"....Sometimes I really think they like to play games with us."

Oscar sighed.

It had been a while since this had happened, however-- and over a year since leaving Julia Sodder's dream had allowed them to become different people from what they were before. Oscar was now nearly seventeen and taller, no longer the skinny little fifteen year old who didn't know how to even begin finding his space in any world.

"At least they're consistent about it," Oscar said, entering the room more fully. It grew a little easier to carry this crown with every step he took-- and, for once, he didn't fully mind. "I guess it's nice that they do that for us."