The Douglas Farm
Oliver arrived back at Alf and Ralph's side. They looked up from studying blueprints upon his arrival.
"My wife is busy cooking lunch." he informed them. "I guess it's up to me to help you out." Then all three of them headed into the barn.
Oliver just realized that he hadn't stepped into the barn since the fire. He stood quiet for a second to observe the burnt wood and debris on the floor. Suddenly, he began to get dizzy. He closed his eyes and put his fingers to his temples. When he opened them again, he jumped in horror.
All of a sudden, the nightmare that had plagued him for weeks was right before him. He could see the flames that ate away at the already rotting boards. He could see bits of wall and ceiling crumble around him. He could feel the intense heat of the fire and hear the crackling of the flames.
He could feel his eyes water and his throat close up as smoke seemed to fill every part of his body. Oliver tried to tell himself to wake up and that this was all in his head, but his mind wasn't getting the message.
Suddenly, a motionless figure appeared on the floor before him. He bent down toward it, knowing immediately that it was Lisa. He was about to reach out and touch her, but he felt a cold grip on his wrist. He looked up and saw Joseph standing before him, grinning evilly.
Oliver crouched in shock for a second. He was about to get up and ask Joseph why he was doing this, but another unfamiliar voice seemed to suck Oliver back to reality.
"Mr. Douglas, are you alright?" Alf asked in a concerned tone.
Oliver shook his head to clear it and looked at him. "Huh? Oh, yes, I'm fine. I was just daydreaming I guess." he said.
Alf and Ralph exchanged questioning glances and continued to blab on about Eb's loft. Oliver tried to concentrate on what they were saying, but wasn't able to clear his head of what just happened.
"Um, would you two mind if we continue this conversation later. All of a sudden, I don't feel very well. As a matter of fact, pick up the lumber from Mr. Haney's, bring it back here, and then you two can have the rest of the day off."
"Uh, sure thing Mr. Douglas." Ralph said a little hesitantly. Alf and Ralph exchanged glances once more and then left to pick up the lumber.
Meanwhile, Oliver headed to the corn fields to tell Joseph the rest of the day off. He didn't feel like dealing with anymore people today. That daydream shook him a great deal.
But was it just a daydream, Oliver asked himself. It felt so real to him, too real to just be a daydream. It was just like he was back in the burning barn.
Oliver shook his head and decided to try not to think about it anymore. All he wanted right now was to eat a nice, quiet lunch with his wife, take a relaxing nap, and pray that no horrible nightmares plague his thoughts or his sleep.