I do not own The Loud House. All rights belong to Nickelodeon.

Chapter 9

After Lincoln received his letter about the medal, the Loud family went to the gas station to get the lottery ticket. The ladies followed Lincoln's plan, and it worked beautifully. The twins caused a ruckus, making the manager come running. Luan spilled the soda, causing him to slide out the backdoor. Luna played her axe to cancel out his yelling to be let back in. Lynn played hockey, roughhoused him, and shoved him into a dumpster. Lori and Leni flirted with the other staff who were next in charge to distract them, while Lucy and Lisa deleted the security footage to avoid trouble. Rita bought the lottery ticket, and they left before anyone suspected a thing. Lincoln told them which slots to scratch out, and they won – 20 million dollars.

Even though they saw it coming, they were excited and cheered. The sisters and Rita smothered Lincoln with hugs and kisses. They cashed the lottery ticket, and Rita spent and financed it all on only what they needed. She bought three brand new vehicles – two large vans for her and Lynn Sr. and a good SUV for Lori. They sent Vanzilla straight to the compactor and watched it get destroyed after saving their goodbyes. The vision of Lori getting into a car accident quickly became colorless, indicating it wouldn't happen much to everyone's relief. Lori and Rita were so relieved that they wept tears of joy.

Lori held Lincoln close, "Thank you, Lincoln! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, Lori. I told you everything was going to be okay," Lincoln assured.

Rita hugged Lori from behind, "My baby girl's gonna live!"

The rest of the Loud sisters joined in on the group hug. Lori cried happy tears as she held Lincoln close, and Rita sobbed joyfully as she held her eldest daughter – some of the other sisters wiped their tears.

"O-M-Gosh! I can't stop crying!" Leni wept as she fanned her eyes with her mascara was running.

"I know, dudes! The tears, they won't stop!" Luna added with her lips quivering.

"Lin-n-n-ncoln, you're our hero!" Lori sobbed with a broken voice while brushing her cheek against his hair.

"Lori, it's okay, honey. It's all right," Lincoln promised while hugging her back and having a few tears roll down his cheeks.

After a long while, everyone could get a hold of themselves. Lori planted a long kiss on Lincoln's face and said softly, "I literally love you so much."

"I love you too, Lori. I love all of you," Lincoln said warmly, "Actually, you know what will make everyone feel better? Some kisses from our baby girl, Lily."

"What?" Rita chuckled while wiping her tears.

Lincoln picked up Lily and said singly, "Lily, baby girl, Lily. Do you want to give everyone some kisses? Yes?"

Lily smiled and made kissing noises with her cute little hands, trying to grab her sisters. This made everyone smile.

"Oooh, you wanna kiss Momma?" Rita cooed.

She leaned in to let Lily kiss her. Then the sisters, oldest to youngest, all gave cute commentary.

"Aw, does our little Lily love us?" Leni cooed.

"Oh yes! Yes, she does," Luan purred.

"Sweet baby girl, Lily," Lori added while tickling her little tummy, making her laugh.

"I think Lily's forgetting someone," Lola said.

"Oh yeah. She needs to kiss the best brother in the whole world!" Luna agreed.

Lily made kissing noises, reaching for Lincoln. He smiled and leaned in for Lily to kiss his face, and then she giggled a laugh.

"Hopefully, this whole mess will be long over before you're old enough to start asking questions. Because if there's one thing we all want, it's for our baby sister to be safe and happy," Lincoln stated.

"So true," Lori agreed.

"Heck yeah," Lana added.

The rest of the money went exactly where it needed to go. The money was for their college fund, home expenses, Rita's study to be a registered nurse and a new house to be built. The girls had a surprise for Lincoln's bedroom. He wasn't getting a typical bedroom, and he sure as Hell wasn't getting a closet for a room.

Rita sat with Lincoln in the dining room, overlooking a laptop for schools to become a registered nurse.

"So, a registered nurse, huh?" Rita asked.

"Yeah. Trust me. You'll make way more money than being a dentist's assistant. Possibly 100K a year, depending on where you are employed," Lincoln said.

"Not only that, but better benefits. The problem is it takes a while. Even the ADN program takes two years."

Lincoln shrugged, "Better than nothing. Although, I'm wondering who will bring the news about Vanzilla to Dad?"

"I'll tell him, and just to be clear, he's not ready to know about your future vision powers, right?" Rita asked.

