Chapter 1: Nightmares

His heart was racing as he watched the field in front him light up. Everything seemed to slow down. Hagan reached out. His hand stretched toward Adam as he stood in the direct line of fire. Slow motion. Adam looked at Hagan, meeting his eyes. His breath was slow. How could he be calm in a moment like this?

"Adam, no!" Hagan's voice seemed to hang in the air, echoing in the empty space.

The world lit up, turning into a deep purple. Air seemed to dissipate, choking Hagan as he shouted. No matter what, he couldn't reach Adam in time. A shattering bang, a plowing light, Hagan's voice called out but nothing was heard. He felt like he was falling. The world was crashing in on him. He felt like he was choking. No…no…no…no!

"No, Adam!"

Hagan sat up in bed, panting and gasping for air. His knuckled turned white as he gripped the blanket. He shut his eyes, shaking lose the grip of the nightmare. Rubbing his brow, he felt the sweat along his forehead. Heart pounding in his ears, he finished gasping for air as his breathing returned to normal. Another nightmare. Not again.

Slipping out of bed, he stumbled to the kitchen. He passed Mindy's room quietly. It was late. He didn't want to wake her. With a sigh, he entered the kitchen. Beer or a sandwich? Neither were particularly helpful but at least they would sooth him for the time being. Entering the kitchen, he found the light already on. Mindy sat at counter, stirring a cup.

"Mindy…what are you doing up?"

"I made hot coco," she replied, pushing him the cup.

Taking a sit, he held the warm mug in his hands. It was comforting and soothing. Better than a beer, but a sandwich would still be good. Mindy pushed a plate with a sandwich over. Hagan chuckled, pulling the plate closer.

"You didn't answer the question," he nodded, taking a sip of the coco. It was warm but not fresh. It had been sitting a while. "When did you make this?"

"You had your nightmare again," she said softly.

"I'm…sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"This is the third time this week."

Hagan sighed, setting the mug down. His stomach was upset now.

"Was it about the battle?"

Hagan tightened his grip on the mug.

"I heard you," she whispered, "you were calling out Adam again."

White knuckles.

"I'm sorry for waking you," Hagan sighed. "again. I'll try…I'll try to be quieter."

"Dad, you need to talk to someone about your nightmares!"

"I'm fine."

"Three nights, daddy. Three nights this week you've woken up screaming about what happened. It's been over a month. This isn't going away. Please, talk to someone. Anyone. What about Zach?"

"Like I'm talking to that kid about anything," groaned Hagan, getting to his feet.

"Herman?"

"Pretty sure he still hates me."

"Woody?"

"Woodrow, now, is busy with the government making scientific progress or whatever bullshit he was talking about last time we talked."

"Please, daddy," Mindy whimpered, "talk to someone."

Hagan rolled his eyes but nodded. Anything to make Mindy go back to bed, which still took a lot of effort. After she finally returned to her room, he sat at the counter, staring at the cooling mug and sloppy crafted sandwich. He wasn't hungry anymore. He didn't even want the coco. He just stared at them. He wasn't sure for how long, but still he sat. He didn't want to go back to sleep. Not for a while.