James: "Do you always dream about my bedroom?"
Tristan: "Yes, James. Every day I dream we live together in wedded bliss."

James shot Tristan a look that started off as a joking glare, but ended up in confusion.

James: "Wait… really?"
Tristan: "No. Sorry to disappoint."
James: "So, how do I wake up?"
Tristan: "Same as every night, I suppose. Just sort of make yourself wake up."

James seemed ever so slightly worried.

Tristan: "Don't worry- I won't leave until I'm sure you can do it."

In the blink of an eye, Tristan was alone again in James' room. He took a lingering look around, taking note of textures and colors he wasn't sure existed in the waking world. Then, he closed his eyes and willed it all to end.

James: "Tristan, sweetie, we're at grandma's- it's time to wake up."

Tristan opened his eyes and found himself staring straight into James' smiling face.

Tristan: "It would appear that I've failed to wake up and am now stuck in a nightmare."
Mary: "Welcome to my world."

He quickly stood up, shaking off the last remaining cobwebs of sleep. His eyes landed on Markus & Abigail talking softly in the corner of the room, their voices hushed so that even he couldn't hear what they were talking about. He purposefully avoided looking to where he knew Emily still slept, not sure he could bear seeing her. After a few short seconds, Markus & Abigail joined them.

James: "Hey, um… Thanks everyone. Didn't mean to be such a bother, really."
Mary: "I doubt that."
Abigail: "It is done. If you all would excuse me, I'm not as young as I once was. I'm going to have Markus take me home now."

Mary: "What about Emily?"
Abigail: "She'll wake up in a few hours time, well rested. I suggest you take her home and put her in bed."

Mary looked at Emily, then between James, Tristan, and Markus before looking back to Abigail.

Mary: "Alrighty then. I'll try not to give her a concussion when I drop her."
Tristan: "I'll help. It's on my way home."
James: "I'll come along too- I don't exactly fancy going back to sleep any time soon."
Mary: "You're not planning on staying, are you?"

James: "Heaven forefend! I'll wait in the car."
Mary: "I- "
James: "Yes?"

Mary: "You guys can stay if you want. But I'm not going to provide any entertainment, and I reserve the right to go to bed without notice."
Tristan: "Fair enough."
James: "I'm going to go get dressed. I'll meet you downstairs."
Markus: "Nana, are you ready? I'm going to get the car warmed up."

The strain in Markus' voice didn't escape Mary's notice. She wondered what had happened in the dream world after she woke up, but didn't think it was the time or place to ask questions. She was suddenly aware of Abigail looking her up and down, causing her to feel vaguely uncomfortable.

Abigail: "Mary, dear, here's the paperwork you got for me. You should probably return it to the hospital first thing in the morning."
Mary: "Good idea."

Abigail continued to look at Mary, as if she were reading something written on her soul.

Abigail: "Nothing I can say will change your path. You'll have to shatter to become whole."
Mary: "What?"

Abigail shook her head, clearing the visions that were playing out before her eyes.

Abigail: "Just an old lady's mutterings."