"That's right. Not yet. I've also been meaning to ask Mom. How do you feel about Dad? Has my visions of the future and what could have possibly happened changed anything between you and Dad?" Lincoln asked.

Rita left a long pause with a sigh before speaking, "I am disappointed that your father would have gone along with the superstitions, too. I'm still angry and disappointed in myself for falling for something stupid like luck. I still can't get his words out of my head. 'Step away from the house.' (scoffs) Jesus Christ."

Lincoln gently held her hand, "The important thing is it didn't happen, Mom."

Rita turned to him and held his hand, "But that's the thing. It almost did. I'm your mother, Lincoln. I'm supposed to protect and take care of you. As your parents, you should trust us, and we would have done something as monstrous as locking you out of the house and forcing you to wear a squirrel costume. A squirrel costume? For good luck? Who comes up with that, honey?"

Lincoln wanted to tell the truth and say Lynn, but he felt that wouldn't help. She already feels bad enough as it is for what could have happened.

"But do you still love him?" Lincoln questioned.

Rita hesitantly answered, "I do . . . but right now I'm not proud of him. He should know better . . . but then again, so should I. However, I'm more disappointed and ashamed that your father didn't try to spend more time with you. In fact, when's the last time you and he spent together?"

Lincoln thought long and hard. The fact it took him a while to think of something meant it's been way too long.

Lincoln scratched his head with a sigh, "The closest thing I can think of is when he taught me how to ride a bike without training wheels, but that was years ago."

"Exactly. I'm not the perfect mother, Lincoln. So, I understand completely if you don't think of me with high regard, but at least I tried. I tried to bond with you, and I will keep trying, mark my words. But Lynn, your father, I remember how badly he wanted a son. After your sister, Lynn, was born, he kept saying how he felt so outnumbered and wanted a son – to have another male in the house. Well, he finally got one, and what did he do? I even encouraged him, and what effort did he try? Seems that ridiculous motorbike stunt was his best effort yet and his stupidest one, too," Rita explained.

"Does this mean you don't like him?" Lincoln asked.

"I still love him. He's my husband," Rita answered.

"I didn't say love. I said like. You can love someone but not like them. This is common among families. For a long time, I didn't like you and Dad. Then, when my powers came, I stopped loving you," Lincoln explained.

Those last words made Rita's eyes water.

"But then you changed. You were willing to change for me. So, there's a chance for you and me to be close again, Mom. And I've seen visions where Dad and I become close, too. But my question still stands. You love Dad, but do you like him?"

Rita thought for a moment before answering, "Right now, no. I'm not proud of him. When he's reconnected with you, then hopefully, I will like him again."

Lincoln nodded.

"You know, we could go to the beach this summer and have a fun vacation. I think by then, Dad will be able to walk. Maybe that'll be fun," Lincoln proposed.

Rita nodded, "Yeah, I think it will. Can I see your art and the comic you made?"

Lincoln went upstairs and brought down some of his art and the comic book he and Clyde made together. Rita raised her eyebrows, impressed by Lincoln's talent and skill. However, she was saddened to see the drawings of Lincoln's feelings when he was depressed.

"This is amazing, Lincoln. These look like a professional made them," Rita spoke.

"Thank you," Lincoln said.

Before he knew it, his mother hugged him, "I'm so sorry you went through this alone."

"It's all right, Mom. The important thing is you being there for me," Lincoln replied.

"And I will be, I promise."

Lincoln patted her back, and then they finally eased up.

"So, tell me about Full Deck. What's it about?" Rita asked.

Lincoln was going to ask about the enrollment for registered nurse, but that could wait. For hours, he and his mother talked about his comic, Full Deck, her book, comics, superheroes, art, story, characters, etc. Lincoln couldn't remember the last time he talked for so long with his mother. For the first time in a long time, Rita felt happy. She was bonding with her son. She was really connecting with him. It felt strange how, when they came home to see Lincoln's masterpiece a while back, he deliberately left her and Lynn out of it – indicating that he hated them. That thought alone made her cry in her sleep. Now, here she was, talking about art and story with him. As Lincoln talked, Rita stared at him with a smile. The sunlight coming in made him glow and seeing his smile filled her heart with joy and contentment. Every now and then, she stroked his hair and rubbed the back of his head. She was so grateful that he let her – she was scared he'd swipe her hand away but was happy he didn't. She gave some advice for the story of his comics, and he did the same for her book.

