The Sandman: Part Two (special preview)

I saw a world made up of endless ocean. The water rested peacefully, sometimes stirring with life below the surface. There were bubbles that rose from the bottom of the vast sea, giving way to the only sign of life it had. Then, as if out of curiosity, the ocean eased back, revealing a patch of land. Further and further away the water retreated until it had decided it had gone far enough. The first piece of land had been made.

After days of drying in the sun, greenery began to grow. It peaked from the earth, hinting at what lush life it would form. A few more days went by, and the beach which the water lapped upon was soft and smooth. The sand shimmered pink and gold in the sunlight. Along this first shore something began to move. It rested in the exact center, bulging the earth and sand as it rose. A human figure was birthed from the earth, staring out amongst the world with wide eyes. Their small fragile body hobbled along the beach, falling into the water. The ocean urged them up, pushing them closer to the green that was growing.

The first born of the world stood there in awe of all that surrounded them. They knelt upon the ground, running their hands along the earth and the newly grown grass. Crawling on their hands and feet, they explored more of their new home. Trees had grown overnight, rising as tall as the sky. Their limbs provided shade and shelter. They also provided the firstborn with their meals.

As the first born grew and used their legs to walk, they built for themselves a home. They also found that by molding the sand on the beach, they could create things. Breathing into them, the first born realized they could create life.

I stood on that beach watching them make a cat, a couple of birds. I was sure that I was dreaming, following beside this firstborn during their first days on earth. I saw them grow and thrive, and now they sat on the beach where they were born, bringing more life into the world.

They started building something much bigger one day. They would form the head and limbs, then tear it down. They would then build up a torso and legs, but they would just tear it down again. I could feel their frustration turning into anger. The firstborn pounded their fists into the ground. They kicked and screamed, unable to recreate what they saw in their mind. They stopped at the water’s edge, which flowed around their legs as if to comfort them.

I walked closer, standing beside them as they cried. They then looked up, gazing at me with pale almost empty eyes. They went dark, turning to mirrors in which I could see myself. I woke up then, gasping once as I came to. The air around me was cold, but the bed I shared with Dee and Dum was warm.

Sitting up in bed I rubbed my eyes and tried to regain my sense of belonging. I had existed in that new world for what felt like decades, and it was only a few hours of dreaming. I snuck out of bed, going to the door of the tent and peering out at the world. The Prim smelled sweet upon the chilled breeze, and everything laid still. I then saw a glow weaving through the tents and I stepped out to meet Somnus in the center.

I had never seen him after sunset. He always made sure to leave just after dinner was served. He stood there naked with only his long shimmering hair to cover him. His body was glowing bright. His skin twinkled, not like stars but something much more earthly. He didn’t acknowledge me, but he swooped his hair away from his face as if he knew I was there. His eyes were closed, so I wondered if he was sleepwalking.

I approached him silently, coming up beside him and taking his hand. He gripped me in return, holding me tight and with no sign of letting go. He tilted his head towards me, resting his cheek upon the top of my head. I tried to lead him back to my tent, but he was unmovable. He was set like a stone where he stood, heavy and rigid.

Sighing softly, I kept hold of his hand and leaned into him. I wanted to speak to him about my dream, but right now it felt as if there were no words left in the world. This was a world of silence and moonlight where no one spoke, they only touched. Somnus then walked, keeping my hand held tight. I followed him leaving the camp and down through tall grass. He took me to the center of that field and he tilted his chin up towards the sky. Pearl-like tears began falling from his eyes, coating his lashes then flaking away into the air.

Before I could wipe the tears away, he knelt down upon the ground. I stood beside him, placing my hand upon his back. I curled my fingers through his soft hair, and as they combed through, his hair became silky sand in my palm. As the sand ran between my fingers, I thought that I was dreaming again.

Somnus lifted his head again with his eyes opened. His eyes reflected the stars and the vast universe that laid beyond them. I still felt as though words were useless, so I kissed his forehead and his eyes shut again. More tears spilled down his high cheeks as he took a deep breath.