"I think it's," Will said, seeing a tear leave Puck's eye, "best we go, now."

"Bye, Sarah. I hope I can see you again... someday."

"Don't cry, bubby," the six year old squealed, pulling her brother's arm. "Don't cry."

He shouted, "I can't just not cry!"

"Let's go." Will led Puck out of the room and to the car.

"I appreciate you for bringing me here tonight."

"I knew it would be best." Will started driving, going as slow as he possibly could.


Rory tossed and turned, but his body just couldn't find comfort. Everything was dark. Every creak or hum echoed for no apparent reason. Suddenly, his father appeared four feet away. Rory glanced around, avoiding to look the man in the eyes. Rory stumbled around, trying to mask his fearful shaking. He struggled to hide his uneasiness.

His father only glared.

"M-Mummy?" Rory murmured, with a gulp. "Mummy? W-Where a-are you?" He suffered torment, watching his father pull the belt from his pants. Rory's feet were about stuck to the ground; he had no way out. He closed his eyes. He knew what was coming next, but he didn't want to know exactly when it would start. It only made the anxiety worse.

Rory felt a thick strip of leather come down on his arm, the pain ripping right through his shirt, like fire on his skin. He then broke down, curling into a kneeling position on the cold ground. He bawled until his eyes stung, praying that the hurt would disappear for at least a merciful moment.

"Mummy," Rory said into his hands, between sobs, "I need you!"

His father constantly swung at the boy. Rory's grunts and whimpers bounced around the dark emptiness. He listened to the acoustics, trying not to focus on the pain.

"Mummy! Mummy!"

The throbbing faded, as he heard Emma's voice hush him.

"Honey," her voice said to him, "it's okay." She wasn't visible, but she was audible. "Sweetie, just calm down. Breathe."

He could now feel her hand down his shoulder to his back. His eyes popped open. Still completely dark. "M-Mummy?"

"I'm here."

He found himself in a fetal position against a pillow.

"Everything is okay. It was just a scary dream."

"You think he'll be b-back to haunt u-us, someday?"

"I hope not, baby."


"Laps, on the field," Sue screamed, "now! Slackers are off the team!"

Everyone hustled outside, some in uniform, some not. It didn't matter anymore.

"Come on, hurry up! My nana is a lifeless corpse, and she could do better!"