Broken Dreams

by Don'tFallAsleep1428

Katherine's mind is starting to break. What will happen to her now that she is locked up in Westin Hills? Though her father, Freddy, has nightmarish plans for her. She slowly starts to develop a personality disorder and grows even closer to him. Soon, she will have to choose a side…

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Reflections

Michael growled softly and shook his head in disgust. "He must have erased some of her memories. That's the only thing I can think of"

Nancy glanced despondently over at Katherine. It was evident that Freddy destroyed her memories of her dream for his own selfish needs. So that he could still have the upper hand in the situation. It was all so fucking simple now. Why would he not want to meddle with her memories? She had discovered the truth about his deceitful conduct over the last few days towards her. He didn't want to lose her; it was something that Katherine had told them many times over the last few weeks. He was still obsessed with her throughout all these years. Nancy sighed grimly. "That conniving bastard. He did that so he wouldn't lose her to us! But…he's destroyed another one of her memories"

Kristen agreed. "That's right. When Katherine was in the dormitory with Michael. I mean, when you" she looked at Michael. "were possessed by him, she doesn't remember that conversation! She still trusts you. In a way Freddy has fucked up too!"

"What do you mean?" Michael raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

"He has more than likely erased the memories of the last day or so between you both. That includes the argument you both had in the dormitory. So, you are both back to square one. She still has trust in both of you. Well, I'm sure she still has trust in you" Kristen placed her hands on his shoulders, squeezed them lightly and gave a coy smile. "There is still a chance for you to help her"

He gave a small nod. They were right, Freddy had messed things up. But would he try and rectify his mistake? Perhaps interfere in her memories again? Try and bring forward the recollection of the quarrel they had in the student halls? Sighing deeply he turned back towards Katherine who was finally staring at them. She gingerly rose to her feet. "What is it?"

"We think that your father has done something to your memories, that he has wiped some of them out" he walked towards her. "You have to listen to me Kathy. He doesn't want you to remember what happened in your dream"

Katherine glanced at them in turn. Not discerning or comprehending what was being said to her. Her level of concentration was dwindling. She felt weak. Tired. "I don't understand"

The door to the room was unrepentantly flung opened and, in the doorway, stood Dr Sims. Her slim hands were perched sternly on her hips and she snarled. "What the hell is going here? You three shouldn't be here! Who let you in?"

An uneasy, tense silence consumed the room and in turn making each of them nervous.

Taking a step into the room, Dr Sims unyielding gaze darted from Nancy to Kristen for a few seconds. Before finally landing on Michael. "I told you Mr Turner that it was only family members that would be allowed to visit Miss Krueger"

He glanced over at Katherine, and sighed inaudibly. "Please just let me visit her. I'm all that she has left"

The cold, unsmiling glare she gave him never faltered. Side stepping to the right she gestured at the doorway, commanding. "I would advise you all to leave at once. Or I will call hospital security. If you don't comply then I will have no option to prohibit you from coming anywhere near these hospital grounds. Am I making myself clear?"

The mere mention of her words caused his heart to sink, plummeting into the pit of his stomach. How could this cold, heartless woman do this to him? But not just him, to Katherine? She needed him, she needed all of them. By separating them it was only playing into Freddy's claws. Nevertheless the last thing he wanted was to be banned from Westin Hills. He had to obey Dr Sims, though that was until his mother arrived in Springwood. Once she was here, then he would be able to visit Katherine. "Okay, we'll leave. But please look after her. Listen to her" he murmured quietly.

"She is in the best place for her condition. When I feel the time is right then I will consider you visiting her" she informed him, her eyes still not softening or showing any flicker of compassion. "Now, say your goodbyes and leave"

Michael felt his fingers curl inwards to his palms. A tingling sensation began to surge from his veins, spreading throughout all of this nerve endings. It was rage. But he had to contain it, subdue it. Inhaling sharply he twirled back to the bed and walked over to Katherine. She glimpsed anxiously at him and quickly interlocked her hands with his. "Don't stay away too long. Okay?"

"I'll visit soon. I promise" he smiled softly and kissed her firmly on her lips. "Love you"

She returned his smile and as he stepped away, she saw Nancy and Kristen stepping forward. Nancy offered a reassuring smile. "Keep strong. Don't give up. We'll see you soon"

They headed towards the doorway where Sims patiently waited for them to leave. But before they departed Nancy silently mouthed over to Katherine three simple words.

Don't fall asleep.

A disgruntled grumble came from the Doctor as she closed the door. "This is unacceptable" her head shook lightly and continue to quietly mumble to herself. "I guess I'll have to talk to Max again"

"Don't be angry at him please. He only had my best interests at heart. He was only being nice to me" Katherine tried to defend the orderly. She barely knew him, but from his actions this morning she felt grateful for it. An act of kindness was what she needed.

The woman turned towards her as she stood at the counter. The coldness in her eyes had melted, conveying some empathy as she explained. "Miss Krueger, we have specific rules and regulations in this hospital that everyone must abide by. Not only patients, but staff members too. Even visitors have certain rules they must comply with"

"Okay, I understand" she nodded meekly. "Um, how long do I have to stay here?"

"It depends on well you respond to your treatment-"

"Treatment?" Katherine felt her blood freeze in her veins and arteries. Her arms turned to stone at her sides. "What kind of treatment?"

"I will tell you more in detail soon when we start your sessions tomorrow" she reached for the second cupboard to the right, "I want to check your blood pressure, check your weight and height. Then I'll get Nurse Andrews to get you some clothes. Would you like to get a shower?"

Katherine vacantly looked at her attire, the pale blue hospital gown was rather bland. "What clothes will I be wearing? Am I allowed to get some of my stuff from my dormitory room?"

"I'll have some of your belongings brought over soon" pulling out a pair of grey scales Dr Sims motioned the girl over to her. "If you could take off your gown please"

Her fingers shook as she reached down for the rim of her gown, then slowly tugged it over her head. It fell to the tiled floor in a bundle and she absently kicked it to the side. Slowly she lifted her pensive gaze towards the Doctor who now stood before her and laid the scales at her feet. Tentatively she stepped onto the scales and stared blankly ahead.

Dr Sims made a soft humming noise and then swiftly noted down the weight beside the measurement on the next page of her medical file. "You can step off now. If you could give me your right arm"

Lethargically Katherine did as she was told. She watched in silence as the woman curled the sphygmomanometer or the blood pressure gauge around her upper bare arm and then began to squeeze the small bulb to inflate the cuff around her arm. After a minute she unwrapped the apparatus and again noted her findings on the clipboard. "Your blood pressure is a little high. Are you anxious?"

She tried her best not to glower at the Doctor, but it was a stupid question. Of course she was apprehensive. She was locked up in a psychiatric hospital and cut off from her friends. Anyone would be petrified, wouldn't they? "Yes, I am. I don't want to be here. I'm just scared, okay?"

The corner of Sims lips curled upwards in an affectionate smile. She understood all too well how the girl felt. She had seen it countless times in the young men and women who were admitted here throughout the years. "I understand. But don't worry, everything will be alright. I'll take care of you. In time you'll come to understand that what you believe isn't real"

"But it is!"

"Miss Krueger, we can discuss this later" the pitch of her voice deepened slightly and she threw the girl a warning glare.

Katherine's eyes grew detached, not liking the way that she was being spoken to. Why could this woman not listen to her? She had a suspicion that staying in this hospital was not going to be a congenial experience, not just because of being disconnected from the others and perhaps being sedated each night. But the way this woman was acting towards her, the authoritative tone in which she spoke towards had grated her nerves already. There were a few times when she was in high school that she had a few quarrels with her teachers. But it was all due to her experiencing something she never had as a childhood, a chance to find her own voice. Form her own beliefs and views. Her brash and opinionated attitude was something that was new to her and it was something that she embraced since she was fifteen years old. But in this new precarious situation she found herself in, it appeared her independence that she sorely loved and cherished over the years was being taken away too.

All that was left was her sanity.

Hopefully, that wouldn't be taken away and especially not by her father.

Her head lowered a few inches to her bare feet and her eyebrows knitted in mystification, as she thought back to what Michael had briefly spoke to her before they were interrupted by Dr Sims. Was her memories really tampered with? Had her father wiped them out? That could be the reason behind her excruciating headache. But the question was why would he do it? What memory did he not want her to remember?

"Miss Krueger. Are you okay?"

She raised her weary gaze towards the counter and found that Nurse Andrews had now entered the room, seemingly she had spaced out for a while. So much so that she barely noticed them taking her height measurements or checking her. The young woman stood beside Dr Sims who was staring intently across the room towards her, a hint of concern tainting her eyes. Perhaps she did have some empathy within her after all. "Uh, sorry"

"Would you like to go sleep for an hour or so? Before we show you to your room?" Dr Sims moved towards her and held out a pair of grey jogging bottoms and matching t-shirt, along with white socks and white plimsolls. "You still look tired"

"No" the tone of her voice raised slightly, apprehension tainting it. "I'm fine. I would like a shower though. If that's okay?"

"Yes" Dr Sims turned towards Nurse Andrews. "Would you please show her to the shower rooms? And if you see Max tell him I want to see him right away in here. I need to talk to him about this conduct this morning"

Nurse Andrews pursed her lips tightly together and merely nodded. If Dr Sims wanted to talk to Max about his behaviour, then that didn't bode good news for him at all. All of the staff knew how strict and abrasive she could be when pushed to her limits or when you antagonised her. Shaking out of her thoughts the nurse gently helped Katherine get dressed. Once done she lead her out of the room and into a long corridor. The walls were a dull grey, that matched the tiled floor.

Katherine took in her new surrounding keenly, her eyes scouring everything that she could lay her eyes on. There were three doors down to her right, two to her left and one on the right side of the corridor. A set of heavy wooden dark grey doors divided the corridor in two approximately twenty feet away. She heard Nurse Andrews clear her throat, then speak softly.

"This is where the main medical examination and treatments rooms are. We have two treatment rooms. This one" she motioned at the room they left. "And this one here" her head nodded at a door as they passed it on their right. "There are two storerooms. One for medical supplies and the other for mattresses, quilt covers"

"What's down there?" Katherine gestured to the door with her head.

"That's where the bathrooms are. There are two separate ones. For females and males" Andrews explained. "This is Wing A. We're on the first floor. Patients are not permitted past this door unless accompanied by a member of the medical staff"

Katherine stumbled into the woman's back as she halted at the doors. Her right-hand slide along the front of her skirt to a small badge that was clipped to a belt. Unclipping it she raised it to a small square black box attached to the handle. It was about four inches by four inches in size. With one quick wave of her hand, she swiped the front of her badge against the box and there was a small 'beep'' and a red light flickered on, then changed to green.

Taking a mental note of this Katherine followed the Nurse through the door into the corridor. "What else is down here? Is this where I'll be staying?"

