Jack arrived at the safety of his home, but the black substance continued to drip. However, he couldn’t care less about it. Parking the car, Jack hurried out and got Angela from the passenger side, then carried her inside. Laying her down in the comfort of her bed Jack could finally relax. He let out one big sigh of relief after what had occurred, but to seek a conclusion to the destruction of what had happened, he turned her TV on and changed the channel to the news.

After watching it for some time, he found out the reporters were confused, the police were oblivious, and that nobody remembered what had happened.

“You’ve got to be joking,” Jack muttered, grabbing his head. It was throbbing and pulsing badly from the aftermath.

Taking a deep breath, Jack lowered his hands and saw that more of the black substance was all over them. He laughed softly, staring at his black stained palms. His eyes grew from the essence of insanity, close to being on the verge of having a meltdown.

The pulsing pain throbbing in his shambled mind grew worse. It felt as if someone was trying to crack his skull open to poke his brain to death. From the stress of the hospital to the situation with the police, Jack had enough. His mind couldn’t take any more of all this pain and perplexing situations. He fell to his side on Angela’s bed and passed out from the intense headache.

After a couple of hours had passed, Jack finally woke up and noticed it was almost dawn. “What happened?” he asked himself as he grabbed his head again. “I can’t remember much. The only thing I can recall was her voice in my head.”

Jack stood up and watched his reflection in Angela’s mirror. Just what the hell was that?

He noticed the black substance that was staining his face and hands was gone. “You lying bitch. I gotta make you pay.”

He cracked his neck and knuckles, then walked back over to Angela who was still passed out. As he lay next to her, making sure she was okay, he ran his hand through her hair and seemed upset. The one thing he did remember was how he pointed a gun towards her head. He sighed, hoping she wasn’t too angry at him, but he had to do what he thought was necessary in the heat of the moment.

Angela started mumbling in her sleep and said, “Brother, don’t leave me.”

He rubbed her head and felt her words strike his blackened heart. He grabbed her hand to calm her down in her sleep.

She felt her brother’s warmth course into her dreams, and responded by sharing hers with a sudden hug. She whispered, “I’ll never let you go. Never.” She yawned and continued sleeping.

Jack slightly smiled for once and allowed her to continue holding him. He sat up and rubbed her head with the other. “Angela, if I didn’t do any of that stuff, then that bastard of a doctor would have found you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

He gently slid himself away from her grasp and pulled her blanket to cover her. You’re all that I have left. He kissed her on the head and rubbed her back.

Jack suddenly heard his name being called out. He sighed and took one last look at Angela before leaving her safe haven. Leaving her room, he headed downstairs and saw Eric and Randolph standing beside the couch with a young guy sitting on it. Jack twitched an eye in annoyance, aware of what was going on.

He took a deep breath and introduced himself to the young boy, but before he did Eric asked, “Say you big fool, you wouldn’t know what happened downtown today?”

Jack shrugged and looked back at the random guy. “Who might you be? Interested in joining our gang?”

Jack showed an empty smile and acted a bit creepy by expressing how big and wide his smile was as well as blinking rapidly too, though it didn’t bother the newcomer.

“We love new people. I’m Jack. Who might you be, friend?” Jack clapped his hands and expressed a huge fake open mouth smile.

Eric smacked his hand against his face. “Cut the shit. Stop being so creepy ya fool!” However, Eric actually enjoyed the act that Jack was putting on. It made him grin and helped him hold back his laughter.

“Uhh Jack? You know we are in a gang, right? This ain’t no damn sports club or some dumb shit like that, my guy!” Randolph said, trying his best as well not to laugh, but he couldn’t help himself. “Man, you a fool! Quit playing around man, shit!” Then he continued laughing.

“Hmm, I don’t see what’s so funny. I’m just introducing myself to the guy. Why do you want to join our gang?” Jack walked over to the guy and leaned in closer towards his face.

The guy was nervous at first but he brought out a subtle smile. “I don’t really know. Perhaps I like complications in life, haha!”

“You’re not a spy, are you?” Jack asked in a dead tone.

Eric placed his hand on the guy’s shoulder. “You don’t want to know what we do to someone who’s a snitch, right?”

