Sarah awoke screaming. She hastily brushed herself off, as if she was covered in bugs, because it still felt like something was crawling all over her. In the dark, she couldn't tell where she was, except that she was no longer in the Goblin King's castle, which made her glad. As her eyes adjusted, she realized that she was in her own house. She let out a sigh of relief, and looked over to her clock.
2:57 A.M.
But then she noticed something on her dresser, a letter, addressed to her, sent from that accursed place from her dream. She decided that she would read it out of spite, so she turned on her lamp.
Darling Sarah, it began. I hope this letter finds you well. I know you still don't trust me, but I do hope that you read this letter. I had received signs that a terrible nightmare beast had decided to sweep over your area. These creatures are not to be trifled with. They will make it seem like you're living life as usual, letting you live days, weeks, even months in mere hours. They will find you inside of a pleasant dream, but then they will eat all the happiness from your dreams, leaving you with terrible nightmares.
Enclosed inside the letter, I have left a scented candle. Not only does it smell heavenly, but it wards off the nightmare beasts. I give you my word as king that it does nothing more. I am concerned for you, because your experiences in the Labyrinth will cause these beasts to be attracted to you, and your well-developed imagination.
Sweet dreams,
Jareth the Goblin King.
Sarah stared at the letter, dumbfounded. That lousy king was trying to help her? All those letters she got in her dream were just a dream? She turned the letter over to find a small note on the bottom.
P.S. I'm still coming to your show tomorrow. I was going to give the candle to you then, but the nightmare beasts came sooner than I anticipated. You are no longer obliged to meet me if you do not wish to.
She was even more confused now, but at least she wasn't totally unaware. She found a tiny candle holder, and lit the candle that she found inside the letter. The smell reminded her of Christmas, but with a hint more cinnamon than usual. She would have to meet him the next day, just to give him a letter of her own. She sat down and wrote it out.
Dear Jareth, she began. Thank you for your concern. You don't know just how appreciative I am of this small, but great gift. Thank you for watching out for me.
Sarah.