Annabeth's POV

We were back in the River of Misery. I tried to block out the negative words coming from the souls in the water, but then Percy's head went under; it didn't come back up.

I sat upright, shivering, yet sweat ran down my body. I looked around. There was no river, just me in my hotel bed in Boston.

I wish Percy were with me. If only Randolph hadn't suddenly called my dad and I for some family emergency.

Sure, I was worried about Magnus, especially if he was a runaway on the streets, but what I needed right now was Percy. He was my comfort through Tartarus. He alone knew what I've been through.

Today I would be returning to New York, but I was still lonely without my Seaweed Brain.

I couldn't go back to sleep after the nightmare. I kept thinking, What if more came?

Percy's POV

"Annabeth..." I murmured anxiously in my sleep. "Annabeth!" Suddenly I was bolt upright.

Another nightmare from Tartarus yet again. Annabeth was in Boston. I was alone in my bedroom at the Jackson apartment.

Usually Annabeth and I slept together because it helped to keep away the nightmares. But today Annabeth was away, and the nightmares had come back.

How could I sleep without her? Suddenly I realized: she must be missing me as well. Was she having nightmares of her own?

I felt guilty for not thinking about her first. I got out of bed immediately and tried to think of the best way to contact her. Then I remembered that communications were down. I groaned and slammed my fist into the wall.

Annabeth's POV

I could see the Manhattan skyline. It was mid-afternoon, and my dad and I had just crossed the state border.

I couldn't wait to get back to the Jackson Apartment, which was my home now too. I had moved in once Percy and I agreed to go to college together.

My dad dropped me off at the apartment building, but I didn't have to walk the four flights of stairs to see Percy; he was waiting in the parking lot for me.

"Annabeth!" he exclaimed once I stepped out of the car.

I rushed towards him and hugged his neck. I didn't want to cry, but I did.

"I missed you," I sobbed. "There were more nightmares and..."

Percy nodded. "I know. I've had some too." He held me close as we walked up the stairs together.

Percy's POV

My Wise Girl was back. We walked into the aparment, and Sally stood in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

Annabeth had stopped crying. "Welcome back, Annabeth!" Sally smiled.

Annabeth nodded, and went straight to our bedroom.

"I don't want to be seperated again, Percy," she said, sitting on the bed.

"I'll come with you next time," I offered, sitting next to her.

Annabeth nodded her head. "I missed you."

I kissed her head gently. "I love you, Annabeth. You know that?"

She snuggled closer to me and sighed. "It's nice to be back together," she said.