Then, the day of Lincoln and Stella's date had arrived. Lincoln dressed nicely, wearing the clothes that Leni made for him. Lincoln looked good in his cool pair of cargo jeans, his red T-shirt with a big black Ace of Spades on it, and his cool black sleeveless denim jacket with a red cotton hoodie. Of course, his sisters were all over him, ensuring he looked neat and ready for his date. Lincoln blushed in embarrassment until Lori was able to steal him away and drove him to Dairyland.

"Any last-minute dating advice for me?" Lincoln asked.

"You got this, Lincoln. Just be yourself. You don't have to impress her, just have fun. That's the important thing," Lori said with a smile, "There's nothing for you to change about yourself."

Lincoln nodded, "You're right."

There was a moment of silence, and Lincoln knew what Lori was going to ask. However, he wasn't sure whether to tell her the truth or just not all of it. He wanted what was best for her like any other brother who loves his sister, but he knew that he couldn't decide her life for her.

"How are things with you and Bobby?" Lincoln asked.

"We're . . . still not together. I wanted to ask . . . do we end back together or . . . do I end with someone else, or does he end up with someone else?" Lori asked.

Lincoln looked at her and saw her face. It was of curiosity mixed with a hint of sorrow. He sighed and told her to pull into a parking lot real quick. He summoned two light orbs.

"It all depends on what you want and what you think is best for you, Lori," Lincoln said before he handed her one, "It is possible for you to end back together with Bobby."

Lori took the orb and gazed at it, seeing her and Bobby back together. At first, she smiled, but then it vanished.

"But what? Does something happen?" Lori asked.

Lincoln used his finger to fast forward to show certain events in the future, "It takes a while and a lot of effort for him to trust you. However, Bobby still holds onto that tiny pill of distrust because of the whole trial and the Sister Fight Protocol. So, when you want kids after the wedding, Bobby is unsure. It's not that he doesn't want kids. It's that he doesn't know if he wants kids with you. Even when you do, he's uneasy with you around them. It goes as far as him telling the kids if you ever mistreat them, they should call the cops. They do when you ground them for talking back and accidentally breaking a lamp. It gets ugly between you and Bobby from there. You go in and out of separation, and both you and Bobby have an affair with someone else until, finally, it ends in a divorce. From there, it's unhappy days as your children grow up and drift further away from you and Bobby."

Lori slumped back against her seat, devastated. She sat there silently, staring out into nothing, letting out a sigh. When she dropped the light orb, it disappeared.

Lincoln held her hand, "We can avoid the kids calling the police on you, but I don't know how to get rid of Bobby's pill of distrust. I'm sorry, Lori. So, while your romantic relationship with Bobby may not work, I do see visions where you two remain good friends throughout the years."

Lori closed her eyes and squeezed Lincoln's hand. Then she looked at him with a nod.

"Thanks for showing me, Lincoln. I know this wasn't easy to tell me," Lori said.

"No problem, but do you want to know this other outcome?"

"Sure. Let's see it."

Lincoln handed her the other light orb and explained the visions inside it, "I've seen visions where you meet someone named Ewan. He's kind, funny, charming, and supportive."

Lori's eyebrows raised with a nod, "He's handsome."

"However, bear in mind that he has a broken heart that needs healing when his girlfriend dumps him. So, if you go for him, he'll need love to heal, and he'll give you love in return. I've seen visions where you and him are very happy together. You heal his broken heart, and he falls for you. You both become successful golfers together. You take tours all over the US, Europe, and Asia. I've seen visions where you settle down and become professors and coaches at Fairway," Lincoln explained.

Lori used her finger to fast forward the light orb to see everything Lincoln said. Her favorite parts were the wedding and seeing her children. Lori smiled and gave a soft chuckle.

"My dress is amazing, and he looks like a dream," Lori said.

"Yeah, you look beautiful," Lincoln agreed.

"Of course, Luna sings at my wedding and Luan's the comedian. Oh, Lincoln! Look at you! You're so handsome," Lori expressed joyfully as she pointed.

"Thank you. Yeah, I fill out as I grow up, huh?" Lincoln spoke.

Lori rustled his hair with a smile.

"So, basically, with Ewan, you live a happier life. You and Bobby may not be soul mates, but you make good friends. As your brother who wants what's best for you, I'd go with Ewan, but again, it's totally up to you on what you want," Lincoln stated.

