WHEEZ.

Hyeon sat up with a loud gasp, air unable to reach his lungs. 

While heaving for oxygen, he saw the clock on the nightstand. It read half past midnight. For as long as he could remember, he woke up almost every night around this time with sleep paralysis. Sometimes a little earlier. Sometimes a little later. Sleeping on his backside was a triggering position, so he usually avoided it. 

But occasionally, it couldn't be helped when he would realize… his hazel eyes were wide open, his body frozen to the bed, and unable to move a muscle. The worst part was the hallucinations that created fearful distress. Sometimes he’d see a darkened figure in the corner, too, that shadowy bastard. Other days it hovered above his chest.

I can’t even get a few hours of rest. How freaking annoying!

Hyeon brushed a hand through his ashy hair. It used to be more of a darker brown, but the last couple of insomnia-induced years and stress toned it down a bit. At this rate, his hair would be white in no time. At least its poofy texture and length seemed to be doing it some sort of sad justice.

He cringed when he moved. Sweat soaked his lower spine, making the black shirt uncomfortably sticky. Strands of hair stuck to his neck and forehead, making him look like he had just finished working out.

Hyeon slid over the bed until his feet touched the floor. Cradling his forehead in his hands from an incoming headache, he sighed with tired frustration. 

Well, should I start my day this early? That is the big question. I guess, why bother?

It would be another restless night despite the jet lag. Since he had just arrived in southern New Zealand from Toronto, Canada, he thought he’d be able to get some quality ZZZ’s. Nope. Not possible.

“Mew?”

Upon hearing the familiar noise, Hyeon peeked through his fingers to look down at his cat. Nammi was smaller than most since she was born with feline dwarfism. Her legs reminded him of a munchkin cat, but her long, black fur made her resemble a little round ball of soot. It was a miracle how she had survived as a stray. He found her shivering in the below-freezing temperatures in a back alley a few years ago. It was a miracle she had survived as a stray. This little cat was a pain to transport across the world, but he could never leave her behind.

Those larger-than-life golden eyes stared up at him as she attempted to sit between his feet.

“Can I help you?” 

BLIP, her tongue peeked out in response. It was as if she could understand him.

His sight zoned in on her paws. They had specks of gray dust. A line of litter sprinkled the floor. If he were to follow that breadcrumb trail, he knew it would lead him to her box in the bathroom. He could already smell what surprise was waiting for him there.

“Damn it, Nammi.”