36Sandman, or Sandy to his friends, was currently floating over New York, spreading dream sand to every child in the city. Now that Pitch was gone, he could focus on providing dreams for the child populace. However, even as the golden substance flowed downward to create wondrous figures in the minds of the children, Sandy was distracted. He might even go so far as to say he was upset, for while his sand normally made him happy, Sandy wasn't enjoying it one bit. It wasn't that the sand wasn't as amazing as usual; it was. But... Sandy sighed. It didn't matter. But it did matter! He couldn't escape his feelings.
He saw her often on his nightly rounds, more frequently now that Pitch was gone. However, he knew she was not to be his, counting him only as a friend, albeit her best friend. On top of that obstacle was Jack Frost. While Sandy would never wish ill of him, He was almost certain that the winter spirit held the affections of the one Sandy cared for above all else. If only-
Sandy's train of thought derailed as he realized it was time to move on to the next city. He sighed as he created his favorite dream sand airplane and sailed off toward the small town, about twenty miles away, that was his last stop in the States. As he flew, he thought back over his reflections on Jack. He really was a superb spirit, bringing fun and happiness not only to the children, but also to his fellow Guardians. It was no wonder she liked him so much. Sandy's hopeful side made a suggestion then; he brought just as much happiness to kids, and kept fear from overtaking them. Why shouldn't she feel affection for him as well?
By this time, Sandy had made his way to that last small town, and proceeded to give them the dreams he cherished so much. Here, a girl with a new doll rolled down a soft summer hill. There, two twin boys dreamed of winning their next soccer game, and so on. Sandy never tired of watching a child's dream unfold, for it was different and magical every time. As he had no more stops for the night, Sandy took the time to watch the last few dreams unfold.
As he finished giving away the last bit of sand for the last dream in town, Sandy made his way home for some well deserved rest. At some point during his journey, the diminutive Guardian resolved to show the Tooth Fairy what she meant to him; after all, what was the use of being the Sandman if he could not have the one thing he dreamed of above all else?
Sandy was so intent on speaking to the Tooth Fairy that he didn't notice the strange cloud high above him. The same strange cloud that had been following him on his rounds all night long. The same strange cloud that was, at that very moment, watching him, and reporting everything it saw to its master. For the cloud was not, in fact, a cloud. It was nightmare sand.