Randolph pulled his phone out and showed a picture to the guy. “This is what happens to sons of bitches who rat us out!”

The guy didn’t react to the picture. Instead, he brought out a bigger smile, which creeped out the other two besides Jack, who still seemed normal. “Is that so? That’s good to hear! I like being with people who are loyal to each other. A nice, big, happy family. Huh, fellas?” He chuckled and everyone felt awkward except for Jack then he brought his eyes to the stairs leading to the upstairs of their home.

Eric and Randolph immediately backed away and felt creeped out by the guy more than Jack’s dumb play. However, Jack got annoyed but continued staring in silence. The new guy glimpsed at Jack and was a little shaken by his intense glare.

Brandon continued smiling, but set his sights locked onto the stairs again for a moment. A full minute of silence went by, and Brandon looked back to Jack as he continued glaring. “Hey man, could you stop staring at me? It’s a little creepy.”

Jack walked next to him and patted the guy’s shoulder. “You’re welcome and you have nothing to worry about.”

The guy sighed with relief, then extended his hand and welcomed Jack with a handshake. Jack stared at his hand for a moment. He felt something off about the guy. An aura of suspicion trickled into Jack’s mind.

He shook his hand without the slightest expression. “Welcome friend. What’s your name?”

He slapped his hands together, tilted his head, and startled everyone. “My name is Brandon! Nice to meet you guys!” He smiled and chuckled.

Eric and Randolph really didn’t want to be around this boy. Randolph slowly walked backwards. Eric stopped him and his face showed disgust. “Yeah uhh, why don’t you go home now and come back tomorrow? We’ll talk more, aight?” Eric said.

Brandon stood up and waved at everyone as he left. The three were speechless at how creepy this boy was, but they couldn’t help themselves and laughed. On the other hand, Jack still didn’t trust the guy one bit, especially how he kept staring at the stairs when they were talking.

“Yeah man, he gives off a very uncomfortable vibe,” Randolph said.

Eric nodded and looked at Jack. “Look over the guy tomorrow. Make sure the new guy doesn’t do any funny business.”

Jack still wasn’t on board, but he agreed and had no problem with the idea. Randolph also volunteered to tag along with Jack. They fist bumped each other and dispersed, heading off to their rooms to call it a night.

Checking up with Angela before heading off to sleep, Jack saw she was still passed out. He was getting worried and though she did talk in her sleep, he didn’t need to worry too much. He closed her door and went to his room.

Jack sat at his desk, turned his desk lamp on, took his handgun out, unloadeded it, yawned and then stretched. With the only light being his desk lamp he sat in darkness, rocking in his chair as he glared at his gun. He couldn’t help but think of all the people he’d killed these past two years.

He picked it up and stared at it. “What have I become? I’m quite the mess, aren’t I?” He pointed the gun to his face and stared down the barrel.

If I were my dad and saw my son in the position I’m in now...

He brought the gun to the side of his head. “I’d kill myself, just like this…” He pulled the trigger and the gun clicked.

I’m such a failure.

Jack set his gun down, laid back in his chair, and set his feet on the desk.

He closed his eyes. “Whatever. I guess this is the path God’s guiding me through. There’s no use in changing… for now.” He fell asleep and the color of his lamp turned from yellow to a bright red.

As he slept, Jack felt a chilled wind brush against his body, he shivered and hugged himself in his sleep. A horridwail came into fruition, more sounds came through, the sounds of miserable and stressed people at that. Wondering what on earth’s going on, Jack opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was a crowded subway, which reeked of anger and dust. It was noisy and hectic. Light struggled to show enough of that depressing subway as he glanced around.

For some reason, Jack found himself in the middle of a strange occurrence, standing in the middle of the subway all alone and lost. As he glanced around at everything, wondering when he got to a standing position, he noticed everyone’s face was dark. The rats that crawled everywhere were strange too. They all had weird horns sticking out of their eyes.

Wh-Where am I? Is this another dream from that girl? Or is this real?

Jack was weirded out and covered his ears to muffle the annoying sounds of the dirty city living. The people amongst the crowd didn’t seem to care whatsoever, many hustle and bustle, some fell to the ground only to get back up without retaliation to whoever pushed them. Others bumped heads, but continued onward even if blood was drawn.

