Back at the scene where Laurie and Allyson had fled, the sheriff's car screeched to a halt as Allyson helped her grandmother into the back seat. Laurie was pale, barely holding on, her breathing shallow. Allyson's heart raced as she slammed the door shut and jumped into the front, yelling at the officer to drive.
"We need to get her to the hospital—*now*!" Allyson screamed, her voice breaking with fear and urgency.
The officer nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he shifted the car into gear and sped down the road, sirens blaring. In the back seat, Laurie clutched her side, blood staining her clothes. Her mind was still sharp, though her body was failing her. She watched the lights of Haddonfield flash by, memories flooding her thoughts—memories of all the times she had fought Michael and survived, barely.
"Grandma, hang on," Allyson pleaded, looking over her shoulder. "You're going to be okay. We'll get you help."
Laurie's eyes fluttered open, and she reached out to touch Allyson's hand. "Allyson… you need to listen to me," she said, her voice strained but steady.
"Don't talk like that," Allyson replied, tears welling up in her eyes. "You're not going to die. Not after everything."
Laurie shook her head weakly. "It's not about me. You have to be ready. He'll come back. He always comes back." Her grip on Allyson's hand tightened, as if trying to pass on her will to fight. "But this time… he's different. It's not just him anymore."
Allyson's heart sank as she saw the fear in her grandmother's eyes—the kind of fear Laurie had never shown, not in all the years of their battle with Michael. It wasn't just about him anymore; something darker had taken over. The voice. The force behind Michael's madness. And it wasn't going to stop with Laurie or her.
"I'm not letting him take anyone else," Allyson said, her voice firm, though tears streamed down her face. "We'll find a way. We'll stop him."
Laurie nodded, though her strength was fading fast. "You're stronger than you know," she whispered. "But be smart. Don't underestimate him."
The car sped through the streets, the hospital just ahead. Inside, the nurses and doctors were already preparing for their arrival, having been notified of the explosion at Laurie's house. As soon as the car stopped, the medical team rushed out, pulling Laurie onto a gurney and whisking her into the emergency room.
Allyson stood outside, watching helplessly as they disappeared through the doors. She wiped her tears and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The weight of everything that had happened pressed down on her, but Laurie's words echoed in her mind.
He'll come back. He always comes back.*
She clenched her fists, determination hardening her resolve. This wasn't over—not by a long shot.
As she stood there, waiting for news of her grandmother's condition, Allyson realized that Laurie had been right. They couldn't just wait for Michael—or whatever was controlling him—to strike again. They had to be prepared. They had to find a way to stop him once and for all.
Whatever the voice was, whatever dark power had taken over Michael's body, they would face it. And this time, they would end it—no matter the cost.