"Yes, we have the shower rooms here" she pointed at two doors to their left. They were about ten feet apart. "To the left around that corner" she pointed to an adjacent hall about thirty feet down from them, "is the patient bedrooms. If you go straight down this corridor, you will find the therapy rooms. We have one to one therapy rooms, and the group therapy rooms. There is also a games room, a TV room and the patient canteen. We have a family room, where patients can congregate with their families during visiting times. On the ground floor is the reception area, a canteen for the staff and some of the doctor's offices"

"How big is this place? I heard that there are more than two floors?"

"Yes, there are another two floors above us. Wing B and Wing C. But Wing C is being renovated" Andrews eased opened the bathroom door. "There is shower gel and shampoo in a small cabinet in the corner of the room. Along with some towels. I'll be back in twenty minutes. I've to go and get Max here"

"I hope he hasn't got himself into trouble" Katherine swallowed thickly. Despite barely knowing the man the last thing she wanted was for him to be suspended from work. He was only acting out of the kindness of his heart. A friendly gesture. Nothing more.

"Oh, don't worry, he can handle himself" she smiled and spun on her heel, "I'll be back soon"

Katherine silently nodded and watched as she meandered down the corridor out of sight. It was a few moments before she shook herself and entered the bathroom area. The room was large with five individual shower cubicles to her right and a long bathroom light blue tiled counter with white sinks. There was a tall pine cabinet tucked in the corner of the room and an array of shower gel bottles and shampoos. Taking a few shy steps towards the long rectangular mirror above the sinks she eyed her complexion with melancholy.

Most of her bruising had disappeared around her cuts. Particularly around her right eye. The swollen had gone down considerably too. The large graze on her cheek was still clearly visible, but the redness had dissipated slightly. Even though her scars were starting to heal, they were only physical ones. The psychological scars were still there and she knew would never go away.

Even now she could feel each blow he inflicted on her face. His fists. The metal plating of the back of the claw. The sensation of her blood trickling and smearing down her cheeks and over chin made her still crawl even this very moment. And even the taste of her blood was still vivid in her mind.

It would linger on in her fragile psyche for as long as she lived.

That beating was a vicious reminder to her that she should not to mess with her father, to defy him.

Nonetheless, her love for Michael still remained. She cared for him, he was the first guy she had ever fallen in love with. As she had mentioned to her father, she wanted them both in her life. But she knew that her father would make her choose between them both.

If not now, then soon…

The difficult answer was, which one would she choose?

x x x

Elm Street 8.30am…

The decrepit Elm Street House loomed in the morning sunlight. A yellow school bus rolled by the house, blocking the view of the dilapidated house from Michael as he stood at in the living room of the Thompson residence across the road. His eyes darted from the grimy red door to the boarded up living room window. It still disturbed him how much had changed throughout the years. He clearly remembered old memories of when he and his parents would walk down this street, with him riding his chopper bike. He would always curiously look over towards 1428 Elm Street and could see Katherine sitting at her bedroom window. Her prying gaze would keenly survey the street, inspecting each child that played on their bicycles or were partaking in a game of hopscotch or playing jump rope.

Each time he saw her he would give a quick wave. But she would dismiss it and scarper away from the window. The look of fear would flash across her face every single time. That bastard had contorted her mind in such a way that rejected any kind of friendly gesticulation or approach by anyone.

In a way her father had transformed her into an outcast and that was one of the main reasons why she was bullied at school. Mainly by Lucy and Melaine.

His fingers curled inwards, the tips of his nails dug into his palms. The loathing he had towards Freddy was always deep-seated, even as a little ten year old boy when he knew that the monster was somehow abusing her. Though now, the disdain was unfathomable. It was starting to consume his soul, his very being. Particularly over the last few weeks.

There had to be some way to bring this nightmare to an end. Someone must know something!

Lowering his eyes to his palms he hissed softy as he straightened out his fingers. The tips of his digits were covered in speckles of his blood. He wiped the residue on his jeans and lifted his face back to the window. It was vital that Katherine tried with all her might to keep herself awake, to stave off the dangers of sleep. Then again with her locked in Westin Hills and with that bitch Dr Sims looking after her, the chances of her being sedated were extremely high. He looked down at his watch and groaned inwardly. He had spoken to his mother yesterday evening.. She had said she would arrive sometime today, but when? This morning, afternoon or evening?

Maybe it could be a few days until she arrived…

He sighed bleakly and turned to the entrance to the room as Nancy entered with two steaming hot mugs of coffee. The vapour swirled and rose into the air and he tentatively took his mug from her. "I'm thinking of phoning my mother again. To find out when she will be here"

"Listen, you said that your mother would be here and she will be" Nancy sat down on the sofa and gestured for Michael to do likewise, "Do you really think she can help us? Or actually help Katherine?"

He gripped his mug and sat at her side, "Yes, she counselled Katherine when she was sixteen. When she first admitted what her father had done to her, the sexual abuse he inflicted on her when she was nine years old. They grew close during them two months, during the therapy sessions. She really opened up to my mom. Told her every sordid detail of what that fucker did to her as a little girl"

"You do know that we have to tell her about Freddy being dead. About him being in our dreams. This means that your mother will be in danger" she warned. "We can't keep anything from her. Not if we want to help Katherine"

His shoulders hunched despondently as he nodded meekly. "I know. But what else can I do? I need my mother's help. She can perhaps get me special privileges to see Katherine at the hospital. When she worked in Springwood years ago she knew the Hospital Administrator at Westin Hills. Um…" his eyes closed for a few seconds as he thought of the doctor's name. "His name was Carver. Dr David Carver. She had spoken to him on numerous occasions when she was working in the General Hospital"

"Really? Are they still acquaintances?" Nancy's eyes brightened suddenly at this news.

"I'm not sure. But if he is still working there then there is a good possibility that we can visit Katherine" he took another sip of his hot beverage.

There was a sudden slam of the front door and two sets of feet approached the archway. Turning in their seats they saw Nancy's father enter and he swiftly took a step to the right, revealing Sandra Turner. She was dressed impeccably in navy slacks, white shirt and matching navy jacket. Her hair was tied back in a tight bun.

Her son sprung to his feet and rushed towards her, "Mom. I'm so glad you're here"

She flung her arms around him in a warm, tight embrace. "Are you okay?"

He nodded sheepishly against her head and then took a step back, clasping his hands with hers. She ran her eyes over this tall frame, stunned at how forlorn and fatigued he look. Bags were beginning to form under his usually bright, vibrant sky blue eyes. Bringing her right hand towards his forehead she lightly rubbed his head, testing his temperature. "You're burning up Michael"

Michael shrugged and led her to the sofa, "I'm fine"

She sat next to him and then offered her hand towards Nancy. "I'm Sandra. You're Nancy?"

Nancy smiled politely and shook her warm hand, "Yes. Michael told me that you counselled Katherine?"

"Yes" she nodded sadly. Her eyes fell back to her son and she instantly noticed that he was fidgeting. Rubbing his hands together and shifting uncomfortably on the sofa. A sign he was anxious. This wasn't like him at all. He was always so calm and composed. How could he change in such a short space of time? Just under three weeks? She closed her eyes as she pondered on the frantic phone call he made the night before…

Sandra closed her diary, having noted down her schedule for the following day at Richmond Hospital. Her place of employment. It was going to be another busy day, particularly in the afternoon. Perhaps she should book a few days off work soon, get away for the weekend with Christopher. The both of them had been working themselves into the ground over the last few months. Pulling out her top drawer at her work desk she placed her navy diary inside and leaned back in her chair. It was a smart idea to transform the utility room into her own personal office. She needed privacy and quiet to work on her cases. It required her concentration, her total and undivided concentration.

As she began to rise from her chair, her black phone rang. The shrill ring cutting through the air and shattering the silence around her. She snatched the black receiver and raised it to her left ear. "Hello?"

The caller's voice belonged to her son, someone she hadn't heard from in a few weeks. A smile crept across her face as he mumbled. "Hi, it's me"

"Michael!" happiness was immersed in her voice. "I'm so glad you called. I haven't heard from you since you called three weeks ago. How are you and Katherine?"

Michael cleared his throat. "Mom, I need your help"

"My help?" gone was her blissful tone, replaced by uncertainty and fear. Her fingers curled around tighter on the phone. "What's wrong?"

"It's to do with Katherine"

"Katherine?" she felt beads of sweat begin to form across her brow. "Is she okay? Can I talk to her?"

There was a soft sniffling sound from the end of the line. Was Michael crying? He took a deep breath and whispered. "Mom, she tried to kill herself yesterday"

Sandra felt her stomach flip, a nauseating feeling had begun to bubble and flutter inside of her gut. Katherine had tried to commit suicide. Why? A dark and disturbing scenario sparked in her frantic mind. Did she know? Had that poor girl found out about her father? Did that spur her on to try and end her own precious life? Her voice was firm, yet soft as she asked. "Michael, tell me what happened. Where is she now?"

"They've taken her to Westin Hills, they're not letting me see her! I'm afraid mom. I don't know what's going to happen to her. You should see her now" he faltered off and the softness in his voice turned harsh. "She's changed all because of…" he clamped his mouth shut. Now wasn't the time to tell his mother about Freddy.

"What do you mean changed? What the hell is going on Michael?" her blue eyes fell upon a silver framed photo of her, Christopher and Michael at his graduation. "Why would Katherine do that?"

"Would you be able to come to Springwood? As soon as you can?" Michael begged.

"Yes, of course" she pulled opened her side drawer, taking out her dairy again. She flicked through to the last two pages were a list of important contacts in respect of her profession were noted down.

"Can you come tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll try my best. I need to organise cover for my meetings and therapy sessions at the Hospital. Where will you be? At your campus?" she leaned back in her chair.

"No, I'm going to stay with Sheriff Thompson and his daughter at their home on Elm Street"

The mere mention of Sheriff Thompson sent her into panic. He was one of the main ringleaders of the vengeful mob who had torched Freddy to death. In fact he was the person to light the match. Maybe Katherine did know. Then did her own son know too? Discovered the truth that his own father had his own part to play in that madman's death? She would get answers to her questions tomorrow. "Listen, get some rest and I'll see you soon"

"When? Tomorrow?" her son asked expectantly.

"I'll try my best. I love you" she wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "Bye"

"Please hurry up. I love you too. Bye"

The phone receivers slammed down hard as she hung up. For a few minutes she sat gathering her bewildered thoughts. In the timescale of under three weeks Katherine had tried to kill herself? But she was so strong, resolute in her aim of going back to her hometown. What in god's name had happened to her? She snatched her diary from the desk and exited her spacious home office and wandered down a narrow hall, then through a archway into the living room. Her husband Christopher sat lazily on the sofa, watching TV.

He looked up at her as she stood at the end of the sofa. "Something has happened to Katherine. Michael was on the phone there"

Lifting the remote he flicked off the TV, giving her his full attention. "Is she okay?"

"No, she tried to kill herself" her eyes bore into his. Unflinching. "I knew that her going back to that goddamned town was a mistake! We should have told Michael what had happened to her father"

"Jesus Christ…" Christopher slowly shook his head. "You don't think she knows?"