Lori nodded, "I think that's what's best too. Bobby was a good boyfriend, but that's all he ever was in the end. You know there's a saying about love and relationships. 'Some people are the journey, but not the destination.' I think that's what Bobby was for me. The journey, but not the destination."

Lincoln nodded in understanding, "I think that's true."

Then, she got back on the road and headed for Dairyland. Finally, they arrived, and thankfully, it wasn't that crowded. Stella was at the ticket gate waiting. She wore a white leather jacket with a red star that went well with her shirt, a pair of jean shorts, a white fedora hat with a black brim and band, and a new pair of red and black sneakers. She smiled instantly when she saw Lincoln.

Lori hugged and kissed her brother, "Good luck. Wait! Sorry. You know what I mean."

Lincoln hugged and kissed her back, "I know, Lori, and thank you."

"Do you have money?"

"Yeah, I got some."

"Good. Have a good time and have fun!"

Lincoln got out, and she drove away as they waved goodbye. Lincoln walked up to Stella with a smile and a blush. Stella held him by his shoulders to pull him in for a kiss – she blushed, too.

"You look amazing, as always. I love the hat," Lincoln complimented.

"Thanks, you do too. I love the jacket and shirt," Stella replied.

Lincoln blushed, "Can I . . . can we kiss again?"

Stella laughed with a smile, "You are so cute."

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. Lincoln hugged her back while kissing her. The long kiss turned into a make-out. You could see the heart and kiss bubbles coming off of them. Then, after a while, they finally eased up but still held each other close. Lincoln's hands stroked up and down on Stella's back and the side of her waist. Stella did the same thing with one hand and with the other hand; she stroked her fingers through her boyfriend's hair.

"I'm really happy right now," Lincoln purred.

"I can tell. I am, too," Stella said.

"I love you, Stella, my Esmeralda and Compostela."

Stella laughed, "What?"

"I don't know. I was thinking of what rhymes with Stella."

"First, I love you too, Linky. But second, let's not get all mushy like your sister Lori and her boyfriend Bobby."

"Ex-boyfriend, but I hear what you're saying. Okay, but what nickname can I call you?"

Stella hummed, "I guess I'm fine with babe, but . . . oh! Bella."

"Bella?" Lincoln asked.

"Yeah, Stella-Bella. I like it."

Lincoln held her hand as they walked to the gates, "Stella-Bella it is."

They went through the gates and into Dairyland. The rollercoasters were fun for them; even though Stella had to hold onto her hat, they screamed joyfully. The whirl & twirl made them waddle as they exited due to everything spinning. The games were just as fun. Lincoln was a decent shot at shooting little moving cows. He won Stella a cute little stuffed animal and she was grateful. Stella won a game where you toss colored rings onto the horns of cows with matching colors. She won him a cap hat, and he was grateful.

They went on more rides before heading for lunch. They both had a burger with crinkle-cut French fries and seasoned salt. It was so delicious!

"God, this is fun! I'm glad we came here," Lincoln said before biting his burger.

"Me too. I've been meaning to ask. Are you really going to make comic books with Clyde? Did your visions show that, or is it wait-and-see?" Stella asked, eating some fries.

Lincoln nodded, "Yeah, I saw in a vision where we get enrolled in an art school. It's the same university where artists go to work in animation, like Pixar or DreamWorks. Although Clyde also becomes a therapist like Dr. Lopez. So, he helps me, and he helps people. You know Clyde. He's good like that."

Stella nodded and asked before sipping her soda, "Did you see what I become when I grow up?"

"You can become a lot of things. Many of the visions showed you being a journalist and a good one. I've seen many visions where you become a newscaster, too. Along with a herbologist, a shop owner . . . I even saw one where you become a doctor."

Stella's eyes widened, "A doctor? Me?"

"Yeah, a general surgeon. Although, I'd advise against it. While being a doctor is a noble profession, it is a stressful one, too. The point is, you're smarter than you think. You can be anything that you put your mind to. It's just a matter of what you want and what makes you happy," Lincoln explained.

Stella nodded, "Very true. Still, though, me? A doctor. That is something."

While they were eating and talking, a small camera drone was flying above. The camera drone belonged to Lisa. She and the rest of her sisters were watching Lincoln's first official date, and of course, they went ga-ga and squeed when they saw Lincoln and Stella kiss or do stuff that couples do.

"Guys, are you sure it's okay to spy on Lincoln while he's on his date?" Leni asked.