Taking a moment to himself, Jack took a deep breath and walked into the crowd of noisy and saturated manikins of broken life. “What is this place?” He spotted a bench closeby and decided to sit down. As he did, he grabbed his head out of confusion.

This is different than before. Perhaps it’s just her? But normally every dream or nightmare would have something horrifying waiting to be discovered by me.

The crowd continued to yap. The stench grew stronger, then out of the corner of Jack’s eyes, he saw one of the ceiling lights shine down on something. It troubled him. He stared at the lights and noticed how they were blinking in and out.

Why are they doing that? Jack felt a little perplexed. What made it worse was the ghostly howl in the subway of depression, which spooked him but not the crowd.

Those beaming spotlights kept flickering and grew wider. Even those folks who had the same look of utter hopelessness on their faces like Jack moved aside to make the lights grow bigger. Jack realised why they were getting bigger. Something was approaching him, so he stood on his feet and prepared for the inevitable. To hide his mild fear he expressed an empty expression. The ceiling light flickered faster. Whatever it was, it picked up its pace. People moved quicker too. It was almost close to Jack, so he tried reaching for his gun in his jacket, but it was gone.

You’ve got to be…

He’d had enough and clenched his fist. “Who’s there? Come any closer and I can assure you’re…” The light stopped behind a group of people a couple of feet in front of him.

Jack nervously raised both arms in a basic boxing form to fight whatever was approaching him. Whatever this is, lucid or not, the fact of the matter is that everything I’m sensing, the sweat dripping down my face, the cold breeze, that howl, my nerves freaking out… it is all real.

The ghostly howls erupted throughout the vast darkened subway again, but from how it wailed, whatever it was, it was afraid of whoever was behind the people. The ghostly howls were drifting further away the more noise it made. Jack stood still feeling worried.He watched people slowly move aside to reveal whoever was approaching. And once the curtain of people completely moved aside, they revealed a girl.

Jack felt baffled yet relieved. W-Who’s… this?

The girl who stood there had short, beautiful, bleached blonde hair, eyes as golden as hazeled caramel, and the white turtleneck, white high knee socks and plaid skirt she wore resembled maturness and literacy. Yet, with all these wonderful aspects, she had the most empty look on her face.

Looking around, the girl didn’t know of Jack’s existence until she spotted him among the crowd in front of her. She gasped in surprise, almost like she wasn’t expecting anyone else but her to be there. They both stared at each other. The crowd became dead silent. Even the pesky rats stopped moving, and everything around them stood still.

Jack was so confused yet he felt like he’d seen her before. That empty look on her face didn’t change, but for Jack, he was mesmerized by her beauty. He just stood there quietly admiring her from head to toe.

She walked out of the spotlight. “Um, so-sorry to ask this… but are you lost?” She interlaced her fingers and lowered her arms, but the minute her voice reached Jack’s ears, it lifted the sins off his shoulders and healed his dire wounds. Jack felt healed.

But he didn’t know how to express such complex emotions. His face stayed dead as he scratched his head. “Uhh… I don’t really know. To be honest, I thought I’d get used to this by now…”

Get used to this by now? What does he mean by that, she thought.

Unconditionally she bowed, which in the United States was out of the norm to do. “I can guide you back if you want?”

Jack randomly laughed. This time it was actual laughter, but from her ridiculous and generous request, it aggravated her. “Oh man, that’s funny.”

She raised her head. “May I ask what’s so funny? It’s quite rude of you.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just that I wasn’t expecting such weird gratitude, especially that respectfully. It’s very strange.”

Strangely enough, he was the one who stepped forward. “Why are you approaching me?” she said in a cold tone.

“Can I ask you something?” He stopped twelve inches from her, with his hands on his hips. Jack could finally admire her unknown beauty up close.

She crossed her arms, placed two fingers on her chin, then thought for a quick second and came up with a conclusion. “Hmm, I don’t have much time so make it quick.”

“So… that’s how I’ve been speaking to people, huh?”

She found that a bit insulting, but rather than expressing it, she sharpened her gaze on Jack..

“Sorry, but to get back to what I was saying, you seem familiar. But I can’t put my finger on it.”

