The cool wind comes in through the window in the hallway. Alessa's nightgown is not enough to protect her from the slight chill in the air. She cannot sleep and knows her mommy will be meeting with one of her strange friends. Alessa's little feet carry her silently down the stairs. Although she has never seen her mommy's friend, she has heard his voice many times before. As much as she wants to steal a look at this strange man, Alessa does not dare peek around the corner. She might be caught and punished severely. Mommy can be really frightening when she is mad. It scares Alessa when that happens, so she tries to be the best little girl she can.
Her mommy's voice floats to her ears, "… hasn't a clue. But it's nothing to worry about. I can handle it."
"You'd better not screw this up, Dahlia," a male voice growls. "You don't know how long we've been waiting for this to happen."
"Calm down, Leonard. I've got everything under control. Before you know it, paradise will upon us."
Alessa has heard her mommy mention 'paradise' quite a few times. Alessa does not know what 'paradise' is. Her mommy always says, "Once God is born, paradise will come and those faithful will be saved." Whenever one of her strange friends comes they discuss 'God' and 'paradise'. Mommy is very concerned with religion. She mumbles something in an odd language before going to bed every night. Alessa always wonders what her mommy is saying but she never asks. The symbol her mommy painted on the basement floor makes Alessa tremble with fear. She does not know what it means but she knows she hates it. Fortunately for her, she is not allowed in the basement.
Mommy's footsteps fade as they head outside. Alessa quietly goes up to the hallway and looks out the window. Mommy is out on the lawn with the strange man. Alessa runs to her room before mommy comes back inside. She ducks under her blankets, the only place she feels safe. Nothing can reach her there. It is late but she is not tired yet so she takes out her flashlight and her favorite book, 'The Lost World'. She is only seven years old but she is very smart. Mommy always tells her she is special in many ways. She can pick up things faster because she has a special… 'Power'.