Lauri spent her Saturday in a gloomy mess. Her hair was pulled back in a stiff bun, and her body was wrapped in black as she stood in the drizzle at Wendy's funeral. The pastor's words slipped into her like jelly, never really sinking in. Her mind was blank as she stared at the grass, though now and then an image would pass over her eyes.

Last night had seemed so real. Had it all really been a dream? It was too good to imagine, Peter finally coming to see her. But there was so much evidence! The note she'd left in England was on the floor of her bedroom, and she had a slight red swelling on her forehead where she'd "smacked heads" with the boy. Her heart wrenched when she remembered that he had left her, and tears began to stream down her cheeks again as she wondered if he would ever return. Why couldn't Wendy be alive? So that Lauri would have someone to talk to?

That night, she pulled off her black dress and slipped a pair of flannel pants and a tank top over her head. It was her normal night-garb, but the night before she had fallen asleep in her day clothes. The windows were again left open, though thoughts of Peter returning had been banished from her mind. He had been too hurt last night, she doubted he'd ever return.

A nightmare raged through her mind that night. A hook pricked her from her bedroom, and dropped her onto a platform of wood. A shadowy man stood ready with a gleaming sword, drawn and ready to fight. She had no weapon upon her, but she dodged as much as she could. The sword sliced through cloth and skin, and Lauri woke with a scream as the dream blood had begun to spill.

She looked around wildly, having sat up straight. Her room was dark, except what moonlight spilled into her room through the windows. She shuddered as a cold breeze swept through her room, drawing up her knees and hugging them against her. Burying her head into her knees, she cried softly. A slight breeze ruffled her hair, and she looked up into the bright eyes of Peter. She sniffled, but didn't say a word.

He paused before sitting back, hovering and then lowering himself to sit on her bed. "You know…I never did find out your name the other night." He drew his dagger and picked under his fingernails to keep from fidgeting. She wiped the tears away with an arm before answering.

"My name is Lauri Ann Darling." She hid her face once more, not wanting to look at him.

His eyebrows knitted once more, concern setting in. Clearing his throat, he fumbled over his words for a few moments, "I…Well…I'm sorry I left so quick last night. I should have believed you. And…I…was…I was wondering if you still, well, needed me."

She glanced up, confused. Wiping stray tears away, she replied, "Peter, I've always needed you. You just weren't ever there."

They both were quiet for a few moments, then Peter smiled, "In your letter, you talked about some other girl. Who was she?"

"Tara? That's my friend…she believes in you too."

"Tara, huh? Where does she live?"

"Up the street a ways. I'm sure she would really love to meet you, Peter!" She straightened up as she remembered her dear friend. "If I led you there, could we go and see her?"

Peter's smile widened along with hers. "Sure!" He flew toward the window and waited outside, reaching in with one hand. "Come on!"

Lauri followed, then paused when her hand was only a few inches from his. She remembered the times that she had spoken to Wendy about wanting to fly. It'd been her biggest goal as a child. Peter watched her, his smile fading slightly. Finally her smile widened and she grasped his hand, he pulled her out of the window and tossed her onto his back. Lauri swallowed her fear, careful not to glance on the ground.

"Which way?" Peter laughed.

"That way." Lauri pointed to their right, directly at Tara's house. "Her house is the one with the balcony."