Garry

"I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine," I keep repeating to myself, even after Ib walks away; trying to convince myself of the lie. Each breath is labored and painful. Bright colors explode in fireworks before my eyes.

You know how people say "their life flashed before their eyes"? That didn't happen to me. Partially because I don't remember anything before I met Ib. But the short, terrifying, and sweet life I've had replayed. It's not like someone's playing my life on a screen in front of me and I watch. I'm reliving those moments. For just a few seconds, I can forget all the pain and see those memories once more.

"Mmm… Ah! N- no! Help!" I rush to Ib's side, shaking her shoulder.

"What is it?" She sits up.

"I-" She tries to calm down. "I had a nightmare." I nod.

"I'm not surprised. Are you alright now?"

"Yeah." I smile.

"Good." I glance around the room. "It seems those things won't follow us in here. We can rest for a bit." I shiver. It's strange not having the coat around my shoulders.

"What's wrong, Garry?"

"Hm? Oh, nothing. Just… thinking." Then I remember. "Oh, yeah! Ib, there's something in my coat pocket. You can have it, if you want." She reaches her hand into the pocket and pulls out a small yellow piece of candy.

"Thank you, Garry!" She places it in her pocket. "But… I think I'll save it for later. You know, when we get out of here." I grin broadly.

"That's the spirit!" I offer her my hand, and we stand together. She hands me my coat, and I put it on. "Thanks. You ready?" She nods.

"Yeah." I take deep breath before opening the door.

"Okay, let's go."

"I'm fine, I'm… fine… I'm…" I trail off, my mind beginning to go fuzzy. Why am I here? Who am I talking to? I close my eyes, slowly drifting.

"Garry!" A cry for help, loud and clear, pierces through the fogginess. I struggle upright. Ib!

I pull myself to my feet, leaning on the fence for support. "...I… promised…" I swallow. "I promised… I would come if…. she called…" My resolve hardens, and I take off as fast as I can towards the scream.

I'm coming, Ib. My legs try to give way beneath me, but my protective nature wins over. No. I have to save her!

"What are you doing?" A hysteric cry comes from the house. "Ib, get out now."

"I-"

"NOW! NOW, NOW, NOW!" I hear Mary's pallette knife being brought out, and Ib cries out.

"Garry! Help!"

"YOU WON'T TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME!" She swings down with the knife, but I'm already there.

"Stop!" I catch her arm and push her back. I glance behind me and see a painting. Ah! My head is pounding. But… "Ib! That's her painting, right?" She nods. "There's no other choice! Burn it!" Mary lets out a shrill shriek.

"No!" She charges for me again. "Please, stop! Don't touch tha-" Her shriek turns into a scream, and her dress begins to burn. She cries out, but we don't help. I don't feel that sorry for her. She had it coming.

"Daddy! Please! Make it stop! It burns! Daddy! DADDY!" I grasp Ib's hand tightly, and we run out. There's no reason to stay.