16. Break

Out of breath, William stopped by a nice large tree and sat down with his back against the massive bole. He might even have closed his eyes for a few minutes. It was surprisingly comfortable leaning against that giant tree, more so that he would have thought.
"William," a yell nearby made his wake with a start. Nathaniel was a little ways away apparently looking for him.
"I'm over here," he tried to say, but was interrupted by a big yawn.
"Hush, lad," an old-sounding voice said behind him, "just lie back and go back to sleep." The voice was so calm and reassuring, that William nearly did exactly that. But then he remembered the mushrooms and jerked to his feet, leaning on the tree bole for support in his half-awake condition.
"William? Oh, there you are," Nathaniel finally saw him and waddled over to where he had been napping. "I've been looking for you for over an hour!"
"Sorry, but I couldn't keep up with you and I needed a break."
"Well why didn't you say so? I would have slowed down for you. But why are you going so slow?"
"It feels like my feet are encased in cement, and that I have needles sticking into my arms and legs. Than makes it difficult to run."
"I know what you need," Nathaniel said. "I'll be right back." And off he ran.
"Lay back down," the old creaky voice said again, "you need a rest,"
HE did, in fact, feel like he still needed some rest, so he sat back down and closed his eyes.