She crossed her arms across her nightgown, over her chest. "It's a strong possibility. Yes"

"But Donald said that they wouldn't find out!" he insisted.

A scoff escaped her throat and she started to pace the living room. She raised her right hand and pushed her thumb in between her teeth. For a few second she nibbled nervously at her thumb, then mumbled. "I have a bad feeling that she's found out. Why else would she try to do that to herself?"

"But look what that fucker did to her! You would think she would be happy that he was out of her life!"

"I understand. But from the talk I had with her in July, she felt ready to go back to Springwood. Whatever has happened must have escalated quite quickly. I'm going to phone St Bernadette's Care Home and speak to Dr Murray to ask for copies of Katherine's therapy sessions when she was there" Sandra pondered back to her employment at Springwood General Hospital. It was during the last year of living there that she had been in constant contact with one of the lead Administrators of Westin Hills, in various discussions and meetings regarding transferring patients to their care. He was always an approachable man. If he was still working there then she could speak to him, perhaps persuade him to let Katherine be put under her supervision. It was a chance she was going to take.

"Sandra, why would you want Katherine's notes on her therapy?"

"Because I'm going to Springwood"

…

Looking at her son, Sandra felt a wave of despondency crash over her as she stared at his sullen, fatigued face. After a moment she firmly asked. "Michael, why did Katherine try to kill herself?"

He straightened up and grimly locked his eyes on hers. "She knows mom. Katherine knows that her father was burnt to death"

She swallowed hard, her lips twitched as she nodded sluggishly. There was no use in pretending anymore, was there? "How did she find out?" her body twisted around on the sofa and she shot a furious glare at Donald across on the single sofa. "You said that they wouldn't find out what happened at the power plant! You promised me and Christopher! You promised all the parents that none of our children would find out!"

"Well" Michael said dryly. "We did. Katherine found out a few days after we arrived here"

Sandra turned to face him. "How?"

"She was having dreams of him. Nightmares. She still is" he replied wearily. "We all have"

"Nightmares? I don't understand" confusion washed over her face.

Donald interjected, "She saw him in her dreams, he was horribly burnt. We thought we had stopped the mother fucker, but we've only made it worse"

Sandra glanced over at him. "Just tell me what has happened. From the start"

Her son took a deep calming breath, then began to enlighten her on the horrific events of the last three weeks. Every dream and nightmare that Katherine had told him about, the deaths of the Elm Street children.

Tina. Rod. Will. Jennifer…

The list went on.

Twelve deaths in total.

Nancy added her part of the story, the ghastly nightmare she had been suffering. Donald did likewise. The last several days had been difficult for all of them, especially the strain it had put on Katherine and Michael's relationship. Not once did Sandra cut in to ask questions, she sat silently soaking in every detail. Every death.

Scattered across the coffee table were the various newspaper articles on the deaths of the children and the police report on Lauren Clarke's death. She had mutely read each article in turn. Though the police report was the most challenging piece to read. Again, she reached down for the file and flipped to the first page, her eyes falling towards the name at the bottom. The result of the DNA analysis from the skin fibres on the girl's body revealed it to be him.

Freddy Krueger.

"How can this be possible?" she slammed the file on the desk in frustration and her head snapped in the direction of Donald. "He's dead! You said his body was nothing but a pile of bones!"

"Well, he's alive in our dreams" Michael spoke up. "Look mom, he's killed at least twelve people so far. The children of the parents who murdered him!"

"Their children?" her eyes widened. Fear consumed them. "That's why he's after you. Because of your father being there at the power plant?"

He nodded and lowered his hands to the rim of her shirt. In one swift motion he pulled up the fabric to expose his scars. "See? He did that to me last week"

A startled sob escaped from her throat, and she gingerly traced her fingertips along a jagged laceration along his chest. "That bastard"

"Why did you not tell me?" he yanked down his garment. "You should have mentioned it to me before me and Katherine left for Springwood!"

"We didn't want any of you to know. Especially Katherine" there was a pause as she gathered her musings. "You know how much psychological and emotional damage that fucker did to her when she was a little girl. There were a few times during our sessions the summer I counselled her, that she told me that she still cared for him. Had these feelings for him. I even read her treatment notes when she was at the Care Home. The feelings of devotion and affection she had for him was still there then and even when she left the Home to go to her foster carer. In a way I don't think those feelings she had for him will ever go away. It's part of her" she looked at the paper articles fleetingly. "What if I had told her? She would have been distraught. Everything she had worked for throughout the last several years would have been ruined. It was for the best if she didn't know"

He shook his head slowly. "But you should have at least told me. I would have perhaps persuaded her to go to another college, maybe I could have gone with her" the tone of his voice turned sombre. "You should see her now. She's not the girl that left Central City. He's starting to change her"

She threw him a confused glare, then asked. "You said that she tried to kill herself? Was that because of the argument you had with her?"

"Mom, I told you that Freddy possessed me!" he defended. "He had these powers. Manipulating your dreams. Changing and distorting the dreamscape. Conjuring up your deadliest fears. He somehow took over my body when I was asleep. But when I woke up, I couldn't control my movements. My voice. He was in control of me! He wanted to her to assume that I was the one saying those vile, heinous words to her!"

A sceptical look stretched across Sandra's face. Possession? Firstly, an un-dead child killer and molester was lurking in their dreams? Now, possession? This was turning out to be something from a horror movie. It was too surreal. Too fucked up! She heard movement from her right and saw Nancy plant herself on arm of the sofa. "Mrs Turner, you have to believe him. We found him in his dormitory. He was unconscious. We managed to wake him up and he told us what happened. You see Katherine tried to take her own life due to their fight. But it was all a trick, a façade on Freddy's part!"

"Freddy wanted her to believe that you hated her for sleeping with him?" Sandra gulped.

He nodded. At last his mother understood.

"Are you sure that she wasn't raped? That he didn't force himself on her?" she clasped her hands tightly together. Why in god's name would she do that to herself? There was no logical or rational reason for Katherine to willingly sleep with Freddy. "I just can't understand why she would do that! She told me on several occasions that she despised how he molested her as a child. It doesn't make any fucking sense!"

"Manipulation!" Michael stated simply. She turned to face him as he explained. "Like you told me he was and still is a good manipulator. Controlling and influencing her. He tricked her into believing that I was sleep. He showed her this mirage of me fast asleep. Then he gave her this twisted and depraved proposition that if she didn't sleep with him he would kill me. What else could she do? She did it to save me!"

"Did you not tell this to her?" she murmured softly. Her whole body was stunned, overwhelmed with disgust of what wicked games that monster was playing. "Did you not explain to her everything that happened?"

"We tried" Nancy's voice was tainted with disappointment. "She wouldn't listen to me. To us. But…she heard what Freddy said to Michael in the dream"

"Wait!" Sandra laughed anxiously. It was getting more mystifying as their conversation went on. "How can you be in her dream?"

"Kristen Parker used her gift to pull us into the dream. Me and Nancy went in with her to Katherine's dream. But we got separated into different parts of the dreamscape" Michael rubbed his eyes jadedly. "Kathy heard me talking to her father. That asshole was mocking me, goading! He was so arrogant! Proud of what he did, of deceiving her! He said it was necessary to possess my body!"

"Hold on!" she shook her hands in a dismissive gesture. "You said earlier that she didn't remember anything this morning about her dream?"

He begrudgingly gave a curt nod. "Yes, it appears that part of her memories has disappeared. He must have done something to her. Do you know of any ways to regain lost memories?"

"You're asking the wrong person. That's not my line of work" she grabbed his hands and squeezed them apologetically. Breaking away from him she bent down for her briefcase. "I brought Katherine's patient file from the Care Home. I thought it might be useful. I phone her therapist, Dr Murray, who has given me permission to counsel her again. Though, the problem is whether the management at Westin Hills will allow it. I'm not entirely sure when I will get to see her face to face. It may take a few days"

Michael's eyes narrowed in disillusionment. "A few days? We can't wait a few days!"

"Michael, I know that you want to see her. But there are certain procedures I must go through before I get her correctly transferred into my own personal therapeutic care" she gently rubbed his back to sooth him. "She is under the supervision of Dr Elizabeth Simms?"

Donald took a quick inhale of his cigarette from across the room. He stood against the windowsill. "Yes, she is one of the Senior Psychiatrists at Westin Hills. From what I have heard she is very strict in her dealings with her patients"

"She's nothing but a bitch!" Michael spat venomously.

The familiar blue eyes of his mother craned towards him, as she glared furiously at him. Despite the situation they all found themselves in, she still wanted him to show people respect. Even if he didn't particular like the person. She had raised him better than that. Pushing the remark to the side she turned her brooding gaze to Donald. "May I use your phone? I need to arrange a meeting with Dr David Carver up at Westin Hills"

"Yes of course"

She rose to her feet, then looked down at Michael then Nancy. "If there is anything else you can tell me that may be helpful in my dealings with Katherine, then please tell me"

"We will mom" Michael nodded, "I don't want to lose Katherine. You know how much she means to me"

"I promise you won't lose her" she smiled warmly. Then an idea came to her. "What if I get her transferred to Central City?"

Nancy licked her lips smartly and disputed this idea. "That may not help matters"

"Why not?" Sandra looked over at the young woman.

"We think that Katherine may have dreams of her father there too. He's acquired so much power" she replied grimly.

"Power? How can he acquire power?"

Nancy shifted uncomfortably on the edge of sofa. "When he kills you he claims your soul, consumes it. It's his way of gaining strength" she glimpsed curiously at Michael, holding his gaze for a few seconds. "But we think something has happened to him"

Sandra noticed the uneasy exchange of looks between her son and the young woman, "What is it?"

"Last night when we got separated in the dream. Freddy tried to hurt us. But when we woke up, we weren't injured. No cuts or bruises. Not even a scratch!" Michael gingerly rubbed his neck, pondering back to his dream. "I've a feeling that he may have lost his powers. Maybe after possessing me, he expended part of his strength"

Nodding silently, Sandra felt a question form on the tip of her tongue. Somehow, she knew the answer, but nonetheless she wanted to ask it. "If he can enter anyone's dreams, then he can invade mine too?"

"Yes" her son's voice quivered slightly at the mere thought of the bastard going after her. "So, you need to stay awake. I can't risk losing you"

She bent down to kiss him lightly on his temple. "Don't you worry about me. Let me make this phone call then you can introduce me to the rest of the Elm Street kids"

Westin hills…

1pm.

Katherine sat tediously on her bed, waiting. Patiently or was it now impatiently waiting? Her room was quite spacious to her surprise and delight. The last thing she wanted was a cramped, small room. There was a single bed, with plump pillows, plain white quilt covers and bed sheets. A tall pine wardrobe faced her bed. Next to a large square window was a small wooden armchair. Her room had overlooked the main large garden, with its flowered beds. Tall bushes and vibrant lush green tress. The window in her room was double pane and constructed using wired mess glass. She was informed that this was a common feature in the hospital as it meant that the glass was less likely to shatter and a approach to stop the patients form using the cracked pieces of glass from self-harming themselves.

