Upon first reading, I thought, Aww, that's kind of cute but also sad. Poor kid having to make up friends like that. Looking back, now I get it, and oh.

That seems to be everyone's reaction. I'm obscenely happy for that, by the way.

I particularly liked the writing here. I felt like I was under water with Dean, worried and out of breath.

Thank you, I really wanted to get into his headspace there, just kind of pull the reader along with him. I'm glad it worked.

I'm glad you enjoyed this and thank you for comenting!