“Hmph, what a random thing to say. Oddly enough, I’m having the same thoughts about you.”

“Is that so? Give me a moment and let me rewatch my past.”

As Jack started rewinding time in his mind from all the nightmares he’d had, he’d finally remembered who she might resemble.

For once in a long time, Jack smiled genuinely. That brought her suspicion towards him down and in those beautiful eyes of golden green brown, they glistened from how bright his smile was. “I think I do know you, but to answer your question, yes I am. I am lost.”

Her eyes shook within hidden joy. The look on her face didn’t change and she sighed. “Well, I guess that makes the two of us then. I was looking for someone… something… and now I ended up here.”

“Yet you said you’d help guide me back?” Jack lifted a brow, feeling suspicious.

“Ahem. I can if you like or do this…” She was about to lift her hand until Jack made a funny sound, which startled her.

“Ahh, hold up! I got it. Just let me just think for another second.” He crossed his arms and tapped his foot. “Hmm, hmm, hmm!” Then he dropped his arms, disappointed.

At first glance when she saw him, he seemed emotionless, and had a murderous scent around him. But in this moment, his behavior changed, and to her it was rather cute watching someone as cold looking as him suddenly behave this way.

Jack let out a long sigh. “I got nothing. I thought I did for a moment. Well, if you say you’ll help, then why don’t we help each other and get out of here together?” he said, extending his hand with a gracious smile.

The way Jack was currently acting, it was the same as he was in the past. He hadn’t acted that way in years, but for some reason and without his knowing, he hadn’t realised how he was acting like his old self again. The old Jack who showed affection and love had a joyful attitude that came out.

Watching him change attitudes towards her made something bump her heart. It was a feeling she’d never experienced from someone other than…

She lowered her palm and walked up to him. “Okay. As you wish.” The rumbling in her stomach was strange to her, and the closer she got to him, the more her heart raced.

She stopped in front of him with an emotionless face and hesitated to take his hand, but she grabbed it and shared their warmth. Then they started walking.

Jack took the time to take a good look at her up close since she was beside him. Her glistening pale skin shone beneath the light, and her hazel eyes were beautiful. She smelled wonderful too, even if this was a dream. Jack thought he was about to faint just by staring at her.

But one thing that caught his eye was a necklace she wore. It was a cross-like necklace that looked exceptionally holy, and it was very different from the one Mathew wore. She glanced at him, but he looked away and shook his head. She was confused at first but quickly blushed without changing her face.

Why did I just do that? The heck’s happening to me? Jack swallowed nervously when she looked at him in that brief second. He felt fuzzy inside.

The girl’s face was very red, and she couldn’t understand why. Why does my face feel warm? Is it just because he looked at me? Who is this guy? So bold, yet… as I’m holding his rough hand, I feel a closure to my damned existence.

This warmth in my hand, it’s growing hotter. It’s like I’m tightening this warming essence in the grasp of my murderous cold hand. The ice shield around it is melting, and as it does I feel at peace and can release the me who’s now laying dormant inside this vessel of destruction.

Jack forgot he was holding her hand too.

He’d held Anna’s and Veronica’s hands before. Yet holding her hand made that fuzziness inside him gurgle. The two kept walking, those howls from earlier were gone, and as they tightened their shared warmth even further, it triggered something inside Jack.

Then Jack’s mind suddenly flashed images of an old dream he had back at the facility, which brought all the puzzles together, and he realized where he’d actually met her. Something made him remember the dream he had of all his friends and the last person being unknown beneath a tree of nature’s utmost beauty. Jack came to a complete stop and made her come to a stop too.

She looked up. “You okay…?”

Jack turned to her and let go of her hand. To her surprise he placed both his hands on her shoulders. “Sorry for doing this so suddenly. It’s just… I-I think, I remember who you are.”

She tapped his hands. “Ahem, could you mind?”

Jack let go. “Oops, my bad, I didn’t mean to.”

She blinked and shook her head. “It’s fine, but now that I think about it, you do bring that sort of vibe.”

She leaned a little closer and looked into his dead eyes, making Jack become a little more nervous. Wait a second… those eyes? Where have I seen them before?

