The evening had unraveled into yet another awkward supper, leaving Eary with an urgent need for solitude. He insisted on cleaning up the remnants of the meal alone, a silent ritual to escape the curious glances and probing questions. With determined steps, he ascended the narrow staircase leading to his sanctuary.

"Mote's going to get a kick out of this one," He muttered under his breath, a wry smile dancing on his lips.

The old cast-iron doorknob yielded to his touch as the door swung open, revealing a small room like its owner. A twin-sized bed was tucked neatly in the corner in the soft, dim light. An old red and white quilt lay firm against its boundaries. A cluttered desk held the remnants of countless late-night ponderings, and a massive trunk stood sentinel, guarding secrets as old as time.

Entering the room, Eary's footsteps echoed softly on the polished wooden floor of his modern Toronto home, each step a note in the symphony of secrecy that had enveloped his life.

Making his way over to the sizable pot-belly trunk, he carefully removed the latch and lifted the lid; a tremendous blue light sprang forth and landed with a "bump".

Mote stood up and collected himself from Eary's bed. He groggily wiped away the sleep from his eyes. He let out a giant yawn and stroked his long bat-like ears.

"Hey, Mote. How was your sleep?" Eary stated somberly. Mote was still shaking off his slumber when he gave a gruff response.

"I'm tellin' ya, kid, that road construction off 3rd is murder on my beauty sleep. Look at my fur! It's all tangled from all the tossin' n' turning I was doing!" He exclaimed, gesturing to his ruffled royal blue coat. He didn't stop there, unleashing a barrage of complaints.

"And what kind of snacks are these? I mean, Mom, hello?"

Mote levitated with a flurry of blue lights, zooming back into his home to dramatically discard a family-sized pack of Fig Newton's and the neglected apple slices from his day in hiding.

"Look at this!" He griped, with only the tips of his long blue ears visible in the shadowy depths of the trunk.

"It's an absolute pigsty in here, and your phone died hours ago!"

Eary couldn't help but roll his eyes at his companion's familiar chorus of complaints.

"I'm sorry, Mote," He replied reflexively, reaching for his phone for charging.

"What's wrong, short stuff? Is that dickhead brother giving you hell again? Or is it that dumb boy with his head up his ass?" Inquired Mote, popping his head out of his home.

Eary sighed and explained the situation.

"Josh and Ephraim are literally having a sleepover." Eary ranted as he cleaned up the mess his pet threw around his room.

"I can't believe my mom would allow this."

Mote, shifting through a tin of Altoids he used as storage, replied,

"Eh? You feelin' raw 'cause you told him you like him, and it's still awkward, right?."

Eary flung back on the bed. His eye clenched shut as if it could dispel the truth.

"Yes!" As he whined, his hands flew over his face.

Eary had a hard time with his feelings. He had only revealed them to Ephraim a month ago, and already, he felt on display. What's worse, he had told his parents what had happened.

Since his Father and Ephraim had been friends since they were kids, now everyone knew, and their once unbreakable bond lay shattered.

The tiny creature landed once more on the bed next to the boy. His luminous behind slowed his descent.

"I think maybe Eph outgrew ya, Eary." Mote gently stated to his long-time pal.

"We've hung out since then. We still do our movie nights every Saturday."

"You didn't hang out once this summer. That had died off for a while. It started back up after you told him how you feel." Mote replied matter of factually.

"I know, right? What even gives? We weren't close anymore. So why start seeing me now?" Eary griped.

Mote smiled a devious grin. "I think he likes you!"

"No," Eary replied, blushing shyly.

"Yeah! I've seen it before. I used to live in the big city, remember. I've been people-watchin' for ages. Seen it a hundred times. He avoided you because he likes you. Now he's fishin'. Just you watch! I'm right!". Boasted the moteling.

After the moteling's encouragement, Eary excused himself and emerged from his room. Making his way down the hall to the bathroom, it opened to reveal a familiar face.

"Oh, hi, Ephraim," Eary said awkwardly, still put off by the sleepover.

Ephraim emerged from the dark bathroom. His brown eyes looked down at Eary, mouth squinted in an awkward smile.

"Hey." He said as he left the bathroom.

His tall frame dwarfed Eary as he passed by his former friend. The smell of his old, blue, scribbled-on hockey hoodie wafted past as Eary smiled at the familiar scent.

He watched as the young man turned the corner to the room in the middle of the hall. A gloomy darkness took the hall, and Eary felt the cold of abandonment. With a deep sigh, he headed back to his practice. On the way, however, Eary was ambushed by his fraternal twin brother Josh, who had just emerged from his bedroom in the middle of the hall.

