Episode 51: Instant Nap Blanket — Now with Dream Customization!

The door swung open, and a disheveled man stumbled in, dark circles under his eyes so heavy he looked like a raccoon on a caffeine binge.

"Help," he croaked. "I haven't slept in three days. My brain is holding me hostage."

Felix leaned on the counter. "Insomnia, huh? Tried counting sheep?"

The man shook his head. "I counted so many sheep they formed a union and went on strike."

Zira snorted. "Sounds serious. What're you after? Sleeping potion? Hypnosis spell? Brick to the head?"

The man waved his hands frantically. "No! I need something better. Something foolproof. I want an Instant Nap Blanket — one that knocks me out the moment I wrap up. Oh, and can I choose my dreams? If I'm going under, I wanna go out in style — like… tropical vacation style."

Felix and Zira exchanged a glance.

"Dream customization?" Felix rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That's advanced magic. Not impossible, though."

"Yeah," Zira smirked. "But if you wake up convinced you're a pineapple, that's on you."

---

One Overly Complicated Spell and a Minor Explosion Later…

Felix presented the man with a fluffy, sky-blue blanket.

"There you go. Instant Nap Blanket — with adjustable dream settings."

The man blinked. "Adjustable?"

Zira held up a stitched panel on the corner. "See this? Turn the dial. We've pre-loaded a few dream presets: 'Tropical Vacation,' 'Flying Unicorns,' 'Heroic Warrior,' and for some reason, Felix added 'Becoming a Sentient Loaf of Bread.'"

Felix shrugged. "In case he's into carbs."

The man grabbed the blanket like a lifeline. "Does it really work instantly?"

Felix nodded. "Go on. Try it."

The man didn't hesitate. He plopped on the shop's worn-out couch, wrapped the blanket around himself, and turned the dial to "Tropical Vacation."

Within seconds, his eyes fluttered shut.

Zira poked him. He didn't budge.

"He's out cold." She tilted her head. "Think he's dreaming of beaches and coconut drinks?"

Before Felix could answer, the man let out a content sigh in his sleep and mumbled:

"Mmm… sand is too crunchy… why's the sun judging me… stop looking at me, Mr. Flamingo…"

Zira smirked. "Yup. He's definitely on vacation."

The man stirred a little, turning the dial in his sleep.

It clicked to "Flying Unicorns."

His face twitched into a grin. "Yeah… faster, Sparklehoof… take me to the cotton candy castle…"

Felix burst out laughing. "That one's a hit."

They watched him for a moment, enjoying the rare sight of a peaceful customer.

Then — click — the dial shifted again.

"Becoming a Sentient Loaf of Bread."

The man's expression twisted in confusion. "No… not the butter… I'm too young to be toast…"

Zira doubled over, wheezing.

Felix wiped a tear from his eye. "Okay. That one might've been a mistake."

The man stirred, stretching as he woke up. He blinked blearily at them.

"That was… the best nap of my life."

Zira tried — and failed — to suppress her grin. "Did you enjoy your bread journey?"

He blinked again. "...I think I discovered things about myself I wasn't ready for."

Felix leaned on the counter. "Well, if you need another nap — or an identity crisis — you know where to find us."

The man chuckled sleepily and wandered out, blanket tucked under his arm.

Zira smirked. "Think we should make a deluxe version?"

Felix grinned. "Absolutely. 'Nap Blanket: Nightmare Edition' — for people who miss the thrill of running from giant spiders."