The morning had been rather wearisome. After her shower she was shown to her room, then brought to the patient canteen for quite a substantial hefty breakfast. Now, the last hour or so had dragged in. Max had left a few reading books for her, before going on his rounds in the Ward. The two crime novels remained untouched at the top of the bed.

All she wanted was her own clothes. Max had briefly noted to her that her clothes were being brought over from her dormitory. But he never exactly said when. The sooner she got her own possessions, changed into something that she liked and not these bland clothes then perhaps that would perk up her mood a little. She looked down unenthusiastically at her jogging bottoms and t-shirt. To her these clothes resembled items of clothes that prisoners would wear. In time she knew that she would view Westin Hills like a prison. Her outlook was starting to become bleak and it was only several hours since she had been committed to this place.

Her awareness was drawn as a set of footsteps approached her room and soon Dr Simms stood in the doorway. A flash of disenchantment flickered across her face, why was she here? The doctor took a step into the room, her steely eyes roamed quickly over the young woman. "Miss Krueger, I would like you to get some rest. I understand that you are…shall I say wary of sleeping. But it is for your own wellbeing if you get a short nap. Then I or one of the orderlies can escort you to the games room. We can introduce you to the patients on this ward"

Katherine shrugged, "I'm not tired. Honestly"

"I beg to differ Miss Krueger. From your body language, the sluggish look in your eyes. The paleness on your face. It is a sign of fatigue" she was soon at her side. Studying the girl closely. "I understand that you have this fear of going to sleep. It is a part of your condition. This delusion you have fabricated which is due to your schizophrenia. But in time with my help, you will start comprehend that your delusions are not real"

Feebly Katherine allowed her head to bob slightly. If she was honest with herself, she was contemplating on having a quick nap. To seek him out, ask him the uneasy questions that was plaguing her mind over the last few hours. Despite being slightly zoned out this morning after waking up from her sleep, she clearly heard them discussing something to do with her memories. Had they been interfered with? There was only one way to find out, she had to ask her father.

A veil of darkness greeted her as she pried her eyes opened. Dr Simms had promised that someone would wake her up in an hour. That was time enough to get some answers. Her eyebrows knitted together as she sprang up in her bed. She heard a low creak and pulled her pensive gaze to the door as it eased opened.

Timidly, she lowered her feet onto the hard floor. A tense prickling sensation began to spark at the end of her fingertips and toes, dispersing throughout her limbs and to every inch of her body. She could sense, feel his eyes on her.

Waiting for her to come to him.

She gritted her teeth and advanced slowly, cautiously, towards the door. Another layer of darkness greeted her as she stepped through the doorway. Abruptly the door slammed shut behind her and she swirled around, her mouth parted in awe as she stood in the back yard of her old home. The white glow of the moon shone down on her, illuminating part of the yard and her depilated home. The once vivacious, colourful flowerbeds were withered. Dead. Petals were squashed and pummelled into the weedy grass. The bushes were emaciated.

Brown eyes scoured the garden and she took slow meditative steps towards the abandoned house. The double doors of the basement rattled and shook, then a blast of hot heat blew them outwards. Katherine shrieked, taking a startled step back.

She had expected him to come bounding out to greet her. But she was faced with more darkened shadows, various shapes flickering and moving in the depths below. Her feet sluggishly stepped down the concrete steps. Stretching out her arms she pressed her hands against the brick wall as she descended slowly.

At the last step she lost her footing and stumbled forward onto her knees. Her mouth parted and a muffled curse tore from her throat. A loud whoosh echoed in the basement and a flash of orange and red flames erupted in the nearby rusty furnace.

Pushing herself back onto her haunches she blinked vehemently, then soon a pair of dirty black work boots came into view. Stopping a few feet from her. The room was shortly filled with the deep, raspy breathing of Freddy. She raised her prudent gaze upwards.

Despite the dim light in the room, she could see the corner of his lips curled into a disturbing grin. "Hello, princess" he offered his left hand to her.

Uncertainty crossed her face. Should she take it? He was only presenting his hand to her, to help her to her feet. There was nothing wrong or underhanded in that gesture was there?

Ever so slowly she lifted her right hand and placed it nervously in his hand. Each scarred finger coiled around her clammy skin and with a furtive smile he pulled her to her feet. Once on her feet she swiftly pried her hand from his and took a defensive step backwards.

The burned, black reddish muscles on his skin flinched and wrenched backwards as a scowl of displeasure pulled across his face. He clicked his blades and closed in on her. "That wasn't very nice"

She raised her hands and signaled for him to stop. "Wait! Please!"

He held back a deep dissatisfied growl and halted a foot from her as she cleared her throat nervously.

"Last night in my dream there are parts that I don't really remember" she studied his facial features in the light that emanated from the flames. "Did anything happen to me? Did you do anything to me?"

Freddy feigned shock. Soon it was replaced by dissatisfaction at her question. "Me? I haven't done anything sweetheart. And why would I?"

She indolently shook her head. "I'm not sure. But still, I can only remember parts of my dream. I was with you in my bedroom in our old house. I'm not sure what we were talking about though"

He kept his surreptitious grin at bay as he took another step closer. "Don't you remember the talk we had? You were so distressed about them bringing you to Westin Hills. You were petrified, honey" raising his left hand he tucked a few strands of her brown hair behind her ear. Her eyes locked onto his, seeing that there was still that darkness to him. But they also seemed sincere, compassionate possibly? Was he being genuine? He continued, "I told you that I'd be here for you"

"I-I don't remember that"

The palm of his hand curled under her chin, and he used his thumb to brush against her chin lightly. "You see it's because of the trauma you've been under the last few days. You tried to kill yourself, didn't you?" the tips of his claw tapped nimbly over her bandaged arm. "Because you tried to kill yourself and the stress of being moved to Westin Hills has made you lose some of your memories. That's why you can't recall what happened in your dream"

Her eyes furrowed in confusion as her brooding gaze averted away from his. Trauma? Had that really caused her to forget certain memories? "Really? Is that why I can't remember?"

His black tongue slithered over his jagged teeth swiftly and he smirked cunningly at her. Oh, he was reeling her in. Yet again. "Yes…" it came out in a hiss, "it can. You can ever ask your shrink!"

In a flash she cracked her head back to his, lips twisted downwards in a furious scowl as she glared at him. Not liking the use of that word 'shrink'. She knew that he was mocking her due to the harrowing situation she now found herself.

Freddy's left hand reached forward to tenderly stroke her hair. "I never meant to tease you baby girl. I'm sure this will be hard for you. But don't forget, anytime you want to talk just you close those beautiful eyes of yours. I'm always here"

She took this in. Again there was this feeling of confliction. Was he sincere? Was it feasible to have a little faith in him again? Would he be able to placate her worries of being in Westin Hills? Pushing this to the side she asked another question. "Was Michael in the dream? Was he, Nancy and Kristen there?"

Flinching backwards at the mere mention of the young man's name, Freddy snarled. "Yes, they were there. But I made sure to keep them away from you. I didn't want anything else to upset you. Especially after what happened between you and that little rat Michael"

"What do you mean by that?"

He smiled darkly and in one swoop his left blistered hand twisted around the back of her head. In a matter of a few seconds he had raided her memories and soon a displeased grimace extended across his countenance. It wasn't there. That specific memory of her in the dormitory, having that frenzied quarrel with Michael. When he had possessed the little cunt. Did he in his fury, unintentionally destroyed that memory too?

Yes, you did Krueger. As usual you let your wrath consume you and you lost control. The majority of the memories of her and Michael over the last few days have been lost. You foolishly lost part of your strength, your power for NOTHING. If only you had stopped when we told you!

The corners of Freddy's lip twitched and moved silently as he composed himself. He took a few steps back from her and twisted his body to the left, then lowered his head forward. Metal blades scraped and convulsed at his side. The demons were right, he did have this vicious habit of losing control. Hell, it was part of his personality. It made him who he was today. A trait that would never go away or die. Nonetheless, he had to curb these enraged impulses if he stood any chance of having her at his side. "It doesn't matter…" his lips moved slowly; his voice came out in a hushed whisper. "She still doesn't know the truth"

That is true Krueger. You can still ensnare her to your side. But remember what we told you. Do it subtly. Treat her as you did when she was a little girl. When her mind was fragile and broken. Just the way it is now.

Another demon voiced their opinion. Make her feel special. That she would have no need for the others. For Michael. Deep down she still has feelings of devotion and care for you. Act on this.

Freddy scoffed. "Of course she still loves me. I'm her father"

But she still cares for Michael too.

A flicker of red flashed in Freddy's eyes. Of rage, disgust. "I'll make her feelings for that little fuck turn to disdain, to contempt!"

In the soft glow from the furnace Katherine could faintly see her father's lips moving, as though he was talking to himself. Every now and then she could barely hear him murmur to himself. "Daddy, what is it? Who are you talking to?"

He swung back to her and dismissed her question with a quick wave of his claw, and soon a cunning smile spread across his charred lips. "The other night you said to me that you were willing to give me the chance to earn your trust?"

She nodded, recalling their conversation.

"Doe that still stand?" his grin grew wider.

Her body went cold, a tingle shooting up her spine. Deep down inside of her soul she so desperately wanted to trust him. It was all that she ever wanted. When she was going through her therapy session as a young girl, all she desired was for them to be together as a family again. To reform that unique bond that they had. That craving was still there to this every day.

What was wrong with that?

But the fact that he was killing people in their dreams. It wasn't something that she was comfortable with. Would she ever accept her father as a murderous fiend?

She did once, as a little girl…

She felt a tear streak down her right cheek and with the back of her hand wiped it away. "Yes, it still stands. I'll still give you the opportunity to gain my trust" she saw the devilish gleam in his eyes. "Don't make me regret this. I'll be keeping an eye on your behaviour around me. You may say the right things to me. But actions speak louder than words!"

He chuckled lowly and closed the gap. A earnest grin touched his lips. "Oh, I'll treat you real good. Like my little lady"

She looked down at his left hand as he extended it to her. Raising her own right hand she prudently placed it in his opened palm. Her brown orbs darted to his face and it was still there. That heartfelt smile. Slowly, one by one his fingers curled around her clammy hand, then he gave her flesh a affectionate squeeze.

It was time to start all over again.

Although, this time he wasn't going to fuck it up…

x x x

"There you go" Max handed a black grip bag over to Katherine.

She eagerly took it from him and unzipped it, peeking inside to see neatly folded garments. Her own clothes. It had been about ten minutes since she drifted awake form her quick slumber. Her thoughts were no longer consumed by her decision to give her father another chance. There would be time to mull over it later. As for the rest of the day she wanted to try and keep her preoccupied, hopefully one of the nurses would give her a tour of the Ward/Wing.