It came to her now, his confused face, those brown eyes. She gasped. “I-I… I’ve dreamt of you once.”

Jack’s eyes glistened for a second. “So we’re both thinking of the same dream… Tell me, do you remember where it took place?”

“A glamorous tree, endless fields of green along with miles of beautiful flowers as far as the eye could see, a gentle wind tickling our skins, and the sky as bright as your old eyes that once shone.”

“And what did you say to me before everything fell apart?”

She blushed. “You’re making me remember something rather embarrassing, but yes, I believe I told you we’d meet again someday. I can’t understand why I said something so trivial to someone I’ve never seen or met.”

“Then why did you say that?”

Her eyes quivered. “Because… my-my… my he—” she stammered, clutching her chest.

Jack noticed and got worried. “Are you okay?”

“I’m… fine. Can we change the subject? I wish not to express any further emotions than what I already am.”

Jack shrugged. “Sure, I don’t mind.”

She placed a finger on her chin. “Now I’ll ask you something you said to me. You had asked for my name once, correct?”

They decided to sit on a bench and continue their conversation. Both of them sat down awkwardly. Her face was still red, Jack’s eyes quivered, he had arms crossed and was tapping a finger. The feeling of nervousness was becoming annoying for Jack.

She, on the other hand, seemed to be fighting her emotions. She was gripping her skirt and biting her bottom lip. It was almost painful for her to express them.

She let out a long breath. “Say… why are you so nice to me when we’ve never met? From what I can tell, judging by the aura around you and your eyes, you don’t seem to be the friendly kid I laid eyes on in that dream.”

Jack softly grinned. “I don’t know, perhaps…” He raised his bloodstained hand and stared at it. “You give off something I can’t really explain. But when I saw you, my soul felt cleansed and freed.”

When his last words reached her ears, her eyes quivered. She felt some sort of happiness after hearing that, but she couldn’t bring herself to express such emotions of happiness. Instead, she leaned against his shoulder without thinking, surprising him and more importantly, herself.

Laying against his broad shoulder, she too felt closure and safety. “To finally answer your question… my name’s Lily.”

Jack felt happy hearing that, so much so he unconsciously grabbed her hand. “What a beautiful name. My name’s Jack.”

She felt happy yet confused. Something conflicted inside her mind and the feelings she’d never expressed before wanted to burst out and show him she was truly happy. Sadly, the war happening inside her mind and heart wouldn’t allow her to show him her true feelings.

"Why?” she asked quietly. Why is he being so nice to me? Someone like me doesn’t deserve this.

She stood up and clenched her fists. “I’m sorry. I have to go now. I’m on a…”

Jack grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving. He stood up and reeled her in to pat her head, which calmed her down. “I don’t know why you’re in such a hurry, but I do understand you’re frustrated about something.” He drifted his hand back into hers and interlaced their fingers.

The poor girl wanted to burst out into tears and cry with joy. Never could she have imagined to experience such gratitude from a stranger whom she’d only met once. For now, she allowed him to do whatever he wanted to her because she wanted to imprint this scene into her broken mind.

Jack smiled. “Whatever it is, I’ll be happy to help you… Lily.”

She was on the verge of crying. Her eyes had glistened tears at the edges, she clenched his hand with frustration, but she quickly erased her emotions and looked back at him with bloodshot eyes.

Blinking softly and moaning with ease, she let out one final sigh. “You’re an odd individual. I can tell by looking into your eyes you’re broken, and yet you’re very kind, Jack.”

Hearing her say his name in her soft, broken, mature voice made his heart skip a few beats. With the smile still on his face and their hands held, they both walked towards the edge of the subway track, then oddly waited.

Jack suddenly seemed a little confused. “Hey? What are we waiting for?”

“A train that’ll wake you.”

“Huh? Wake me? Damn it, none of this makes sense but whatever. At least we’ve finally met properly, right?”

She slowly blinked and looked away, expressing a tiny subtle smile. “Someday we’ll truly meet,” she muttered.

“Say, one last thing. Why are you here? This is a dream of some sort, right?”

Looking back at the tracks, she lifted her shoulders. “It’s complicated, although I should be the one asking you such a thing.”

