He realises Fern is somewhere in front of him and does look up, for a moment, still struggling with his breathing. This had to be a nightmare- just his memories turning on him and somehow including this plant guy. He's not sure how his mind has invented him, but obviously, it has.

"No, it's- it can only be done by the person with the Sundrop and she's not here."

He pushes his hands up through his hair, squeezing his eyes shut.

"I just need to wake up! It's- it's just a horrible nightmare."