Awakening

The day started in its usual way. The slow awakening, awareness filtering into Josiah's head as he and the world woke from their slumber. He rolled, stretching out his legs and arms, working his limbs in an attempt to get up and moving. The day had begun and he couldn't be left behind.

Though… maybe five more minutes snuggled under the warmth of his flannel sheets would be okay. He could eat a little faster or hop in and out of the shower a little quicker. Give himself a groom instead of a shave. He wasn't ready to be up.

Josiah reached, patting the mattress beside him, looking for a warm body to pull close and cuddle. There wasn't one.

It took a minute to register. Josiah wasn't a hundred percent up yet. After a moment though, the realization of cold sheets next to him finally sunk in. Josiah's sleep-addled brain caught up, and the sleepiness threatening to pull him under washed away. He opened his eyes and stared at the other half of his bed. A chill set in his chest.

Empty.

It was very, very empty.

COLLAPSE

About the Author

Freddy grew up in the Midwest, playing sports and running around outside. And honestly, that much has not changed since Freddy was small and throwing worms at other kids, expect worm throwing has been replaced with a healthy geocaching addiction. Freddy enjoys traveling and holds the view a person should continually to learn about new things and people whenever possible.

Freddy's contemporary LGBTQ book, Incubation: Finding Peace 2, won 3rd Place - Best Gay Erotic Fiction in the 2012 Rainbow Awards. In 2013, Freddy's story, Internment, tied for 3rd Place - Best Gay Fantasy in the Rainbow Awards. Freddy's steampunk/SF story, Feel Me, was a finalist and honorable mention in the 2014 Rainbow Awards for SF. In addition, Freddy's urban fantasy, Snow on Spirit Bridge, was also a honorable mention and finalist for the 2015 Rainbow Awards as well.

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