"Hey, come here for a minute."

Standing in his doorway was the taller of the two twins. Being a good eight inches taller, he never let Eary forget he was also the bigger brother. A fact that he hated, as his fraternal twin was merely a minute older. Josh gestured for him to approach. His neatly spiked blonde hair shined golden as the light danced around him. He knew Ephraim was in the room, so he played it cool.

"Yeah, sure. What. What do you need?" Eary approached enthusiastically, eager to interact with Ephraim in a social setting again.

"I was just wondering if you finished with your history assignment." Replied Josh, disinterested in his brother's friendly advances.

"I sure did! Maybe I could come in and help you with yours. And maybe Ephraim's too?" He replied, leaning his head around his brother as he tried to spot his old friend.

"No, you can help just fine from out here." Stated Josh coldly.

"It's cool, Josh." Ephraim's voice radiated from out of sight.

As Eary passed his gate-keeping brother, he spotted Ephraim sitting on the bed. The faint smell of dirty laundry and air freshener complimented the aesthetic of the Hockey-jock's room. Posters of different hockey stars, mainly from the Toronto Maple Leafs, accented the walls. His hockey gear was stacked nicely in the corner but dominated the small room. A twin-size bed and a small desk took up the rest. Eary made his way across the minefield of articles dispersed about.

"Hi, Ephraim! Do you need help?" he asked nervously.

"Hey man, neither of us can remember this crap. Can you help us? I'd really appreciate it," Ephraim held up the two boys' assignments, his eyes growing large.

Although not ideal, Eary was happy to be talking to Eph again. After taking the papers from his hands, he set them down and quickly filled them out. He gathered his courage as he neared the end of the last paper. With a deep breath, he asked,

"Hey Eph, we should hang out again soon-not just to watch movies," Eary said, his voice trembling with nervousness.

Ephraim was notably shaken by the question. He recoiled and shot Josh a quick glance; he quickly replied,

"Ah, yeah. We will. Just been busy. You know that."

Giving Ephraim a fake smile, he nodded and headed out the door. His face getting hot in frustration. It had been nearly a month since the big reveal about Eary's feelings. He and Ephraim had been close for the longest time. Then he got into hockey, and the two grew apart. It was a fact that pained Eary often.

Once back in his room, Eary retrieved his violin from his closet. This year, it was the violin, while last year, it was the piano. In Ephraim's absence, Eary had found a release in music.

"I like this one," Mote exclaimed as he searched through Eary's music sheet.

Turning it back to the proper page, Eary replied with a giggle, "This is my homework, Mote."

"Ya already know what ya doin'; I like the other one. C'mon!" Mote urged.

Eary sighed and smiled as he turned the page back to Mote's favorite song.

"Kodachrome it is," he exclaimed.

Putting bow to string, Eary began to play. As he did, a gentle light glowed from the fur on Mote's backside. The moteling flew around Eary's bedroom, leaving a trail of magical blue lights. The excited little creature listened on; his buttock lights danced to the beat. No doubt at the moteling's command.

The mystical creature began to spin and twerk to the sweet sound of the strings dancing with the bow. Mote also danced and swayed to the beat. His little fanny shifted and jiggled with each note, creating a dazzling array of lights. As the majestic sight ended, Eary's number one fan landed on the bed with the usual 'thud.'

"You know what? We should have our own sleepover," Mote cheerily exclaimed.

"Mote, that's very nice of you to offer," Eary stated coolly. "But I know you're just after Num-Nums."

The moteling let out a giant sigh of disappointment as plopped his butt hard on the bed. He looked up at Eary, his sapphire mischievous eyes growing large.

"Guilty!" Mote whined as he stared on with his large, begging eyes. "But I used to get 'em every time you two had a sleepover. So you can't blame me for tryin'."

Eary rolled his eyes and glanced at the miserable moteling. It was true that Cheesy Num-Nums were Mote's favorite treat. It was also confirmed that it had been about a month since his little magic pet had his favorite snack.

A knock on the door drew Eary's attention from the whining moteling.

"Hello, honey," a sweet voice said.

In walked Delia, Eary's mother. A petite woman with an air of quiet strength, her blonde hair was sprinkled with silver strands. It was elegantly gathered into a neat ponytail, framing a face that mirrored her son's striking cobalt eyes.

"I was just wondering if you wanted to come to watch a movie or something," Delia asked concernedly.

