Page 104 of Pretty Nightmare

I turn around, listening for something. I’m not sure what, I just know that I should be listening. But there’s no one there.

Can you see anything else?

Yes. I see… kids. Other kids. My age. We’re all in a group but I’m standing apart from them a little bit. Oh… there’s that girl. She has a weird name. But I can’t remember it. She’s crying and this is upsetting to me. I really want her to stop crying.

Why? Is she scaring you?

No.

Then why do you care if she cries?

Because this is what they want. And if she gives them what they want, she will make them happy. And then she’ll disappear.

Where do you think she will go?

Someplace bad.

How do you know that? Maybe she’s being taken someplace nice.

No. That’s not what happens. That’s what they tell me. They tell all of them that. But it’s a lie. Nothing good happens when kids come here. And even worse things happen when they take them away.

I think you’re just imagining that, Donovan. There’s nothing going on here. This island is a paradise. You have a very advanced imagination. You’re a genius. And sometimes geniuses have… issues. That’s all. Just a small issue distinguishing between real and imaginary. This is all imaginary. These kids aren’t even here. And neither are you. You’re lying down on a bed inside a big old house on the Old Pearl River.

I don’t believe you. I think you’re lying. I think you’ve always been lying.

Why would I lie to you? That doesn’t even make sense. This island is fun. You get to run in the woods.

I don’t like the running.

But you always win. You’re a very good runner, Donovan. Unlike Carter.

What?

…

What did you just say?

…

Hello?

…

Answer me, you piece of fucking shit voice!

“Donovan!”

Where is he? Where is he? Answer me!

“Donovan! For fuck’s sake!”

A hard slap across my face makes me jolt awake. I sit up out of instinct and just… pant. Barely able to catch my breath.

“Jesus. You scared me!”

“What?” I turn and find Indie on her knees, her body twisted so she can see my face.

“You fucking scared me! You weren’t breathing.”