The room was small and dark and slimy and it smelt weird. Andy was curled up on an uncomfortable mattress, tears dripping. He didn't know why Alice wanted to show him the diary. It was stupid coming back for that.

He probably deserved to be punished, but he didn't think he should be punished that hard. His body hurt all over.

He wished he never got in Mr. Mason's car. He missed his mom. He cried a bit harder.

"Andy...is that you? It's Claudia."

He didn't answer. He was too busy feeling sorry for himself.

"For what it's worth – I'm sorry you got caught. I hope they didn't hurt you."

His sides were still sore and his back was stiff. He sniffed.

"That fat pig hurt me too. He really enjoyed it...I don't blame you for telling on me."

Andy felt bad again.

"If it makes you feel better, I haven't seen Alessa. I was such an idiot to believe him."

"I found her room." said Andy.

Claudia didn't say anything for a second, then:

"You went back to Wish House? Why?"

"I don't know." he lied. He didn't want anyone else to go crazy when he mentioned Alice.

"What was it like?"

"It was all dusty."

"I don't think anyone's been in there for seven years...since she died."

"It was full of books. They were all really old."

"She loved to read." sighed Claudia, "Father gave them to her when we first came here."

"Why did he do that?"

"He used to be a nicer person. Alessa helped him write a book. His most famous book."

"Was she smart?"

"Yes, but that's not how she helped."

"Then how?"

"The book was about her. She could do things that no one else could do."

"Like what?"

"It seemed like she could make things happen, just by thinking about them."

"Wow! That would be cool."

"My Dad thought so."

"He must think it's cool that you dream about the future then."

"I think he was hoping for something more. I'm still second best to Alessa for him."

Andy felt sad. Cheryl and Claudia were the only friends he ever had. Now he'd drowned Cheryl and he'd fallen out with Claudia. He was still mad about what she did but...he didn't have anyone else.

"I'm sorry I told." he said.

"You don't have to say sorry to me Andy."

"I didn't mean to tell."

"I should apologize to you. Betraying you...after your mom died and everything."

"You're the only friend I have."

"And you're my only friend...I have to do what father asks me, I'm afraid of what will happen if I don't. I'm sorry."

The door for the next room clanked open.

"Wolf. Your daddy wants you." mumbled Fat Pat.

Andy heard a second clank as they left.

"I forgive you." he whispered.