The thought of Ephraim seeing him hanging out with his mother gave him the shivers. Images of Ephraim retreating back upstairs to hang out with Josh rushed in. How could he abandon me? Ignore me like this? Why wasn't he there for me anymore? Anxiety began to fill his heart as he hastily spat out,

"No, I'm fine. Got plenty to do here."

Delia nodded compassionately. She wore a knowing look on her face as she replied,

"Okay, Hun. It's just that I get worried. You isolate a lot, and I don't really see you talking to anyone," Delia's unwavering concern bled through every word.

Eary shook his head. "I'm a bit of a loner, Mom; what can I say?"

Delia sighed deeply. She gave her youngest child a faint smile.

"Okay, honey. I think Josh and Ephraim will come down if you're interested."

Eary smiled nervously. He didn't have a problem with Ephraim, but he did have a problem with his mother's 'Gay love interests suggestions' in front of him. He reassured his mother, thanked her, and then showed her out the door.

"That was weird," stated Mote bluntly.

Only to burst into light again and fly up into Eary's face.

"Now, more about those Num-Nums! If we hurry, we can make it up to the store," Mote pleaded, his eyes turning as large as saucers.

Eary sighed. Mote's begging could turn incessant.

"Fine, but you're coming with me," Eary insisted.

Mote erupted in an eruption of blue lights. He whizzed around the room in excitement. He quickly stopped and pointed anxiously at Eary's dresser.

"Oh hell yeah, now we're talkin' baby! Grab that allowance, kid; we're goin' shoppin'!" Mote ordered in excitement.

Rolling his eyes, Eary collected his cash and headed out of his room and down the stairs. The little moteling followed invisibly close behind. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, Eary stepped into his family's cozy living room. It mirrored the modest size of their home, with a blue sofa and matching love-seat encircling an aged coffee table. Eary's mother and father reclined there, as did his brother and Ephraim.

"Hey, Earhart, what's up?" Mitchell asked, his voice warm and inviting.

"Oh, I'm just going to run some errands, Dad," Eary replied, his voice carrying the weight of a fib he couldn't shake. "Got a sudden craving for some snacks."

Mitchell chuckled. "Well, you do love your Num-Nums. Just make sure you're back before dark."

With an agreement in place, Eary bid his parents farewell and, together with Mote, embarked on their quest. Wandering down the five blocks, they reached the store without incident.

"I can smell 'em already," Mote exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he sped towards the tantalizing snacks.

Eary knew how much Mote loved Num-Nums. He quickly kept pace, amused by the antics. Picking up the snack and hurriedly going through the check-out, Eary avoided the curious glances as he chatted with his moteling pal in the aisle. People often looked at him funny for it. His mother and Mote assured him it made him look creative, but it did little to quell his self-consciousness. Walking out the sliding doors and into the autumn Toronto dusk, the duo decided to detour. The old brickyard. As the sun began its descent, darkness gradually overtook the light.

"We always come this way!" Mote complained between bites of Num-Nums from the open container in Eary's arms.

"I know, but you know I like to keep my eyes open for any anomalies," Eary responded, scanning the area for anything suspicious.

"Hey, kid! It's getting' kind of dark, don't ya think? You know how your parents can get if you're late," Mote said, snapping his friend back to reality.

"Yeah, we should head back," Eary muttered, though his gaze lingered on the local hot spot.

They made their way back home. His parents, Josh and Ephraim, still lounged in the living room.

Ephraim couldn't help but tease Eary, "Did you really walk to the store for Num-Nums?"

Eary responded with a theatrical sigh, "Yes, I did! Now, we're going upstairs to enjoy them!"

"We? You mean you and your imaginary friend, Mote?" Josh chimed in, chuckling.

Eary felt a mixture of anger and self-consciousness. He rushed upstairs, slamming the door behind him.

"They must hear us talking, that's all. Don't worry about it, kid," Mote reassured him from inside the nearly empty Num-Nums container.

Eary whispered back in frustration, "No, Mote! It's a big deal! Everyone I know thinks I'm crazy!"

Before Mote could respond, there was a knock on the door. Ephraim's voice came through, "Hey, Air bear, can you let me in?"

"Uh, sure, just a second," Eary replied, setting down the Num-Nums and opening the door. Ephraim entered and asked if he could sit down. His disarming appeal calmed his nerves.

"I always thought talking to yourself made you more fun," Ephraim laughed. "You always came up with the best ideas when you talked to 'Mote.' It was odd, honestly. How different things would be afterward...I started to wonder if he was real."

