Alaric was in the kitchen solving crosswords when Jeremy walked to the cupboard and took a glass. He leaned over Alaric’s shoulder. “Cheese” he pointed at the page. Alaric filled in the word. And then closed the book. “I’m done” he said, stretching his arms. “I’m going to bed” he looked at Jeremy. “And you better not stay up too late, either. Has anyone told you how wrecked you look?” Jeremy nodded. “I know. But I have a good feeling that will change soon enough” For a moment Alaric wanted to ask what he meant by that, but then decided he was too tired. He said goodnight to Jeremy and headed to his bed.
Jeremy searched his pocket and took out the pills Kelsey had given him. He took one and drank some water. He put the pills back in his pocket and went upstairs. He walked in in his room and got undressed. With only his boxers he threw himself on the bed and closed his eyes, ready to sleep like Sleeping Beauty.
Jeremy opened his eyes. He was outside. It was day, but it was dark as well. Dark clouds floated in the sky. He heard a familiar voice calling him. He wanted to follow the voice, but as he tried to move he felt something stopping him. He looked down and saw how twigs of thorns winded around his legs. He tried to keep his balance, but fell down. He grabbed the twigs, gasped and let go. He stared at his hands, which were red and bleeding. He grabbed the twigs again and tried to loosen them, but the more he tried to break them the stronger their grip became. As he struggled to free himself he felt a sudden coldness come over him and Vicky’s spirit floated next to him. “We told you to stay awake” She vanished and Jeremy felt how the twigs got tighter around his thorax. As much as he wanted to fall asleep, now all he wanted was to wake up, but his ghosts kept him stuck in his sub consciousness.