Segar does not usually take a nap after lunch. One thing that he learned during his school years was that sleeping is a waste of time. But, that sleep-less-study-more policy is what he followed to keep his grades straight A. Now, Segar is no longer a student, he is a soon-to-be cadet. So, today will be Segar's first nap since middle school.

No sooner does Segar lay down on his creaking bed than he realizes what he has done to his body this whole morning. Sticking his eyes to the computer screen while having an unhealthily comfortable sitting position surely did a great job of aching him all over his body. Closing his soring red eyes, trying to drain any stream of thought left inside his head, Segar is slowly taken to dreamland along with his long-forgotten page of memories.

“Hey! You are back!” - Being disturbed, Segar wakes up. He finds himself lying on an infinitely stretched meadow. Sitting next to him is no one else but himself. To be more precise, it is Segar in his ugly high school uniform.

“This must be a dream.” - Segar thinks to himself while staring at his dream version.

“I thought you would never come back! Dear big me, Did you make up your mind?” - Dreamland Segar smiles joyfully while speaking.

“Well, Gravefield Academy or whatever the Ministry throws at me is better than Colville right?”

His other self shakes his head, chuckles then speaks again:

“Seems like you have already forgotten, but that is also a good thing!”

“What?” - Segar tilts his head in confusion.

“That’s okay dear my grown-up self. In many cases, humans will purposely forget memories which are too painful to be carried” - His dream version speaks again.

“But studying for a better future is not painful, and I remember you! You are grade-eleven Segar. I recognized your ugly hairstyle! Were we always that messy? Sheesh!” - Segar replies.

Dreamland Segar chuckles again, then continues:

“I am sorry my dear self. Because of me, your most youthful period faded away miserably. I will not blame you if one day I disappear from your memories too. But soon-to-be cadet Segar, can I ask you a favor?”

“Huh?” - Segar is so confused by his dreamland self until now, but it seems like he does not want this dream to end. Deep inside Segar, something is being awakened, something he refuses to admit is making its way out of its shell again after a long hibernation.

“Dear me, If one day you are strong enough to face “it”, or unlucky enough to face “it” at Gravefield, face “it”. Do not let it drag you to the damp of misery once again. I am so sorry dear big me, I was so naive and young. I have failed to give you the most beautiful memories of your school life. But don’t you worry! If “it” comes back this time, you have us!”

“Us?” - As Segar is once again confused by his dreamland version, the meadow and his other self slowly turn blurry. Next to him now is not just student Segar anymore, but also a hazy silhouette of a shorter person.

“Yes! Us! The Seagars! We have been drowned by “it”, but we will not be the anchor that drags you down with us. We are the fuel for you to lighten up your future. Take care, cadet!”

The Segars’ voice becomes fainter and fainter as their real self wakes up. A sense of nostalgia mixed with a bit of sadness rushes through his body. It feels like something was left behind. Something that in those youthful years, Segar kept under his cover of a hard-working student. Something that still aches his vulnerable soul to this day. Something whose existence is denied by Segar. The Segars know “it”, Segar might know “it” too. But he does not want to acknowledge “it”. A shed of tears rolled down his left cheek. His soul is mourning for his lost youth. But that was just a dream, right? Segar has heard about premonition dreams, but he strictly follows physicalism. That kind of thing should not be on his righteous mind. The fourth sigh of the day comes out from him.

“What a strange dream.” - Segar stretches his body and goes to the bathroom to wash his face. The cold water brings him back to reality, brings him back to his senses. Now, “it” or “the Seagars” is not the problem, they are just products of an exhausted mind and a naive heart. Segar has a bigger problem now: breaking the news that their son is a soon-to-be cadet to his parents. It’s not that this is a big surprise to his parents. When it comes to his academic path, his parents are quite oblivious about it. If he can find his place in a college and make a fortune later on, well, that is a good thing. But even if he can not make it, his father will gladly be his co-worker. Either way, they will be happy with his decision. Both generate money, just less or more. But Segar wants tonight’s dinner to be special. Segar wants his father to take out the most expensive liquor in the cabinet and toast it with him. Segar wants a gentle hug from his mother. Segar wants his mother to have a silly smile on her face, and brag about her golden son with the gossipy auntie next door. That aunt is a nice person, but sometimes, her mouth is just too much to deal with. But the most important thing is that he needs some extra allowance. He needs to have some time for himself after a long marriage with the books. Segar once again goes to his desk, his aching back is telling him to get more rest. But dinner is just two hours away, he wants his announcement to be a bit formal, and he wants to prepare his toast. With that in mind, Segar turns on his computer, which he bought with prize money from the Colville Gifted Students contest, plays some music, and starts scripting his surprise.

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