"Max, would it be okay if you could show me where the patients usually go? In their free time?" she enquired with a shy smile. "I don't want to be cooped up in here all the time!"

"No problem!" he chirped and gesticulated to the doorway, "I'll take you down to the games room. Most of the time that's where the patients in this ward go to. Well, depending on their mood and if they aren't confined to their rooms or…"

She noticed the uneasiness in his voice as he failed to finish his sentence. "What is it?"

"I don't want to alarm you, but sometimes patients can get a little violent. So, to allow them to cool down we put them in the quiet room. They are heavily sedated for a day or so"

"Oh…" she swallowed profusely. That was one place she didn't want to go to.

"Don't worry" he rubbed her back lightly. "C'mon let's go"

She nodded and followed him out to the right, down the long bright corridor. Several members of staff - nurses and a few orderlies rushed to and fro. They seemed to smile at Max, muttering a quick 'hello'. The tall orderly at her side greeted them as they went.

It took them at least a few minutes before they arrived at the moderate-sized games room at the end of the corridor. A long rectangular window about eight feet in length looked into the room. The glass was also encased with wired meshed glass. Across from the window was a nurse's station, were two male orderlies were situated. Sat in front of three CCTV cameras. Katherine glanced at them and then peered into the room, specifically at the corners of the ceiling. Positioned in three of the corners were small black cameras. No doubt monitoring the patients.

She shivered involuntary and focused her attention away from the cameras to the room. There were two windows beside each other, again sheathed in wired mesh glass. Inside the room there was two large circular wooden tables, behind them was a tall oak shelf stacked with various reading books, board games. A TV was perched on a stand in the right-hand corner of the room, in front of two grey sofas.

Finally she noticed the occupants of the room. Four of them. Three men and a young woman. Their ages ranged from early twenties to late thirties. Each of them were dressed in hospital clothing. Her contemplative gaze turned from them towards Max. "Am I the only person under the age of 21?"

"Yes, you are" he replied, "Westin Hills is mainly an adult psychiatric hospital. It is very rare that teenagers such as yourself are admitted here"

"But you do have teenagers, young people that are sent here?" she raised an eyebrow.

"That's correct. There are times when troubled teenagers have been admitted to the ward. They either have self-harmed themselves or have anxiety disorders. They would stay here for a few days, perhaps a week to help deal with their condition" he crossed his arms. "There is also a day clinic for teenagers dealing with behavioural issues and OCD disorders. This Ward and the other Ward above us is for adults suffering major psychological problems"

She gave a wry smirk, "So, that's why I'm here then? I have a psychological problem!"

He shook his head and placed a warm hand on her shoulder, "You want to know what I really think? You are just troubled. You have some deep emotional issues. I'm not sure of your personal background, of what's been happening in your life. Just because you have emotional issues it doesn't make you crazy!"

Another sardonic grin played at her lips. "Emotional problems?"

"Miss Krueger, I'm glad to see you're awake!" came the familiar voice of Dr Simms.

Katherine rolled her eyes in disgust and turned to face her. A fake smile graced her lips. "I asked Max to bring me down here. I don't want to be stuck in that room all the time!"

The Doctor gave a congenial smile. "Good. I'll take it from here Max. You're shift ended ten minutes ago"

He nodded, "I'll see you tomorrow morning. Don't worry, you'll be okay here"

"Thanks!" she chirped sweetly. At least she knew that she could trust him, he seemed like a decent guy. Someone she could perhaps talk to.

Dr Simms rested her cold hand on the woman's back and eased her further into the room. "I'll introduce you to the other patients here"

Down to her left, sat at the window was a woman aged in their mid twenties. Dirty fair hair hung loosely around her ashen face. Dark green eyes stared vacantly through the window outside. "That's Mary. She's twenty-four. She was transferred here from Fairview Psychiatric Hospital about two months ago"

"What is she in here for?" Katherine's eyes never left the woman.

"A condition called Hebephrenic Schizophrenia" Dr Simms sighed grimly. "There are numerous types of psychological disorders. Various symptoms. As you will probably notice over the coming days, Mary's behaviour can be disorganised and without any purpose. She had this habit of giggling, complaining about her health. Thought she is a perfectly healthy woman for her age"

Katherine continued to examine the girl. Every now and then her arms would twitch and jerk. The beginnings of a smirk would cross her lips, then in an instant disappear.

"We had to administer Xanxax to calm her this morning. At times she can be aggressive if she doesn't get her own way. Like most of the patients here she had more than one mental health problem" Dr Simms looked from the woman to Katherine.

There was a low chuckle from her, "So, that means I have more than one too?"

"No, I never said that Miss Krueger" Simms protested. "I'll be able to give you an accurate evaluation of your condition within the next week"

Nodding mutely, Katherine allowed her head to drop. The memory of her dream from within the last hour replaying in her mind. A few words stuck out.

Trauma.

Memory loss.

"Dr Simms…can severe trauma cause memory loss?" she lifted her pensive face to her. She desperately wanted to know if her father was fabricating more lies or if he was openly telling her the truth. The lingering doubt was still there.

"There are varying types of trauma" Dr Simms started. She twisted around to face the girl. A look of apprehension was set in stone on the young woman's shaking face. "Are you referring to yourself?"

"Yes…" her voice came out in a husky whisper. "I know that I was hysterical when I found out I was being brought here. I was terrified by the thought of being locked up here! I still am. But can the impact of me being brought here and the fact that I tried to kill myself cause memory loss?"

Gently Dr Simms stroked the girl's left arm, trying to comfort her. "Miss Krueger that is correct. Are you concerned that you may have lost some recent memories? Perhaps in the last several hours?"

"No" her head shook back and forth. A weak smile etched across her lips. "It was just a question" Her suspicions were unsubstantiated. He wasn't lying to her, he was right in his words. Maybe Michael was the one lying to him. But why? However, Dr Simms answer did manage alleviate a little piece of doubt. Perhaps she could lower her guard a little more…

Still, actions spoke louder than words.

What would his conduct towards her tonight be like?

That is if she decided to fall asleep.

"This…" Dr Simms authorities tone broke through her musings.

She swung her head towards the direction where Simms was gesturing to. A man in his late thirties sat on the sofa facing the TV. Frosty grey eyes darted frantically about the room, his lips jolted vehemently. For a few seconds he laid his gaze upon the TV before him. A blank screen greeted him. The TV wasn't on. Rubbing his rough, coarse hands on his slacks he grumbled incoherently and looked up with intense distrust at them both as they moved to the side of the sofa.

…is Samuel" Simms finished. "Or as he would liked to be called. Sam"

Sam sneered at her with scorn, then turned his attention to Katherine. Dark, sceptical eyes roamed over her face. The powerful stare he gave her, propelled sharp shivers through her body.

"Sam, this is Katherine Krueger. She's just arrived at the hospital this morning" Simms explained with a warm smile.

Uncertainty stained his face as he shifted a few feet to the left on the sofa. Keeping his distance from them. "She's come to spy on me, hasn't she?" the tone of his voice was harsh, bitter.

"Now Sam" Simms hushed him. "That's not true"

"Bullshit!" Sam growled and his head shook wildly. "You brought her here, just like you brought the last two in here! To keep an eye on me!" his eyes fell upon Katherine. "You keep the hell away from me! Trying to listen to my conversations, watching my every damn move!"

Katherine took a hesitant step back as he sprang to his feet.

"It's conspiracy, I keep telling you!" he pointed sharply at Simms. "You're all part of the fucking conspiracy against me!"

Simms turned around and gesticulated with her head for the two standing at the Nurses station to assist. Two tall, strong men entered and instantly advanced towards Sam. Katherine was tugged out of the way and felt the urge to ask. "What's wrong with him?"

"He has a paranoid personality disorder. He is under the assumption that everyone is out to exploit him, to lie and deceive him" Simms replied grimly. "It's quite a difficult condition to deal with"

"So, he's afraid of me?" Katherine took one glanced at the man as he was dragged out of the room. His body thrashed and buckled against the two men.

Dr Simms noticed the unease in her face. "If you are diagnosed with a paranoid personality disorder, you may feel very suspicious of others. Despite having no rational reason to be. This mistrust can make you feel that others are lying to you. Even family and close friends. It can severely effect interpersonal relationships, friendships. Another issue that Sam has is panic attacks. He can become aggressive. So, if you are in his company and he acts violent or you think he may attack you then please walk away or get the attention of one of the doctors or orderlies"

Katherine quickly nodded, taking her advice on board. Slowly, she persued Simms as she ventured further into the room towards the back where the tables were situated. It was like looking at a mannequin. A man with a shaven head and deep blue eyes silently sat. Not flinching. His head was bowed, hands were pressed firmly against the table. There was a low humming emanating from the depths of his throat. She could tell his age was late thirties.

"Hello, Harry" Simms stood at his side.

The man didn't move.

It didn't surprise Simms at all.

"Harry was relocated here about a year ago from Greensville. He suffers from Catatonic Schizophrenia"

"I've never heard of that before" Katherine eye's never left the man in front of her.

"It basically means that the person is non-responsive. They do not move. He's been in this position since we moved him here from his room half an hour ago. It can be strenuous for the medical staff to move him from room to room"

"Can he not walk?"

"As I say moving him from room to room is difficult. They can become resistant to us when we try to move his limbs. They can hold the same posture for hours on end" Simms explicated with a weary sigh. "His responses to his treatment have been very poor"

Katherine felt her stomach flip. How could someone live like that?

"Last but not least, this is Ethan" Simms gently guided the girl over to the next table. A handsome man in his late twenties looked up from this novel. His blond hair had various scattering of bald patches. He gave a feeble smile then turned back to his book. "He had a condition called Trichotillomania. It is where you would have this urge to pull out your hair. Such as places from your scalp, arms, eye lashes. Other private areas also.. It is linked to obsessive compulsive order. He also suffers from psychotic depression. Has rigorous hallucinations and can be extremely withdrawn at times"

Scanning the patients in the room, Katherine felt even more unsettled at being here. Every one had their own personal psychological battles to contend with, but hers was completely different.

"With our help we strive to make each patient better" Simms continued behind her. "Just like we are going to help you Miss Krueger. If you trust us"

Katherine scowled and spun around to her, "I'm not crazy!"

A faint high-pitched giggle echoed from the chair at the window. Both women twisted around to Mary as the girl twisted in her seat to face them. Eyes set upon Katherine as a disturbing smirk curled on her lips. Her tone was shrill and held a sinister meaning to it. "Not crazy? Why do you think they put you in here with us?"

Katherine gulped hard. Waiting for the answer. The next words would plague her mind.

"We're all crazy in here!"

x x x

The contemplative gaze of Sandra never left Kristen's face as she listened attentively to the young woman telling her side of the story. Recounting the dreams and nightmares, she and her close friends - Taryn, Joey and Kincaid - had been suffering from over the course of the last few months. They congregated in the back yard of Kristen's home. Again, her and her friends had bunked off school. No doubt the school would contact her folks again, and she would be on the end of another telling off. Though that was the lease of her worries.

