It had been a week since they had returned from Florida, and no one would let her go anywhere alone. Part of her found it flattering that they would feel the need to offer her protection, but the other part of her found it just plain creepy.

Rouge had come to her conclusions that Sonic had hit her, even though Amy had said it was a lie and that she was just upset that he did leave.

She had received another letter from the mysterious man, but kept it a secret. There had been another black rose with it, and a more violent warning.

There was no way Amy was going to get any time alone, especially not now, as she curled up on her pink sofa with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and a steaming black coffee in her hands. She had the 'flu, and everyone was convinced she was going to die.

This time, her babysitter was Cream, who had brought along freshly baked cakes. She did not mind Cream, not really, but she was much younger than Amy that she felt she had almost... outgrown her.

They were talking about nothing in particular, until Cream suddenly said, "Tails called the Doctor about you. He's worried."

Amy rolled her eyes, "I'm fine, really – it's just the 'flu."

"It could be worse though – he'll be round later. I have to go now – Mother wants help with dinner today," she stood and left Amy's house.

Short and sweet, she thought mildly. Just like Cream herself.

The doctor had arrived later that day, a pure white hedgehog that would not let her call him anything but Raif. No formalities, he had said, as it made him feel too "posh". He was British, and mysterious.

And like the silly girl she was, Amy found herself drawn to him. There was something about him that just invited her in, told her to open up despite her better judgement.

Every time he asked her a question, Amy would answer it immediately, with the truth. She could not help it - it was almost as if she had come down with turrets over night. She told herself that it was because she needed a stranger to talk to, to get things off her chest.

And yet a small part of her mind was nagging her, telling her something was wrong with this stranger, and that really, she should not be telling him anything.

Sonic watched in shock as Raif entered Amy's house. How had he managed to bypass them so easily?

Sonic cursed himself for not telling Amy the truth. If he had, she would not be in there right now with that… thing.

Running as fast as he could to Tails' workshop, Sonic knew what he had to do. The door opened almost immediately, but he was not expecting the angry look on Tails' face.

"Hey, buddy. I know it's been a while but we really need to talk," Sonic said hurriedly.

"'Hey buddy'? That's what you say after what you did to Amy? You do know we've had to call a doctor for Amy cause she's not looking after herself?" Tail ranted angrily.

"Tail, buddy, listen, Raif isn't a doctor - if you knew anything about him -"

"Look Sonic, we don't care what you want to say - you hurt Amy. Don't expect us to just welcome you back with open arms."

The door slammed, leaving Sonic staring at wood. If Tails was not going to listen to him, he would have to just help Amy himself, even if she did not want him around.

Amy lounged casually as Raif checked her pulse. He smiled at her.

"Everything seems to be normal, Miss. Rose," he slurred.

"Thanks - I know it's only 'flu but the others are intent that it's going to kill me," she joked.

"I almost forgot," he said quickly, pulling an envelope from a pocket of his coat. "This was in your mailbox."

Amy smiled her thanks and showed him to the door.

"I'll be back tomorrow, don't forget to drink that herbal tea I gave you - does a world of good."

Amy nodded and closed the door, before leaning her back against it and opening the letter.

Dear Amy,

I bet you're wondering how I'm getting so close to home, eh? I tell you now - it was easy. That blue friend of yours will tell anything… for a price.

It took a while to get him to talk… two years actually. That pain he felt when you touched him? Wounds that will never heal, those. Ghosts that will haunt him forever.


Even you can't save him this time, Amy. So don't try.

Stay out of it.