Near's Room
They walked down the hall and everyone stopped, waiting to see how Sarah was handling this one. Dean just hoped the room was dark enough for the lights in the trees to show. At least, he hoped there were trees and lights. He was nervous about this one.
Sarah drew in a deep breath. This room had taken her the longest and most care because she adored Tolkien so much and truthfully, it would show once the others saw it. With slightly trembling fingers, she opened the door to allow others into it.
The carpet was a lush shade of green and soft like grass, giving the illusion of the forest floor of the sacred wood. The walls were lined with a specially made lattice work in the shape of tree limbs, small white lights giving the branches an etheral glow. This room also had an alcove, which she had raised the floor of, making a small flechet for the sleeping area. Small steps fashioned like tree trunks led up into a plush mattress and rich pillows that rested on the platform. Soft white drapes curtained the area from the rest of the room.
Knowing of Near's love for stacking things and playing, she'd put another raised platform in the middle of the room specifically for playtime, complete with tree trunk fashioned steps. Again, white pillows, these big enough to sit or recline on, rested there. A small table was at the side in case of Near wanting to work and could use it as a small desk.
Along the walls, in cleverly hidden niches were shelves for toys and books. They were encased in what looked like tree trunks that blended into the lattice work of branches.
The final touch was looking up. Glowing stars and a moon could be seen through the almost 3-D effect of the tops of the trees.
Dean stood just inside the room letting the others move so Near would have full view and room to explore his new bedroom. Dean gazed upon the silver bark of the trees and spotted yellow leaves up high. Tears flowed down face and he didn’t realize they were there. He watched Near.
The group watched as the small teenager walked into the room, eyes growing larger with each passing second as he examined his surroundings. There was a small intake of air, a telling motion that told L that his heir was very much in awe of what he was seeing.
"Th...this is Near's? For Near?"
A whisper from the near the door responded to his question. “Yeah, Near. It’s all yours,” came the soft choked voice of his friend.
Mello laughed softly. "I think he's been stunned speechless, Dean," he said when Near couldn't speak, obviously entranced by the room.
“That’s okay, Mello. I’m not much better right now."
Sarah leaned against the doorframe, watching the expressions on everyone's faces. She had been so worried about this room, knowing that Near needed a special place to feel safe. She'd read up on autism and wanted for the teen to feel comfortable and relaxed. Each room was an extension of the person she'd crafted it for.”
Dean walked over to the Teen and bent over until they were eye level. “It’s an awesome room made just for you, Near. Now, we’re going to go look at my wing. I know Ben is excited about it. Then, we have to get all of the food divided up and see where it needs to go. If you’d rather stay here and play or take a nap, you can. I imagine that jet lag would be rough.”
Near surprised himself when he set his robot down on the platform and reached up, wrapping his arms shyly around Dean's neck for a very brief hug. "Near thanks Dean," he whispered.
Dean surprised himself and everyone else by slowly putting his arms around Near and gently holding him briefly in response, a loud sob escaping him. “It was my idea, Near, but I need to give the credit where it’s due. Sarah designed and did the work in here. She’s a great artist.”
"Indeed," L answered. "Sarah has our thanks for the work she has put into this place," he told her, making the woman blush darkly.
"I had fun," she answered. "Dean, Lisa...ready for your wing?"
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