She had to keep running there was no other choice. She just had to get there on time, she wouldn't miss it again. Running down a deserted street she cut across backyards and vaulted over fences. Time was running out.
After clearing another fence she crossed the street into a cemetery. Her spidey-sense tingled. Crap, she thought. Pulling out a stake from her pocket she continued to run, changing course slightly. Twenty feet ahead the earth shifted and raised slightly. Ten feet now, Buffy pulled her arm back and let the stake fly. Poof.
The back wall of the cemetery loomed ahead. Buffy was sure it had grown higher since the last time she patrolled here. Oh well. Over she went.
She could see her front porch now, the lights were on and shadows past into her lounge room. Shit. Another burst of energy and she was up the steps and through the front door.
"Buffy!" It was Giles.
"Did I miss it?" Buffy asked, she almost looked out of breath. Dawn bounced into the room carrying bowl of popcorn.
"No, they're still in the car. But you cut it pretty close this time." Willow smiled from her space on the couch next to Tara. Xander and Anya were snuggling next to them.
"Oh thank God. The chair gag is my favourite, it sets the mood for the rest of the episode," said Buffy as she took off her coat and sat down next to Dawn and watched the TV set. "Oh, it's on."
Buffy sighed contently as the theme song for the Simpsons finished. Life was good.