She grabbed the cross pendant and stared at it. Perhaps this was the work of God… Or maybe someone else?

Jack looked away for a second because the creepy howl returned. “Jesus Christ this place is giving me the creeps. You hear that too, right?”

She nodded. “Of course. That’s why I’m—”

He continued looking behind them, not hearing a single word she’d just said. “Hey, once we get out of here, how about…”

As Jack looked forward again he heard the train’s horn go off. Approaching lights seemingly made his world slow down and as his eyes slowly expanded, Lily’s body slowly dived in front of the oncoming train.

Jack’s face froze. His jaw dropped. He couldn’t believe what he’d just witnessed. The train kept blasting its horn, reflecting Jack’s horrified stunned face as each cart passed by. He stood there, empty and lost. The train finally came to a stop and the whole crowd got inside, not noticing what had just occurred. When everyone was inside the train, it went away, leaving Jack all alone in the barren subway.

A tiny innocent giggle sounded beside Jack. It was none other than the girl in the white dress.

“Oops! I didn’t mean to do that, but… she got what was coming to her,” she said in a soothing, soft voice laced in sarcasm.

Jack turned to his side with a horrified face and clenched his fists. “Why? Why did you do that?” he asked angrily.

The girl rocked back and forth with her arms behind her back. “Mmmm, I don’t like her. Not to mention how you guys were getting too touchy for my liking.”

“What do you…?”

She grabbed Jack’s hand. “I don’t know how you ended up here, but I found you and here we are!”

Jack clenched his teeth. “You?!”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t forget our promise?”

Jack wanted to scream at her in rage. He was so angry, yet he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He clenched his fists even more as his eyes started twitching. “Wh-What promise? I don’t remember ever saying anything to you!”

She let go of his hand and stepped back. “You jerk…” she said, sounding upset.

Jack groaned in anger, feeling so infuriated.

“Why? Why do you enjoy hurting me so much?” she asked beneath her cold breath.

She lowered her head, and slightly whimpered. Now… I have to punish you again.

Jack’s annoyance was about to explode. His face cringed and a vein popped out on his neck. “What in the hell are you talking about?! Almost everything you’ve said to me since I was young hasn’t made sense!”

“Stop. See what I mean? Jerk, jerk, jerk, but you’ll be mine someday.”

She started walking backwards into the void of darkness. And when that day comes my beloved… you’ll wish you’ve never hurt me… ever again.

She disappeared into the dark as her soft whimpers echoed away.

“Hold up!” Jack shouted, reaching out. Where the hell did she go?

Jack got aggravated and started screaming. He drowned out her cries with his angry screams. However, Jack noticed the entire area was slowly dissolving away. He freaked out, but then he realized his own body was melting. His flesh and organs, everything that made him human, began turning into a black liquid. He screeched out of the intense burning pain as his bones broke, snapped, and freed the marrow inside them.

The pain was unbearable, the worst he’d ever experienced. His body melted and his organs fell off and splashed on the ground, turning into black gooey chunks. He was halfway dissolved, gargling on his own melted flesh, and now he was nothing more than a pile of blackened tar. The entire area ruptured into foggy black. Swirls of purple flowed around him, but it was intercepted by white lights. From the corner of darkness a bright light emerged and blasted the darkness away, turning this dimension into a box of pure white.

Jack woke up, screaming at the top of his lungs. He grabbed his gun, then loaded and cocked it. He was short on breath. Sweat dropped like a waterfall throughout his face, pointing the gun in every direction. He stopped and noticed he was back in his room. Slowly dropping the gun, Jack took in deep breaths and relaxed himself by calming down and wiping away his cold sweat. He placed a hand on his face and thought about what the hell that bizarre dream was.

“All of that just happened… then she just fucking did that to me,” he said angrily.

I’ll-I’ll…! He started coughing. Suddenly the girl’s voice popped into his mind, interrupting his coughing fit.

In a vicious tone, she said inside the migraine that grew, “So long as you live… overtime, my sweet…”

Jack realized his arms started hurting. He looked at them and saw a black substance flow beneath his skin. It swam through his veins, stabbing and injecting his blood with darkness.

