Hot Water Sky

Lying on his back, watching the starry sky. Letting the darkness envelop him, he closes his eyes and attempts to dream. The feeling of falling begins to overwhelm, washing over him in waves. All at once he feels serenity and anxiety. He resists the urge to open his eyes and return to reality. His attempts at escaping the harshness of reality constantly fail, but he never stops trying. He doesn't know what else to do. He begins to feel a flush of warmth start at his toes and work it's way up his body. Open your eyes, his mind screams! He knows he can't hold the illusion, he never has before. It never lasts! His psyche attacks every nerve of his body, attempting to force him back into the cold, miserable night. He struggles against himself, a hopeless battle that can only end in defeat. The warmth continues to spread, a confusion of agony and joy intermingling in his mind. His body begins to tremor and twitch. The intensity of his feelings grow, roaring in his brain. Hold on, he pleads. Just this once. And then... nothing.

He opens his eyes with a gasp. His uniform is drenched in a cold sweat. A familiar feeling. He slowly rises with a groan. He comes to his feet and gives himself a once over, making sure everything shows the facade of normalcy. Approving of his appearance and dusting himself off, he strides away from that familiar spot. He doesn't even give a second glance at that now unspectacular sky. He sighs. He knows it will happen again. With a barely perceptible shake of his head, he places the memory with all the rest. He never forgets but fails to learn.

In the end, it's his own damn fault.