11

There was nothing but silence for the first half of the walk home. What does one say? Where does one begin?

"What was that all about?" said Cassie, finally.

"Nothing. Just a bunch of nonsense," said Daniel.

"Can I ask you something?" he said. "What's your first memory of me?"

"We met two years ago, at Jack's party," said Cassie. "You remember, don't you? You were dressed as the Joker."

"Two years ago. We had just moved here, hadn't we?"

"You said you moved from Vancouver. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just get me back home."

"Hey Daniel?"

"Yes?"

"Stay away from her, okay?"

He nodded.

"Get some sleep. That old man was just crazy."

"I know."

"Listen to your dad."

"I will."

"Seriously. I love you."

"I know."

"And hey. This is us. This is real. Not a dream. You aren't alone. We're connected. Always. Okay? You understand?"

He said he did. He tried to reassure her. But he felt more alone than ever as he shut the door and limped back to his bedroom.