"Acorn?"

Her heart caught in her throat as the figure uttered those words. Her name was Acorn, yes, but this person was not someone she recognized. She told herself it was a dream, and it was simply her own consciousness talking to her. Yet, something still felt horribly wrong.

The figure attempted to sit up all at once, then grimaced as he slumped back. down even further.

  "Thank God, it's really you!"

A moment of silence passed, and the boy's face fell. Acorn realized he was expecting a response.

"You know me?"