He freaked out as she continued to talk. “The pain you’ve caused, the misery you’ve placed upon me, will slowly consume you…”

He screamed and his skin started turning white. The blackened veins spread across his face, and his eyes slowly turned black.

“And corrupt you… to the point, you’ll finally, rightfully… be… mine…”

Jack let out one last horrified scream. The house exploded into a dark cloud of dust, leaving Jack standing in blackened flames while everyone else perished in the explosion. With his body consumed by the darkness she bestowed upon him, he stood in the flames of black and could only feel it pulse off his body and rot everything away, even reality itself. He dropped to his knees and let out a haunting cry.

“Jack! I’ll always love you… like you used to love me,” she said seductively.

Wailing in the flames, Jack allowed himself to become consumed by the darkness that was wrapped inside his body and mind.

Jack suddenly woke up again, at his desk screaming, face absolutely drenched in sweat. He was panting severely from the horrifying experience. He stood up from his chair, rushed to the bathroom and stared at the mirror.

He was relieved to see that everything was normal, but he couldn’t help but feel angry. Jack thought he’d finally gotten used to those darned nightmares by now, but it appeared not.

You-You… fucking… Jack grabbed his head.

“Fuck my head hurts!” he shouted, slamming a hammered fist on the sink.

“I-I can’t remember now. Fuck. Fuck!” He clutched his head, feeling extremely aggravated about the situation.

Curse her… That damn girl. He sighed and continued staring.

“I need a hot shower to relieve this burden,” Jack said as he calmed himself, removed his clothes and then hopped into the shower.

Meanwhile, Randolph and Angela were enjoying their lunch in the dining room. Angela enjoyed his cooking, because she’d always admired his skills and requested that he should be a chef at some fancy restaurant instead of being a criminal. He loved her admiration towards his cooking, although he couldn’t help but feel a little sad afterwards because of his past.

Angela slammed her tiny hands on the table, then leaned over it and got close to his face. “I’m serious!” she said, puffing her cheeks out.

“Relax, Princess. Chill!”

“Uncle! You need to be a chef!”

“An-Angela! Princess… you’re gonna kill me with that adorable angry face of yours!”

He looked away as she let out an adorable “Hmph!” while getting out of her chair so she could wash her dish.

She tried washing her plate, but her arms could barely reach. “Curse my size! Grrr! Can I just grow already?”

Randolph grabbed her plate and washed it for her instead. “You’re still growing lil momma, so rest assured. Don’t worry, your uncle’s got this!” He washed the dishes while Angela stood beside him.

“Come on, Uncle. I’m serious about the chef thing.”

“I do appreciate your compliments… but a thug like me? A chef?” He shook his head, disappointed. “Nah! It’ll never happen.”

She looked at him with her adorable, puffed face of anger. “I’m serious! Even thugs can change their lives too, you know?” She handed him more dishes. “Everyone has a chance to change their lives, especially if it involves their natural talent.”

Randolph paused with a sponge in one hand and a dish in the other, then turned to his side to look at Angela with a genuine smile. “Yo-You really think so?”

Angela hugged Randolph. “I know so, Uncle!”

He shed a tear. “Thank you, baby girl. I don’t know where I’d be if you never stepped foot in my life.”

Angela smiled. She held Randolph tightly, making sure his day felt more better than it was. Randolph returned to washing the dishes until Eric stepped into the kitchen. Unexpectedly, the new guy was also beside him.

Eric told the guy to stay put while he walked behind Angela and covered her eyes. “Guess who, lil mommy!” he said softly.

She turned around and gave Eric a big hug. He lifted her with ease and piggy backed her. She giggled and asked to be put down before she vomited.

As Eric set her down, the new guy appeared out of nowhere, way too close for anyone’s liking, and then he requested a hug from Angela. She got scared and quickly dashed behind Eric, feeling afraid the unknown stranger was asking for a hug.

Eric put a hand on the guy’s shoulder. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing, son?” he asked as his eyes twitched. “I thought I told you to stay put.”

Brandon quickly stepped back. “I’m sorry. She’s just so adorable. I couldn’t resist myself.” he said, hugging himself in a very creepy manner.

