The nightmares were terrible. I wasn’t used to having them, it was usually peaceful dreams all night.

Not this time.

I was floating through nothing, a ticking noise pounding against my brain.

I tried to close my eyes or plug my ears, but it got louder.

Then the whispering started.

Unaudible whispering.

Almost as loud as the ticking. And then louder. Louder. Louder.

Then I fell. I screamed as my ribs pushed against my lungs and I couldn’t breathe anymore.

_”Wake up Melody._

_”Wake up!”_

I wake screaming. Correolanus has his arms around me.

“It’s ok, it was just a dream.” He says trying to calm me. I clutch my chest and bend over feeling sick.

I feel a tear work its way down my face. “It-it felt so real,” I say.

Correolanus pulls me to his chest. “I know, I know.”

I sob into his chest for what seems like hours, until I finally have no strength left.

I collapse into his embrace and close my eyes.

When I wake again, I smell something delicious.

I slowly sit up and see Correolanus sitting on a log, spatula in hand, cooking bacon.

He holds my gaze for a moment, then looks back at the food.

“You okay?” He asks, his eyes still on the bacon.

“I think so,” is the only response I have. I clutch my hurting chest.

At the same time, so does Correolanus. “Correolanus, what’s happening?” He looks at me again but doesn’t answer this time.

I slowly stand up, a look of determination on my face.

“If you’re not going to tell me anything, I’ll leave and figure it out myself.”

Correolanus’s face goes white, and he holds out his hand.

I reluctantly take it and sit next to him. He stares deep into my eyes before saying the five words that would change my life forever.

“We’re looking for your brother.”