"How long have you had this dream power?" Sandra sat down her lukewarm cup of coffee.

Kristen drained the rest of her hot beverage. "Since I was a little girl. I never usually used my gift. Perhaps once or twice as a little girl. Whenever I had a bad dream, I would pull my dad in. He would always think it was his dream. I kept it a secret from people. You know, in case they thought I was crazy"

"You shouldn't hide it. Your power is amazing. It's very rare" she smiled softly. Her body turned in her seat to glanced at the others. Glenn and Nancy sat across from her, interlocking their hands tightly. "What about the rest of you?"

"What do you mean?" Kristen asked.

She took another sip from her mug and her eyes roamed from person to person. From Kristen, to Joey, then Taryn. Across to Kincaid and then finally, Nancy and Glenn. "Does any of the rest of you have any special gifts? Any abilities that may be useful in your dreams?"

The question left them perplexed. Had they some skill, a special gift that would be advantageous in their fight against Freddy? If so, perhaps they didn't know. It could be buried deep down inside of their mind, untouched. Quiescent. They all slowly, and uncertainly shook their heads.

"Mom, is there something you aren't telling us?" Michael demanded.

"It's just a little thought…" Sandra kept her ponderings to herself. If not now, then perhaps in the next few weeks she could try and contact an old friend from Central City. See if they had any input on the situation that was happening here. Hopefully entice them to come to Springwood. However, she knew that her main objective was to get in contact with Katherine. If only David Carver was available to talk to her. The last two times she tried to speak to him, his receptionist would brush her off, stating that he was 'out of office' or in a 'meeting'.

"What about Katherine?" Taryn asked in between her frantic inhales of her cigarette. "Michael said you counselled her? Are you going to do that again?"

"I'm hoping to yes" she looked down at silver watch on her slim right wrist. "If I can get speaking to Dr Carver"

"How long did your counsel Katherine for?" Joey enquired.

"Just under two months. During the summer of 1978. It was then that she finally disclosed what sexual abuse her father put her through. I managed to convince her that what he did was morally wrong, that he was using her. He was grooming her" Sandra nodded sadly at the memories of the counselling sessions. It wasn't just hard on Katherine, but her too as she had grown close to the young girl. Saw her as a daughter in a way. "What she told me was very harrowing. Freddy was very astute in how he groomed her as a child. He had such a hold on her as a girl, ever since the day of her mother's death he had begun to corrupt her mind. The way he spoke to her, behaved around her, she believed it was normal. She accepted it"

"Do you think that you can help her? Make her realise that Freddy is trying to control her?" Nancy asked what everyone else was pondering.

Michael cut in before his mother could reply. "My mom will. I have faith in her"

She smiled zealously at him. "Remember I need to get in contact with Dr Carver first. Kristen, would it be okay if I could use your phone please?"

Kristen rose to her feet, nodding keenly at her. "Yes. Of course. I'll make more coffee"

Sandra followed her down from the decking area and across the lawn, passing by the pool. The water shimmered and sparkled in the afternoon sun. Kristen's blue eyes flickered towards the surface of the glistening water. Within the water, mere inches from the surface she faintly saw the outline of faces…

Children's faces.

Her legs went like lead, stone. Seizing up as she grounded to a halt.

Sandra stopped at her side. "What is it?"

The girl whimpered, voice low and hushed. Full of fear. The faces stared up at her. Eyes clamped closed, ghostly white faces. Each child dressed as exactly as they were in her dream. One by one, their eyes snapped opened and cuts began to appear on their bodies. Crimson liquid seeped from the slashes and hacks on their corpses. In her mind's eye the pool was steadily being stained red.

Kristen shrieked as Sandra gently shook her shoulder, "Sweetheart, what is it?"

"I-I…" the words never fully formed. Lost in her mind.

"Is everything okay?"

Sandra turned towards the decking where Joey curiously looked down at them, a grave look of concern was etched on his face. "She was day dreaming. I'll bring her in and get her some water. We'll be out soon"

"It was from my nightmare. There were these kids, it must have been his victims when he was alive. I was in this narrow passageway. It was filling up with water. Their bodies were floating everywhere" Kristen croaked huskily. "You see I can't swim. I hate the water" she noticed the look of bewilderment on Sandra's face. "I know, stupid isn't it? A swimming pool in my back yard and I hate the fucking water!"

Sandra smiled.

"He must invade our minds, seeks out our fears. Uses them against us" Kristen walked with her through the patio doors into her home. "What we hate, what we fear he manifests it in our dreams!"

"Listen, it was a day dream. You are awake. He can't get you when you are awake. Just keep yourself busy. What have you been using to keep yourself awake? What sort of measures are you all using?" she ventured to the large sink, and grabbed a tall glass to pour water for the girl. "Just the usual ways? Caffeine drinks?"

"Yeah. Stay-awake tablets too" she shakily took the glass from her. "Thanks"

Sandra busied herself with the coffee maker. Silently considering whether to take the risk to administer some prescription drugs to Michael and his friends, as a means to help them stave off the dangers of sleep. It would put her career on the line though. But there were lives at stake, wasn't there? She knew from dealings with patients in the past, that most people relied on pharmaceuticals made from amphetamines and similar compounds such as Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, and Desoxyn to stay awake. Should she take the chance and give these to the Elm Street kids? "I'll make the coffee"

"Who is this Dr Carver?" Kristen said in between drinking her water. "Did you work with him?"

"Well, not really work with him. When I lived in Springwood, I would have been in regular contact with him while I was working at the General Hospital. We did see each other a few times in meetings. He is a very approachable man. I don't see why there should be any trouble in getting in contact with Katherine"

"Good" the young girl grinned. She then gestured at a phone connected to a nearby wall. "There's the phone. I'll take the coffee out to the others"

Sandra lifted the white receiver and began to dial the number for Westin Hills. Her right foot tapped the kitchen floor impatiently as the phoned continued to ring. It wasn't until the eight ring that it was answer. Again by the female receptionist she spoke to earlier that morning. "Hello, Westin Hills Psychiatric Hospital reception. Lynda speaking"

"Hello, this is Doctor Sandra Turner. Again" she chirped, "Is it possible to speak with Dr David Carver? I was on the phone this morning. I urgently need to speak to him"

"One moment please and I'll check if he is available"

There was a small tone, then a repetitive beep as the receptionist put her on hold. After twenty seconds there was a click and a male's voice came through. "Hello?"

A smile touched Sandra's lips. "David, it's Sandra Turner. How are you?"

"Sandra Turner?" she could hear the surprise in his voice. "I'm great. How are things with you?"

"I'm okay thanks. Did you get any of my messages this morning? I've been trying to get in contact with you all day!" she replied. "I would like to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss one of your patients"

"Whom might that be?" Carver asked with interest.

Sandra licked her lips quickly. "Katherine Krueger"

For a few moments there was no reply from him, a tense silence lingered until he sighed softly. "May I ask why you wish to talk to me about her?"

"I would like to propose that I could meet with her. To offer my own professional opinon in regards to her mental state-"

She was cut off as he reproached quietly. "Miss Krueger is under the care of Dr Simms. She is to evaluate the woman's condition. Why would there be the need for another view? I understand that you are highly respected in Central City Dr Turner. But my staff are also extremely well qualified to deal with this patient"

"Well, I beg to differ" Sandra's voice was firm. "I have counselled Miss Krueger before. She used to live in my neighbourhood for the last three years. I have built up a close companionship with the young woman. It's my belief that I could help her"

Carver leaned back in his chair, mulling over this revelation. Perhaps another doctor would help ease the burden that was on Dr Simms shoulders. He had only recently received word that several more patients were in the process of being transferred from other counties. Another pair of hands could help matters in the hospital. Though he had to discuss the situation with Dr Simms. She had a tendency to become displeased when her patients were taken off her hands. "Are you free tomorrow morning to come and speak to me about this?"

"Tomorrow? I was hoping to meet you sometime today" she replied, disappointment marring her voice.

"I've a meeting in the next half an hour. Then I've to drive out to Fairview to discuss the arrangement of moving seven of their patients to our facilities"

"There's more patients being moved? What is going on in Fairview?" she demanded.

"I'm surprised you didn't know. Fairview is closing down in the next month. There is an agreement between Westin Hills and Greensville Psychiatric Unit to take in Fairview's patients" a weary sigh came fluttered down the line. "Unfortunately due to financial cuts and the re-arrangement of hospital staff, basically medical staff are being made redundant. Fairview is unable to cope"

"That's a disgrace. It will put a heavy burden on Westin Hills and Greensville" Sandra dismally shook her head. "Then would you not consider my request? I am willing to offer my services to you? In regards to Katherine?"

"I'll take it under consideration" he responded. "Is tomorrow at 10am okay for you to meet?"

"Yes. That's perfect. Thank you"

"I'll see you then. Goodbye"

The dial tone echoed in her ear as she moved the phone back to the receiver and with a low 'click' it slotted into place. It was a sign of progress that she had arranged the meeting with Carver. And the information that he conveyed to her regarding the movement of other mental health patients to the Hospital was also important. If Dr Simms and the rest of the staff were inundated with more work, then why shouldn't she not be allowed to counsel Katherine again?

x x x

Katherine's lips curled into a pleased grin as she changed from her mundane grey hospital clothes to her night dress. The afternoon had been so long, so tedious. For the majority of the afternoon she had remained in that TV/Games room. The woman Mary had tried to strike up a conversation with her, asking her where she was from. Why she tried to kill herself? The bandaged wrist and arm was a dead give away.

She had brushed it off saying that she had been going through some difficulties over the last few weeks. It seemed to satisfy the woman Mary. Who then went into a tale of her so called 'medical' conditions and the poor health that she was currently in. She had rambled on for at least twenty minutes and Katherine had barely paid any attention to her. Her gaze was set on the TV that played some mushy romance file from the 1950s. After a while she grew rather bored of it and switched it over the 5pm news.

Now, it was just nearing 9pm. Nearly time for lights out.

Time for sleep…

Pushing the feeling of fear out of her mind she folded the last two shirts into the top drawer of the chest of drawers, then slid it shut. The evening sun had been blocked out by thick, black clouds. Rain threatened to erupt from the skies.

"So, how ya settling in?"

She spun around to the sound of the deep, Hispanic voice. It belonged to Lorenzo, one of the other orderlies on the ward. She remembered having a brief encounter with him when she was escorted to the canteen around 5.30pm for dinner. For some reason she felt perturbed being around him. He hadn't said anything out of order to her, it was the way his body language was. The leering look she swore he had flashed in her direction as he walked past her.

"Yes" her reply was abrupt.

He grinned cannily over at her, then took a few steps into the room. He slowly and deliberately closed the gap between them. "Ya know, if you need anything to help you relax in this place. Then come to me, I'll sort you out!"

