I sat on a bench, in the garden, one leg folded over the other. My hands rested on my lap, carrying a book like it was treasure. Slowly my eyes slipped over the words, taking it in. The garden bed fell away. The school was replaced by a castle. Mighty ramparts lined the fortress. I could live forever in this world; it seemed so much simpler.

The place I escape to, I am free there. No responsibilities, no pain, no Bark. Just me and my freedom. If I had to describe it, contentment. Everything is at ease, and all is right. Unfortunately, reality exists.

Reality is a lot. It is pressure, and hard work, and, and tiring. I've heard that helping people is rewarding, and it is, but it's also exhausting. If you're always helping others, when is there time to help yourself?

"J, how are you, man?"

My eyes blinking open, I turned and found Daniel grinning at me. He was sweating and panting slightly, but his hands were free of blood and scars.

I scoffed; these people are everywhere. Please, just let me have a moment to myself. No rest for the restless.

"I'm good. You?" I replied politely.

Daniel nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I uh, I was just tearing up the court. It is not the same without you."

"Bro, I'm too old," I joked, patting my walking stick. It's been a few weeks since the accident, I shouldn't need my cane much longer.

Daniel shook his head, laughing. "You got your teeth in, Grandpa?"

Grunting, I swung my cane at him. Still chuckling, Daniel held his arms up, blocking my gentle blows.

When I settled, Daniel was grinning and leaning over the chair. His face grew gentle as his gaze wandered. "Seriously though, I am good. I still don't know what to do. So, I'm just taking it one day at a time. It, it shouldn't be that simple, but," pausing, Daniel's eyes grew distant as he stared into the flowers. The smile on his face was happy and boyish. "I'm getting there. I will be okay."

Grinning, I raised my fist to him. "Damn, straight."

Our hands collided in an epic bro-fist and Daniel jogged away, grinning like an idiot. Still not one hundred percent, but better than he was.

That distraction over, my eyes fell back to my book. Time to continue reading the ludicrous tales of-

"J!"

Kill me now. Do these people have a compass which points directly to me? I swear they are everywhere. There is no escape.

Dropping onto the bench beside me, Charlotte leaned close, a worried expression on her face. "How's your back?"

"Spine-ing for some painkillers," I replied, my lips thinning.

Charlotte blinked slowly, her expression blank. Eventually she rolled her eyes. "You are the worst kind of person."

"Sorry to hear that, Wendy," I grunted, burying my head in my book.

Her eyes narrowing, Charlotte snapped her fingers beside my ear. "Hey, don't be rude. I'm talking to you."

"Unfortunately," I joked, looking to the sky.

"Ugh, seriously, J."

Glancing across, I found Charlotte pouting, her hands balled into fists. Her knees were pressed together so tightly she was nearly shaking.

Sighing, I shook my head. "I'm messing with you. My back is doing a lot better. Though it's still a little sore. How's Peter Pan coming?"

At mention of the musical, Charlotte immediately brightened. "Great! It's going really well. Kyle took over your job and he's doing well."

"The show must go on," I mused. My brow furrowed as the gears in my brain ticked over. I, I can't believe it, but I think I like these people. "That's good. I'm glad."

Seeing the smile spread across my face, Charlotte's expression lit up. Her cheeks rising and lips parting, her teeth shone a brilliant white. Her blonde hair framing her pretty face, she suddenly seemed so happy.

"You know," she said, "I've been doing good lately. I have you to thank for that. So, thank you. I'm sorry you got hurt, and if you need anything, let me know."

Nodding gravely, I smiled at the clouds passing overhead. "There is one thing," I whispered.

"What is it?" Charlotte demanded, leaning close.

Grinning, I glanced sidelong at her. "Opening night, bring the house down."

Her smile growing impossibly wider, Charlotte nodded. "Will do!"

Practically bouncing, she launched from the bench and skipped around before waving goodbye. "Thanks, J."

Charlotte danced away and once again I was left to the wonderful world hidden between the many pages of this book. Content, I sighed and peered at the words clustered together. Finally, I continued to read.

"J!"

Son of a- Oh, never mind, it's Evelyn. Patting the empty space beside me, I smiled at my gorgeous girlfriend who seemed rather angry.

"What's up, V?"

Evelyn scowled. "For once in your life, please check your phone," she whined, flopping onto the bench. Huffing, she scooted closer and rested her head on my shoulder.

My brows furrowing and foot tapping nervously, I reached into my pocket. Producing my phone, I quickly realised I had several unanswered texts and a missed call.

"Sorry," I muttered sheepishly. "What's wrong?"

"Spr-ING!" She bellowed, sneezing suddenly.

Evelyn rubbed her nose, groaning, and I realised that her face was a little red. Her eyes were somewhat bloodshot, and her breath rattled with hints of congestion.

"Ugh, I hate spring," she mumbled. "The flowers are all trying to kill me. Can we go inside?"

Nodding, I slowly stood and offered my hand. Taking it, Evelyn rose, though she didn't move. Rather, she stayed close and simply peered up at me with those stunning eyes.

My head cocking, I smiled awkwardly. "You want something?"

Evelyn seemed to think for a moment before nodding. "The world's biggest antihistamine."

Laughing, I reached down and clasped Evelyn's hand in mine. "Surely the nurse has some?"

"I have my own supply. I can't have any more today, but my sinuses are going crazy. I'm going to be like this for the next three months. Spring is the worst."

"Is that so, my flower?" I teased, looking straight ahead.

Evelyn elbowed my ribs and I flinched, groaning in complaint. A muscle twitched in my back. Ignoring my plight, Evelyn continued walking. "Yes, it is. Not that that says much. Winter is too cold, and summer is too hot. Spring is a pollen infestation. Autumn is the only good season."

I was shaking my head before she'd finished. "I disagree. Autumn is the best season, but the others aren't so bad. Summer is when I first met you. Winter is cold so I got lots of cuddles from a pretty girl. Spring, yeah spring is the worst."

Evelyn was too busy agreeing with me to even object to my flirting. We walked in comfortable silence, through the school, up a flight of stairs, past towering bookcases. It seems so long since I had last been here.

Our little refuge was the same as ever and sighing in contentment, I settled into the left armchair. Evelyn found a book before curling up in the chair on the right. Spacing out, we both happily read, holding our books with our legs and using one hand to turn the pages because our other hands were intertwined.

We were there for some time and I could feel my phone buzzing angrily in my pocket. Eventually I couldn't ignore it any longer. My brows furrowing, I whipped my phone out and checked it. Bark and June had been texting me. Weird, Bark doesn't text people. Will wonders never cease?

My amusement faltered as I read the texts. Laughing weakly, I shook my head. "I need a holiday."

Evelyn squeezed my hand gently.

Where are you?
I need your help.
Dammit J
Call me.
-June

I screwed up.
-Bark