"Come on, Leni! This is better than Dream Boat!" Lola said.

"Yeah, and who knew Lincoln was such a sweet romantic?" Luna added.

"I know, right? It's so cute how he loves to hold Stella close," Luan cooed.

After the couple ate, Lincoln and Stella went for a walk.

"I know you're tired of me asking, but your family is really okay, right? They're really good, right?" Stella asked.

"Yes, all visions of them hurting and abandoning me are gone. You don't have to worry," Lincoln assured.

"Yeah, but I do worry. All I want to do is . . . take you away to somewhere it's just you and me."

Lincoln looked down at the ground and couldn't help but be honest, "I do, too. Sometimes, even now, I wish I wasn't caught that night trying to escape my family."

Stella turned to her boyfriend, and those words made his sisters' smiles vanish. The young couple sat down on a bench.

"What will happen to that couple that would have adopted you?" Stella asked.

Lincoln let out a sigh, "They struggle to find the right kid. Every kid they try is either too messed up from abuse, or they fall into the wrong crowd. I was . . . the perfect kid for them."

"What would have happened if they adopted you?"

Lincoln summoned a light orb, "I would have moved with them to Palo Alto. We would have made so many happy memories there and in San Francisco. I would have gone to Stanford and graduated with honors. My life would have been near perfect . . . while my sisters and parents would have sunk into depression and despair over me not being in their lives anymore."

Stella studied the light orb for a while before asking her next question, "Lincoln, I know you love your sisters, and they'll be better, but what about your parents? They sound worse than your sisters."

"Actually, I showed my mother my powers. Of course, she was devastated . . . and she was furious at my sisters for what could have happened, especially Lynn. She's not winning the Mother of the Year award, but she does love and care for me, and I think my dad does, too."

"But?"

Lincoln sighed, "But I still don't like them . . . a part of me loves them, but not entirely like a normal kid does with their parents. I don't think they were ever meant to have a son, which is why they're so lousy at it. Even my sisters know it. Lori actually tried to adopt me."

"She did?" Stella asked.

Lincoln continued, "Yeah, after hearing our Dad's backstory at the trial, she demanded that I help her make it happen. That she'd take custody of all our siblings, and we move to Great Lake City. I don't think she's the only one that's lost faith in our parents. Even though the visions showed them improving, it's like a part of me doesn't want to give my parents a chance, because . . . because—"

"Because of what they're capable of and who they are," Stella finished.

"Yeah," Lincoln said.

"Do your parents bond with you in the future?"

"They do. Actually, yesterday, my Mom and I did. We talked for hours about comics and stories. It was nice. I can't remember the last time my Mom and I connected."

Stella nodded, "That's great."

The sisters understood where Lincoln was coming from. It was entirely normal for a part of Lincoln to not want to have anything to do with parents like Rita and Lynn Sr., who were capable of child abandonment, neglect, and abuse. It's no wonder that he would not want to have anything to do with his sisters, too. To them, they felt it was a miracle that Lincoln was even able to forgive them and give them a second chance. Lincoln told Stella the whole thing of Rita's reaction – from her crying her eyes out to being fire and brimstone on Lynn.

"Well . . . I think showing her your powers and what could have happened opened her eyes. Although, she wanted you to apologize? You serious?" Stella asked.

"Yeah, and I lost my temper. All my pent-up anger for her and my sisters was released. I . . . I said some mean things," Lincoln said and then looked at his hands, "I broke two chairs with my fists."

Stella held his hands and looked at the bandages.

"Was it as scary as when you beat up Chandler and his goons?" Stella asked.

"I think so. I was so angry, but that's why I'm sad too. My family brings out the worst within me. Sometimes, I wished I was adopted by the Santiago's. Things would be a lot simpler then," Lincoln said and summoned a light orb, "It would have worked with them, too. Ronnie Anne and her best friend, Sid, become the sisters I always wanted and needed."

Stella looked at the visions within the light orb, "You look happy . . . and so do they."

There was a long silence before Lincoln brought some good news.

"Oh, and by the way, this came in the mail for me," Lincoln said, pulling out a letter.

Stella opened it and began reading. Her eyes widened, "You're getting a medal?! From the governor?!"

"Yes, I am," Lincoln said confidently.

"Lincoln, this is amazing! Oh my god!" Stella praised before kissing Lincoln.

Lincoln kissed her back, and it was a small make-out session.

