There was silence.
Both of them registered what he'd just said.
"I-I mean—how would my friend sleep?! That's what I meant! I meant, how does he—"
But his mother was already smiling like a cat with a fish bowl.
"Ahh, well…" she said, drawing out the words, "a good cuddle usually helps."
"Huh?"
"Isn't that how you normally fall asleep? You've always liked being hugged. Maybe you should tell your friend to try that."
Ollie stared at her.
Then at the screen.
Then back at the pillow beside him.
A pillow that did not, in fact, have arms.
"This is evil…" he whispered.
The Marquise laughed. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I hope your friend figures it out soon enough."
And just like that, the call ended.
He was left alone.
Devastated.
Mentally spiraling.
Because—because what now?! How was he supposed to get an embrace to sleep?! Kyle was gone! The shirt wasn't alive! His arms were too short!
And the forums.
What would be on the forums?! What did she mean?! What had he missed?!