Katherine felt each hair on the back of her neck and arms stand in, panic and disgust at this vile suggestion. It didn't take a fool to figure out that he was slyly offering her the chance to dabble in drugs. Her head swung back and forth in discord. "I'm not into that"

"Pfft, a few weeks in this place and trust me, you'll be begging for a hit!" he winked haughtily at her and ventured out of view. She cringed in revulsion at his brash attitude. It would be wise on her part to keep clear of him.

Tiptoeing over to the door, she closed it shut. For a few lingering moments she stared at the white door, mentally preparing herself for what was to come.

Facing her father.

There was this ambiguity about being around him, but however the feeling of want. Of the need to be near him was starting to fester and grow within her…

A loud boom of thunder greeted her as her brown eyes snapped opened. Flashes and glimmers of yellow lightening illuminated the dark room, throwing strange shapes and silhouettes across the walls. She threw the bed clothes from her slim frame and staggered to her feet, away from the bed. Her lips curled into a frown, was she asleep?

The cold tiled floor soothed her bare feet as she scuttled across the room to the window overlooking the gardens. However, it now overlooked her home on Elm Street. It stood alone, shrouded in a thick mist.

Her eyes squinted in the darkness as they studied the ghostly like figures of her father's victims. Their eerie giggles and laughter resonated from the street, causing her nerve endings to spark to life. Creating Goosebumps along her arms.

Creak…

Swinging around, Katherine saw the door now opening for her. A wall of darkness welcomed her as she cautiously and leisurely moved towards it into the corridor. Her bare feet slapped quietly on the hard floor as she meandered through the halls, down the flight of steps and across the large reception area to the double glass doors. Once outside the large hospital vanished behind her.

A light wind fluttered across her face and a small thud echoed in the murky alleyway that she found herself in. Her eyes narrowed as she craned her head to the left, seeing a gate flapping back and forth in the wind. It was the entrance to her back yard. With a spring in her step, she trotted over and slithered through the gateway.

Despite the painful memory that this place held for her, she always enjoyed her times in the back yard. Particularly when her father was with her, chasing her, playing with her. Treating her with kindness, warmth. Tenderness. The way a father should treat their daughter.

Now…the garden looked atrocious.

Dead, patchy grass. The large oak tree near the side left side of the house was withered and broken. Branches hung limply in the breeze. Thick weeds were gathered in numerous clusters throughout the yard. The rose and flowerbeds were flatten, the petals were squashed and sunken into the mud. Graffiti was scrawled on the once white fence that enclosed the garden from the alley. The words were nothing but crude, profanities. Most of them were aimed at her father.

She sighed exasperatedly and averted her gaze to the basement doors. They were opened and there he stood, waiting for her. His icy blue prowling eyes were fixated on her as a calculating smile spread across his ghastly burnt face.

Not flinching under his gaze she advanced over, then demanded. "I want to go somewhere else" she threw a disappointed glance at the decimated garden. "This isn't the way I want to remember our home"

"I can change it for you" he cast a fleeting glimpse at the garden. "Into the way it was"

Before she could muster her words together to respond, a blinding white light exploded around them and soon the warm rays of the sun shone down on them. Her eyes expanded in awe at the condition the yard was now in. Lush red and pink roses were bunched together in neat flower beds. Each of them was surrounded by small wired enclosures. The grass was now flourishing, a bright apple green in colour. Gone was the graffiti from the fence, fresh white paint adorned each wooden plank. It was like being transported to back she was living on Elm Street.

Even the birds were chirping gaily in the trees.

Her enchanted gaze fell once again to the rose beds and smiled affectionately at a vague memory. It was when she was about six or seven and how she would kneel at his side as he taught her how to plant the various seeds he had bought for the garden. They weren't just roses. But a variety of colourful flowers - azalea, bellflowers, daises, tulips. Vivid and beautiful. Then the times they would both have muddy, soiled hands and would mischievously playful trying to smear the soil onto each other's clothing and skin.

Bending down she grasped a pink rose between her fingers and plucked it from the ground. As her body began to straighten she felt dizzy and a shimmering gleam shone over her skin, then vanished…

She scowled in dismay and looked over expectantly at her father.

Again another frown crossed her lips. What the hell? Had he grown? He looked about nearly half foot taller than her. No, it wasn't that….

She was now smaller. Nervously she lowered her eyes to her hands. Just like she expected they were smaller, childlike. Her attire had also changed into a summer dress. A bright yellow dress, with keen length socks and black painted shoes. Her legs were a little more scrawny. Slowly, she raised her free hand to trace her hair. Her soft fingertips glided over two pigtails. Bound in ribbons.

Oh, she already knew what colour they were.

Candy red.

Her lips trembled with uncertainty as she turned fully to face him.

It seemed that she wasn't the only one whose appearance had transformed. He was now unblemished, smooth skin. Gone was his bladed glove and his fedora hat. The mop of sandy blond hair was upon his head. A jubilant grin spread across his countenance as he stepped closer to her, then crouched before her and extended his right hand to her. His palm was facing up and a small circular compact mirror materialised. The mirror glimmered in the sunshine and she took a small step forward to peer at her reflection.

Her age was about eight or nine years old. Rosy red cheeks, her cheek bones were as shapely as they were as an adult. Her hair colour was a shade lighter. Words started to take form in her mouth as she asked, her voice was soft. Tender. But her thoughts and deliberations were still hers as an young adult. "Why am I like this?"

Freddy smiled sweetly. "It's what you always wanted, isn't it?" his voice was no longer gritty or hoarse. The mirror in his hand disappeared as he continued, "You wished to be a little girl again. To be home here on Elm Street…with me"

Her nose scrunched slightly as she sniffled back her tears. Then she nodded, "Yes. That's right daddy. I never stopped missing you since I've been away…" brown eyes roamed over his smooth skin, his warm face. "But I miss the way you are now. Like this, when you were alive daddy"

"I'm still alive baby girl" he cooed, "You know that"

Her pigtails flipped back and forth over the edge of her shoulders as she shook her head and quickly looked away, "No, it's not the same!"

"It is" the tips of his fingers curled under her chin to tug her face back towards him.

"But you're dead daddy and I'm not a little girl anymore…" her eyes darted to his, as he lightly trailed his right thumb across her left cheek.

"That's where you wrong. Because you will ALWAYS be my little girl. It doesn't matter what age you are" his right hand left her face and gently plucked the rose from her hand. He twirled it a few times between his strong fingers then delicately pushed the stem in between two thick strands of her hair. At the side of her right ponytail. Leaning his body forward slightly he eyed her little frame and soon a perverse smirk tugged at his lips. "Beautiful"

Katherine shivered and inclined her body backwards to notice the hungry gleam in his sparking blue eyes. "I hate the way you look at me like that!"

A playful chuckle bubbled within his chest and he lightly kissed her forehead, then reassured. "I'm not going to do anything honey"

Not tonight, anyway. He would entice her to give herself to him again. Buried down inside of her was this deep, yearning urge. This desire. He just needed to find it and release it. Then she would keep coming back for more…

"Right" Freddy rose suddenly with another teasing smile. "Want to play?"

Instinctively Katherine staggered back, eyes widening in fear. Her heart went cold, terror gripping it. Oh god, he was going to molest her…

"No" he shook his head quickly as he looked down at her, "I told you I'm not going to do that. I just want to play a game, out here with you" his right hand raised to allow his fingers to drum lightly on his chin, becoming lost in thought. "How about tag?"

As swiftly as her heart sunk, it began to flutter and soar. Tag? It was another one of her favourite games to play with him. She saw his left hand stretch out to lightly tap her chest. "Tag! You're it!" he crept past her and beckoned with his hands. "C'mon, you know what you have to do!"

What was happening was conjuring up lost memories of her childhood. Happy, blissful times. Of fun, laughter and games. It was what she cherished. A broad cheesy grin adorned her face and with a high pitched humorous giggle, she started to chase after him…

The air was thick with masculine laughter and childish giggles as Katherine rolled onto her back on the lawn. Gone was the stress and anxiety of the few days, even the last two to three weeks. It really was like she was a nine year old girl again. How long had they been chasing each other in the garden? Hours it seemed. All the time the loving smile never left his face. Though the odd time he would have teasingly put on an animalistic growl when he intimated the sound of the wolf as he pursued her. Not once did she feel afraid or tense around him. For once in a very long time she felt secure and safe..

Taking a deep breath Katherine smiled merrily at Freddy as he leaned over her. Soothingly his left hand stroked her flushed right cheek. "I do love you Katherine"

Once his hand left her skin she instantly formed back to her adult form and was soon sitting up. Her apparel were still the same as a little girl, along with her hairstyle. She sighed sadly, trying to accept his comforting words. But could she? "I want to believe that, but the way you want to control me makes me believe that you don't really care for me"

The rancid smell of smoke began to emanate from his skin and clothing as his flesh bubbled. Layers of skin melted away as he morphed back into his burnt form. His glove and hat were fixed on his right hand and head respectively. "I'm just trying to do what's best for you. I always have baby girl" he said simply.

Her right hand pressed onto the grass as she twisted around to face him. "You were right about my memories"

He stared intently at her, eyes burning intensely into hers.

She continued, "Dr Simms said that trauma can cause short term memory loss. I asked her about it after I woke up"

"Ohh" he mocked and leaned in closer. The tips of his steel talons skimmed over the edge of her dress as he placed his glove on her knees. "So, you didn't believe me? Mmm?"

Her brown eyes glowered into his blue ones. "I just had to make sure"

The corner of his lips twitched and recoiled into a grin as he chuckled. "Well, I wasn't lying. You can trust me"

"Maybe" the stark glare she gave him never faltered.

His next question caught her off guard. "Has he been to visit you?"

Katherine knew who he meant, just the mere unpleasant tone he used in his question was evidence enough. But why would he want to bring him into the conversation? He hated talking about Michael. A low growl from him indicated that he was waiting her reply. "No, he hasn't been to see me yet"

Freddy scoffed in disgust, "So much for the little rat caring for you!"

"He does!" she snapped brusquely.

"Then why hasn't he been up to see you? You've been in Westin Hills all day and he hasn't visited you?" he smiled at you in a 'told you so' gesture. "I told you before that he doesn't care for you!"

"You know what, he visited me this morning!" again she tried to defend her boyfriend.

"That means fuck all. He was there with them two sluts. Nancy and Kristen. I'm sure he's been spending a lot of time with that bitch Nancy, especially today. When he should be here with…" he smiled shrewdly at her, as he attempted to poison her mind. "you"

She swallowed thickly. "But he can't visit me. Dr Simms won't allow hi-"

"Bullshit!" the pitch of his voice deepened, "I'm sure there would be an opportunity for him to sneak in and see you. Even this afternoon? But the little shit hasn't. and I'm sure he has his reasons"

Ah, that's a load of bullshit! I'm sure there would be the opportunity for him to sneak in again and see you sometime this afternoon. But he hasn't? And im sure he has his reasons.

She looked at him zealously. "What do you mean by that?"

