I was slumped over on the couch when my dad walked into the living room. I had my eyes closed, and my breathing was shallow. I heard him call out my name, and he gently shook my shoulder. "Bella, what's wrong?" he asked, sounding worried.

I opened my eyes slowly, feeling tired. I rubbed my temples and replied, "I heard wolves outside."

My dad looked at me with concern, taking in my pale complexion and the beads of sweat on my forehead. "Yeah, I heard them too, from the Newton's place. I see that you put the animals away," he said.

I nodded and yawned, feeling exhausted. My dad helped me up from the couch, and I leaned on him for support. "Let's get you to bed," he said firmly.

As I walked up the stairs with my dad, my legs were wobbling, and I was struggling to keep up. I was relieved when my dad led me into my bedroom and helped me to lie down on my bed.

As I closed my eyes, I felt my mind drifting away, and I fell asleep.

In the dream, I saw Alice, who looked pale and sick. I tried to talk to her, but she didn't respond. She looked worried and scared, and I felt a knot form in my stomach.

Suddenly, I woke up with a start, gasping for breath. I sat up, feeling disoriented, and looked around the room. Everything looked normal; the sun streamed through the windows, and animals made noise in the distance, but the feeling that something was wrong was still sitting uncomfortably in my chest.

I knew that Alice was too unwell for visitors, but had an idea, and stumbled out of bed. Determined to convey my thoughts and emotions, I put pen to paper. The words flowed with both softness and concern, forming a letter that carried the sentiments I felt.

Carefully folding the parchment, I sealed it with a sense of purpose.

My Dearest Alice,

I hope this letter finds you in a moment of comfort despite the challenges that illness has placed upon you. My heart aches with worry as I hear about your struggles, and I wish I could be there to offer you the support that words on a page cannot convey.

Please know that you are not alone; I am always here for you. Your strength is inspiring. I hold onto the hope that each day brings you closer to a full and speedy recovery.

Please take all the time you need to rest and heal. Your health is the most precious gift, and I eagerly await when you emerge from the grasp of this illness, stronger and more vibrant than ever.

Until then, know that my thoughts and love constantly surround you.

Take care,

Bella

I stared at it for a moment, and then added:

P.S. There is something off lately about the forest, and I need to share it with you.

I got started on the day's chores. As I walked to the window, I saw Charlie outside in the pigpen.

"Hey, kiddo, feeling better?" he called out when I joined him.

I nodded, "I'm okay, dad. Do you need any help?" I asked, trying to sound as normal as possible.

"You sure? You look a little pale," he said, sounding concerned.

"I'm fine, really," I insisted, not wanting to worry him any further.

He hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Well, if you're up for it, there's plenty to do around here. But don't push yourself too hard," he said, his voice softening.

I tried to focus on the tasks at hand, but my mind kept wandering back to the wolf prints outside the farm.

So as to not worry Charlie, I put on a brave face and got to work.

The memory of how Jacob and his friends always bragged about how well they knew the woods surfaced while watering the crops. And the idea took root: They might have some answers.

But since I was not on talking terms with Jacob, I decided to seek out Embry instead. I knew Embry, and though we had never been close, he was always the most level-headed one of Jacob's friends.

I quickly finished up my chores and lied to Charlie, telling him I was going to visit Jacob.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Charlie's brows were furrowed with concern.

"It'll be fine, Dad." I assured him, though my stomach was turning with apprehension. "The wolves only come out at night. It's still early."

"Fine, but take the pistol with you." He said.

When I reached the edge of the forest, I hesitated for a moment, feeling worried about going in. But I took a deep breath and walked in, hoping that Embry would be able to shed some light on the situation.

As I walked deeper into the woods, every rustling of leaves and twigs made my heart jump in my chest. It was unnerving, but I kept going.

Finally, when I reached the reservation, I saw Embry sitting on a log, chatting with another boy I didn't recognize. But 'boy' seemed to be the wrong term. He, like Embry, seemed to be impossibly large for his age. They stopped talking as I approached.

"Hey, Embry," I called out, trying to sound casual.

He turned to look at me and raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Bella? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I heard some wolves last night, and I was wondering if you knew anything about it," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Embry looked at me for a moment before replying, "Yeah, we heard them too. But you don't have to worry about the wolves."

He and his friend exchanged a look, and the other boy sniggered.

I looked at him, confused. "What do you mean I don't have to worry? Embry, there are huge wolf prints by my farm."

The boys exchanged another look. The other boy was frowning now.

"Well," He paused. "Wolves aren't really interested in eating people. They hunt animals." He assured me. But there was something about his eyes that told me that he was not being truthful.

"I don't buy that. None of our livestock were attacked."

"These are big wolves. They only like big animals." Embry tried. The other boy rolled his eyes at his words.

I frowned, feeling a little disappointed in Embry. "We have big animals."

He nodded, looking serious. "I don't know what to tell you, Bella. But the wolves haven't hurt anyone, and you don't have to worry about them."

I felt a knot form in my stomach as I listened to him. It was clear that something was going on.

"Thanks, Embry," I sighed, turning to leave, but then stopped. I paused for a moment before speaking, facing away from the two Quileute boys. "How's... Jake?"

"Um... he's well." Embry's voice was cautious.

I decided not to pry, as he wouldn't tell me the truth, anyway.

"Be careful out here, Bella," he called out after me as I got back on the forest path.

"Why?" I asked, irritated. "I thought you said I didn't have to worry about the wolves?"

"The wolves aren't the most dangerous thing in the forest." He called out, his voice was genuine with worry this time.

Stepping back out into the quiet and sunny day, I made my way to the Cullen residence. The weight of the letter seemed to get heavier as I neared the looming mansion.

I tentatively approached their porch, placing the letter in the mailbox, I whispered a silent wish for its gentle delivery to my sweet Alice.

As I walked away, it felt as though I was leaving my heart behind, and my body struggled to depart with it.