You don't know where it came from or why it was happening, but something felt wrong. You tried to push the thought and fear away by burrowing deeper into your bed and blankets and scrolling through your phone. It took some of the edge off. Some. Not much to be honest. It didn't help that the little clock at the top of your phone screen keeps reminding you of your sleep sins. You really need to sleep...

You put your phone down on your bedside night stand and flip over to try to sleep.

Out of nowhere it hits you like a semi. It had been years since you felt this fear. The fear of something important coming, the fear of a test tomorrow. The fear of a forgotten assignment, the fear of an incomplete task. Something was wrong and you couldn't figure it out. It pools in your chest and pulls you tighter to your bed. Where was this coming from and why?

You slowly grudge out of bed, trying to not get swept away in your feelings of dread, and head downstairs. Maybe a snack or some water will help...

You step into the kitchen and to the light switch near the sink. With a quick flick you turn on the small light above you. It's much less intense and blinding than the main one. You try scavenging the fridge for...something sweet maybe. You pull out some fruit and strawberry bagel spread. Next you grab a bagel from the tube near the toaster and pop each half in. Your mind goes a little fuzzy at the edges, seeming to hone in on the toaster. Any time now...maybe you should get some of that schmeer you've heard about, it sounds pretty good on this kind of stuff. Or maybe just keep your flavored cream cheese? It's probably cheaper. Do you even need to go-

You hear the front door open, nothing to worry about. It's just your roommate getting home late. He usually gets here at this time of night. Maybe you should go to the store today, get some more-

"GAH!" You shout falling as the toaster pops.

"What happened?" Your friend shouts from the other room

"Nothing, Jackie! Just...toasters hot." You can't tell him the toaster startled you, that's silly.

"That's why you- why are you on the floor?" He half laughs his question.

"Uuuummm because I can?"

"Uh-huh....." he says suspiciously. He steps to the toaster and pulls out your bagel halves and sets them on the counter. "What are you doing up this late any way?" He helps you up.

"I couldn't sleep.."

"Oh no! What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just silly brain."

"You're not getting sick, are you?" He puts the back of his hand against your forehead.

"No! I just-" you step away from him and grab your snacks "I'm a little over whelmed, okay?" You plop into a chair at the small table.

"Gotcha..." He puts his hands in his hoodie pockets. You never understood why he wore such loose, heavy clothes. It had to be uncomfortable.

"How was work?" You ask with a mouth full of bagel.

"Oh, you know, same old-same old. Punch a weird dude in the face, rescue cats from trees."

"Uh-huh. Yeah, what did you really do."

"Delivered the fastest Jimmy Johns you've ever seen." He half dead pans.

"Niiice," You grin, taking another bite of your bagel.

"How was your day?"

"Oh, aside from unknown existential dread? Fine."

"Aaaaw, someone need a hug?"

You actually consider it a moment. His hugs are very nice, it's like he's a professional or something. "Maaaybe?"

"Oh my gosh, are you legit considering it?"

"Maaaybee???"

"Get over here, you nerd." He ends up walking to you before you can actually get up.

"Hang on, let me actually get up."

"Fiiiine."

You stand up and let him put his arms around your shoulders. You swear, he's a walking anxiety blanket. He holds you firm, not too tight. You curl into his chest with your head under his chin. You let yourself hug him back and just stay like that.

He starts rocking left and right before he starts humming. The vibrations feel nice against your head... then it dawns on you.

"Are you really humming that Death Stranding song?"

"Yes."

"Oh my gooosh." You cover half your face with one of your hands. "You're such a neerrrd..."

"Yeah, but is it working?"

"Yeah...." you sigh in defeat.

"Good~" He chirps, going back to rocking and humming for you. You were starting to feel a bit better already.