The scheming smile returned. "As I said he is probably spending a lot of time around Nancy"

The words perforated her heart as her brooding face lowered to her lap. It was true that over the last few days Michael would have been staying over at the Thompson's house. He wouldn't be staying on his own in the campus. But him and Nancy were only friends, that's all. There wasn't anything wrong with that? Was there?

Freddy smirked menacingly beneath the rim of his hat. He ravaged her mind, reading her conflicting and vague thoughts. It was just another way of putting reservations in her mind about her relationship with Michael. He would play on it, and in time she soon would make up her mind about who to choose. Then he would give her an ultimatum. Curbing the urge to laugh he suddenly rose to his feet and stretched out his left hand to her. "I want to show you something. It's in your bedroom"

Her slim right hand slid into his hand as he hauled her to her feet, "What's in my bedroom?"

"You'll have to find out for yourself" he untangled his hand from hers. Quickly he bounded towards the door with Katherine quickly pursing him. A sudden frown graced her face as she entered the kitchen. Her father had vanished.

"Dad, where are you?"

She received no reply.

The frown turned swiftly into a irritated scowl. "Where the hell are you?"

This time there was a reply. But not the one she was expecting. There was a hushed giggle, then a childish whisper…

That voice, it sounded so recognizable.

Katherine peered into the living room as she moved hesitantly towards the archway. Standing at the sofa was a little girl, an apparition of herself. Dressed in the same summer dress, hair tied back in those candy red ribbons. The young Katherine smiled sweetly at her and trotted over to her with an eagerness in her eyes.

"Come on" she extended her small right hand.

"What does he want to show me?" the older Katherine asked.

"You'll see" the young girl replied with a eccentric smile.

Resultantly Katherine allowed her hand to fall enmesh with her smaller specter and was lead enthusiastically towards the staircase. Once at her bedroom little Katherine loosened her grip on her hand, "It's inside. Your surprise"

Lowering her eyes to her younger specter Katherine watched wide eyed as she evaporate into thin air, like vapour or smoke. There was a low, piercing creak as the door to her room swung opened and with a deep unsteady breath Katherine stepped across the boundary inside.

A shimmering gleam washed over her again and once more her attire had changed. Her feet were bare, a light pink cotton/polyester dress adorned her slim curvy frame. It was fashioned into a nightdress, but the right part of the sleeve was off the shoulder. Hanging loosely down her right arm several inches. Revealing her shoulder blade, collarbone and part of her upper back. Her eyes scrutinized the material around her waist, noticing that it was somewhat scrunched. Slowly she allowed her hands to roam over the texture of the dress and discerned that there was a thin roped or perhaps an elastic band stitched inside the material. Allowing the dress to hug to her waist a little more tightly and also, it hitched up the rim of her dress to about four of five inches above her knees. To her dismay it the shape of the dress was exposing more flesh of her thighs than she liked.

It didn't take her long to perceive that her hair was no longer tied in them pigtails. Nervously she raised her hands to touch her tresses and again she puckered brow in confusion. Her hair was more tussled, more wavy. With more volume that normal, it felt thicker. What the fuck was going on?

A glimmer of fine, bright light shimmered to her left from the wall. Twisting around she a tall gleaming light. Perhaps ten feet tall, reaching near the ceiling and about three feet in width. It sparkled and flickered with various yellow and gold lights as she approached. Soon it began to dissipate until the light forged into a mirror. Hardening and solidifying within mere seconds to show her reflection.

Her jaw dropped in astonishment, what was this? It looked like her, but could it be? Dark brown eyes stared back at her, however, they seemed glossier. Brazen and feral. There was this wild gleam to them, full of passion and dark desire. Was this really her?

Taking a undecided step forward she easily brought her right hand to the mirror and tapped it lightly. Once. Then two more times. Her reflection did likewise. It wasn't some trick. Nonetheless the question remained, why was her eyes that way? Cold and animalistic.

Keenly she gazed down at her arms. Her left arm was scattered in her own self made lacerations, jagged and rough. Zigzagging across one another. Just the way she created them two days ago. Then there was the cut across her wrist, now stitched. Sniffling back her tears she looked back to the mirror, and gawked in horror as various bite marks started to appear around the right side of her throat, down along her collarbone. Dark black-ish, blue bruises now marred her flesh as well.

Bile began to bubble up in her oesophagus, but she swallowed it back down. A sickening feeling gripped her. Why in god's name was she like this?

"So, do you like it?"

She let out a startled shriek and spun around to her right, seeing him smugly leaning against the wall next to her bed. A satisfied grin was planted on his face.

Katherine glimpsed back at her reflection and then back to him. "Why is my reflection like that? Why are my eyes like that?"

"Mmm…" he mused and advanced towards her. She felt electric shocks sparked up her spine, consuming every vein in her body. As she glanced at the mirror again she noticed that her eyes were darker in colour, almost like back in colour. More fervent and desirous in nature, as though she was getting excited at the mere thought of him being near her. And why was there this impulsive urge to kiss him? Fuck, what was going on inside her mind.

No, no. Don't lose her focus. She had to keep her mind clear and not let whatever this mirage was deflect her thoughts.

"Is this a mirage? My reflection?" she gave him a stern glare.

He shook his head. "No, it isn't" two of his fingers hooked under a few locks of her hair and he gently tugged them closer to his blistered, blackened nose to inhale her aroma. A mixture of a lustful groan and moan rumbled from his chest. He then said simply. "This is what you will look like when the time is right. This will be the real you"

"The r-real me?" her voice crackled, and she shivered involuntary. "But I look different. This isn't me!"

"It will be. When the time is right" he replied darkly.

She took a tentative step back from him as he let go of her tresses. "What are you going to do to me?"

"Nothing" Freddy closed the gap again. "Your true personality will come to the fore, it will flourish and grow"

Another tremble consumed her body. "But I don't look like myself…" she took a fleeting look at the mirror, at the reflection's eyes then back to her father's own eyes. "My eyes look like the way your eyes do! It's like I look like you!"

His head inclined forward, close to hers and the hard scalded skin of his lips grazed her right ear as he whispered complacently. "This is what you would have been like if had raised you"

"I don't look normal"

"I keep telling you that you're not normal" he snapped harshly. "We are different, we're unique from all the other fuckers in this pathetic town! You know I'm right. Daddy is always right!"

"But-" she tried to protest.

His anger began to mount as he took a footstep back. "But what? Whatever thoughts, whatever ideals you have now. They have been forced upon you" his left-hand wave dismissively in the air, "by them! They created your thoughts. They were NEVER your own!"

She sighed softly and avoided his intense glare. Mulling quietly over his words. Were her beliefs and feelings her own? Within her soul throughout the last few years, she never felt that whatever she thought was real or true, or what she really believed. Was her father true in his words?

Freddy licked his lips feverishly, refraining from smiling at her. He watched silently as she gingerly touched her skin on the right side of her neck. Then she looked to the mirror. "Why can't I feel them? My wounds?"

Yet again he slithered closer to her and clucked his tongue readily. "Well, you haven't got them….yet"

"Yet?" Katherine staggered backwards and soon felt the hard mirror pressed against her back. "H-how do I get them?"

A wolfish grin swelled across his countenance as he delicately wrapped his clawed glover around the back of her thick wavy hair and glided the blades between her strands of her hair. Enclosing the blades around her head lightly. He subsequently titled his head to the left as his lips ghosted across the rim of her right cheek. A menacing tone tainted his voice. "How do you think you'll get them?"

Her breath hitched in her throat, and she grasped the tattered fabric of his sweater, ready to push him back. But she froze and whimpered faintly as the tips of his sharp, rotten teeth grazed nimbly over her throat. Teasing her sensitive soft flesh.

"S-stop!" she tried to object, but the intensity of her voice wasn't that strong. That avid or desperate. Did she really want him to stop or did deep down was there his desire for him to continue?

Freddy snarled warningly and applied more pressure with his teeth on her skin, ready to break the skin…

Krueger stop! You need to resist the urge! Now is not the time!

Snapping his head back from her throat Freddy held back a roar of displeasure. He hated not getting what he wanted. And being interrupted. His eyes wrenched to the left, to where various shadows and dark silhouettes congregated in the corner. The slithered and snaked over each other. Krueger narrowed his eyes in aggravation at them, then with a disappointed growl he took two steps back from her.

She sighed in reprieve and lightly touched her throat. "You give me the wounds?"

"Yes…" he hissed, a wily vicious smirk appeared. "you will enjoy it honey. Deep down inside that sweet little mind of yours, you have the same opinions and cravings as me"

"No, I don't"

"Mmm, we'll see about that sweetheart" he gently cupped her chin with his scarred hand. "Soon, you'll understand and accept that everything I say is true. We'll have our special bond back in place. The spark between us. You know that you felt it the other night. Didn't you?"

She felt her cheeks become moist, wet as tears began to streak down her face. "Yes"

"See?" he smiled crudely at her.

Katherine stood anxiously before him, staring contemplatively at his chest. Was he right? Could there be the chance to have that strong, special bond between them both again? There was that flicker of that bond the other night, but it was only because she had slept with him. It created that closeness again. Nevertheless, she wouldn't even dare contemplate doing that again.

Still, there was her unsettling reflection in the mirror. With those wild, frenzied eyes. Untamed and hungry. Would she change into her? And as for the mere thought that her father could and possibly would create those bite marks made her feel incredibly apprehensive. Sickened.

Although there was a terrifying sensation that she was fascinated by it too.

x x x

It was no more than half an hour since he had willingly let Katherine wake from her slumber. A part of him wanted to keep her with him, in the dream. Perhaps pull her into a coma. There would be time for that yet. Now, he wanted to see the beautiful dark red colour of blood, see flesh being torn and ripped. He wanted one of them little cunts dead.

How could he if his strength was drained?

He cursed harshly and curled his blades inwards and slammed the glove hard into a nearby metal wall. Imaging it was the face of one of them Elm Street fucks. Even if it was Michael's…

Have you forgotten Krueger what we promised you?

Freddy swung his head towards the burning furnace.

One of the demons continued. Why are you focusing your efforts on the Elm Street children of the parents who killed you? There are other targets, other prey in Springwood.

The corner of Freddy's lips twitched and curled into a cunning smirk. A plan formulating in his depraved mind. He nodded, "Go on"

Let them believe you are weak. Powerless to kill or injure them. Toy with them. When the time is right and you will know when it is, you can strike.

How could he be so fucking stupid, foolish? His powers were boundless, endless. The gateway has always been opened, hasn't it? Since the night he died and was resurrected in the dream world, he had the power to enter anyone's dreams. Nancy, Michael and the others can wait for the time being.

A dark mischievous gleam twinkled in his eyes as he peered into the flames that twisted and morphed into the landscape of the town. Dozens of little neighbourhoods and estates were dotted about.. Quiet, peaceful streets were shrouded in darkness. He knew that now was the time to reach out to the rest of the town.

To the other children.

It was time to enter their sweet little dreams and turn them into their deadliest nightmares where they would either wake up screaming or never wake up ever again…