Eary's nervousness betrayed him slightly, but he kept his secret. "Nope, it's just a thing I do, I guess," he chuckled nervously.

Ephraim suggested they join the others downstairs to watch a movie, and Eary agreed, glancing at the now-empty Num-Nums container. The film was boring, but that didn't stop Ephraim and Eary from cracking jokes throughout. They laughed and giggled like old times. It felt as if nothing had happened at all.

After the movie, Ephraim proposed a camp-out in the living room, which Josh protested. However, with some carefully orchestrated whining and persuasion from Ephraim, Josh reluctantly agreed. Delia brought out blankets and pillows, and soon, the room became a cozy campsite.

As they settled down for the night, Eary couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. He glanced up at a familiar invisible thud. Cloaked in stealth, Mote announced his presence.

He whispered, "Kid, I was watchin' the whole time! Good job with the beggin', not my style, but to each their own."

"Hey, Mote, you think this means something?" Eary whispered.

Mote's tiny hand patted Eary's cheek reassuringly.

"Of course, kid. Look at how he pushed to have ya here. He totally digs you!"

Eary smiled, reassured by the small blue creature. Rolling over, the events of the night washed over him. A possible re-connection with Ephraim. Life would start to feel normal again. He was on the brink of falling asleep when a strange sensation washed over him.

"Do you feel that?" Eary's voice echoed urgently.

"Feel what?" Mote replied, peeking up his head to glance at the boy.

They exchanged knowing glances, understanding the significance of this peculiar sensation.

"What do you suppose it is?" Mote asked.

"I don't know...I just wanna stay in tonight." Eary protested.

"You know you can't do that. That feeling will get so strong you won't be able to stand it!" Mote replied.

Eary sighed and began to make a makeshift version of himself out of pillows. He knew since his brother had gone missing ten years prior, his parents wouldn't be okay with his late-night excursions. Crawling out of his sleeping bag and through the front door. Eary safely made his way out of his home. It was late and dark but he could feel a pull.

"That way!" He announced as he and Mote made off to the source of his feelings.

They made their way down several blocks. Upon reaching the park, they were met with a grotesque sight. What looked to be a human, with stitches covering its body and a featureless face, stalked the grounds.

"Ew! I am not fighting that!" Eary protested.

"Yuck! It looks like a walking penis covered in scrotum skin." Mote replied in disgust.

The creature let out a loud, muffled groan. Then, extraordinarily quickly and unnaturally, it turned to face the duo.

"Um, Eary. Make quick with the magic. That thing is looking right at us." Mote whispered nervously.

Before he could respond, the featureless humanoid charged, quickly closing the distance on the pair. Instinctively, Eary extended his hand, and a brilliant amber field of light erupted, stopping the creature in its tracks. It recoiled with astonishing agility, leaving Eary scrambling to keep pace. He called out for Mote, but his little companion was nowhere to be seen. The creature, now revealing grasshopper-like legs, leaped at Earhart once more. Acting instinctively, he thrust his hand forward, unleashing white flames that engulfed the creature, causing it to disintegrate. As the creature had been moving at incredible speed and was nearby, Eary found himself drenched in a gruesome torrent of what had once been the creature's bodily fluids.

"Oh my God!" Eary screamed in disgust.

He was completely covered in blood and guts. The sinew and clots dripped from his horrified face. Mote flew down in a shimmer of blue lights, laughing.

"That's fuckin' nasty," Mote said, returning to Eary's side.

Eary glared at the moteling. "Where were you?" screamed Eary.

"I was supportin' ya from the sidelines. Waitin' for my moment to strike!" He said, displaying a series of fake karate moves.

"I need to take a shower now!" Eary yelled in horror.

"Yeah, yeah. Hold your horses, kid. Sheesh! I tell ya, some people!" Mote complained as he darted to and fro across the park.

"Where is it?" Mote exclaimed, bewildered.

"Where is what Mote?" Eary screamed as he continued to drip with puss and gore.

"That life essence glowy crap we get from baddies you eat. It ain't here! What gives?" Mote griped.

"Mote!" Eary asserted, "I could give a fuck less about the glowy stuff. I'm covered in stuff! I would like to think about this later."

"Fine, fine, fine. But you gotta admit, it's strange," Mote exclaimed.

As the two quickly returned home, Eary slipped on drippings several times while crawling up the drain pipe, back to his window. Once he cleaned up, the two went to sleep, unaware of the attention they had attracted.