* Allows you 3 stories to read in 24 hours.