"Oh, Lincoln, this is huge! Congratulations!" Stella praised.

"Thank you," Lincoln blushed.

Stella asked another question.

"So, you said nothing is written in stone, but you saw visions where we get married and start a family, right?" Stella asked while pulling some of her hair behind her ear.

Lincoln nodded.

"Can I see it?"

Lincoln gave her another light orb. It showed her their college graduation, their wedding, and the birth of their children. Stella showed a warm smile as she gazed at it all. The rest of the day was pretty chill for them as they walked around the park enjoying each other's company.

Later

After Lincoln's date, Lori took everyone to the Burpin' Burger to celebrate Lincoln getting a medal. Of course, the girls had many questions about that and his date with Stella, and they teased him about it.

However, while they were all having fun, Lynn sulked in her dark and depressing thoughts. She couldn't get seeing her mother and Lincoln so angry out of her head. Her mother was furious at her daughters, at her . . . and she should be. Lynn gently rubbed her cheek, remembering how hard her mother smacked her repeatedly. Hearing the truth that one of your daughters was going to poison your family against one of your own isn't easy to hear. And Lincoln. That rage. That pent-up anger. Her sisters brought that out in him, especially Lynn.

'He says he loves me, but—' Lynn looked over at her brother, '—there must be a part of him deep down inside that hates me.'

Lynn left the table to use the restroom. However, she stood there looking at herself in the mirror, asking herself questions.

'Lincoln . . . am I really such a horrible sister to you? Why? What's wrong with me? Why would I hurt you? Why would I value winning sports over family? Why do I bring out that anger within you? Why am I capable of doing terrible things to you?' Lynn thought.

Even though those things haven't happened and won't, Lynn still dwelled that she was capable of such horrific things. Lynn looked down into the sink and washed her face. She stood still and let the water drip off her face and chin. She took several deep breaths to remain calm. Some of her bangs stuck to her cheeks. There was a deep feeling of dread that continued to gnaw her. She wondered what her real worth was.

When she looked up into the mirror, her reflection was not the preteen athlete tomboy at all. Instead, she saw an adult version of herself with her hair down and wearing an old beanie hat. Her clothes were worn out and filthy with dirt stains and some rips. Her hands and face were thin and dirty like she hadn't had a meal or shower in ages – some of her teeth were yellow, and a few were missing. She looked like a homeless hobo.

Lynn's heart rate increased, but she tried to remain calm.

"Why? Why am I seeing this? I-I don't understand. Why is this happening?" Lynn asked.

"Why she asks. Why? Why? Why, oh why?" a voice whispered.

Lynn looked around, "Who said that?"

"You can't stop the future. The future is coming, Lynn Loud Jr.," a voice whispered.

Another voice whispered, "And you have no future. You're nothing."

"Lincoln deserves better. They all do," a voice whispered.

Lynn saw flashbacks of her nightmare in the mirror, showing Lincoln's future of being happy while married and with his children.

"You just make things worse. That's all you're good at. You don't make anyone happy."

Lynn panted, "No."

"You make them sad."

"No!"

"YOU MAKE THEM ANGRY!"

"No, I don't!"

Lynn felt the walls closing in on her. Somehow, she felt like she couldn't breathe, and the light seemed to dim as the voices got louder.

"You're a sore loser, Lynn," a voice whispered.

"You're worthless, Lynn,"another voice whispered.

"Please stop!" Lynn cried.

"You seriously think Lincoln, or anyone for that matter, will love you?! You're not worth loving! You're not worth anything! You're worth nothing because you are NOTHING! You're a worthless sore loser, Lynn, and you're going to die all alone!"

"Stop it! Please!" Lynn pleaded.

The voice began chanting over and over, 'You're going to die alone.' The voices got louder and louder, filling Lynn with anxiety and sorrow. She held her head and clenched her teeth hard while panting. Then she looked into the mirror and saw her younger self with a bat, patting her hand while grinning with bloodred glowing eyes. She mouthed one word, 'Lincoln.'

Lynn's heart sank and, for a moment, stopped beating. Then she growled and punched the mirror hard several times. The mirror cracked and had small blood stains from Lynn's fists – a few shards were in her knuckles. Lynn was shaking, and her hands were trembling. She was panting so hard that she was hyperventilating. Fear gripped her so hard that she was weak to the knees – she could barely stand.

"Wha . . . what-what is happening t-to me?" Lynn uttered as the tears streamed down her face.