He definitely gave Angela a creepy vibe. She shook and muttered her brother’s name. Eric noticed and called out for Jack who was still in the shower. He heard his name and shut it off. He quickly dried himself off, dressed up and headed to the kitchen. Once he got there he moaned because Eric interrupted his shower.

Angela quickly rushed to Jack and jumped into his arms. “Help me, brother. Please…!”

Jack held onto Angela. “What’s wrong?”

She pointed at the new guy. Jack wasn’t pleased, so he set her down and walked up to the guy, getting right up into his face.

Jack asked in a cold voice, “What the hell did you do to my sister?”

“I was only trying to get a hug from her too,” Brandon explained.

That pissed Jack off. He was prepared to punch the guy, but Eric quickly defused the situation by putting his giant arm in between the two, clearing his throat loudly.

“Jack uh, why don’t you do me a big favor.”

Jack kept glaring at Brandon for another minute but turned his attention to his boss. “Yeah, what would that be?”

“Why don’t you train Bradon while I go out for a couple of hours to deal with some business.”

Jack wasn’t pleased to hear that, but he obliged and sighed. “Fine, whatever, I’ll train him if it’s to keep an eye on the creep.” He eased in towards Eric’s ear, “That way he wouldn’t try anything funny with Angela.”

Eric nodded. “Agreed, I don’t trust him either.”

Randolph looked at Jack after he was done talking with the boss. “I have to be in my room for a while. I got a couple of phone calls to make so you’re on your own pal if you were thinking about having me tag along haha.”

Jack crossed his arms and sighed. “You’ve got nothing to worry about, Randolph.”

They split and all went to do their things.

Jack and Angela were alone with Brandon. Jack looked at Brandon. “Tag along. I’ll give you a house tour. Jack turned to Angela. “Stay in your room so I can show the new guy around.”

She hesitated at first, but listened and quickly walked off to her room, trying her best not to look back at Brandon, who stared at her as she walked away.

Brandon went along with the tour. Jack showed him the backyard, basement, and the room where they have all their meetings. The tour was rather lengthy, but it seemed as if Jack was doing it on purpose to waste his time.

Jack’s phone suddenly rang, disrupting the tour he tried dragging out. He answered it and ordered Brandon to stay put. He stepped out onto the front porch, leaving Brandon to stand still in the living room, waiting for Jack to come back in.

Brandon glanced around with devious eyes and peeked through the curtains and saw that Jack was quite busy on the phone. Brandon smiles creepily and made his way upstairs.

In the meantime, Angela was drawing while listening to her music, dancing to her tunes. She was oblivious of Brandon walking up the stairs to her room.

Brandon paused with that creepy smile on his face. His fingers felt the urge to touch something innocent and soft.

She’s so adorable. The most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on. I can’t wait to talk to her, Brandon thought.

He approached her door and stood still, then slowly gripped the door knob. Brandon twisted it the softest he could do, but he did it intentionally so he wouldn’t alarm her. Once he turned it all the way, he opened the door and spotted Angela enjoying her music, which brought out an even creepier smile on his face. He walked inside her personal space and slowly crept towards her. She was distracted and hadn’t noticed he was in her room, almost in arms reach.

Brandon gently placed his twisted hand on her shoulder. Angela noticed and thought it was Jack from how gentle it was, but when she placed her hand on Brandons, she realized it wasn’t Jack. The hand felt too soft and too small to be Jacks. In fear, she looked over her shoulder and spotted Brandon standing behind her with a creepy, perverted smile on his face. She started having an anxiety attack and breathed heavily, making her unable to yell for her brother’s help.

Angela was stunned with fear, being completely speechless from her panic attack. Help me, brother.

“Hey,” Brandon said softly. “Whatcha doing there?” He bent down and rubbed her shoulders.

She whimpered slightly and tried to get away, but she was still too stunned to even move. “No-Nothing. J-Just dr-dr-drawing…” Angela’s bottom lip vibrated violently, her head mildly shook as he kept rubbing her shoulders.

He decided to sit next to Angela. One of his wretched hands slowly drifted down to the hand she drew with. Oh, she’s so soft. What an angel. I’ve truly hit the jackpot.

He took a good look at her drawing and smiled. “You’re a very talented artist, aren’t you?” He started massaging her hand, trying to interlace his disgusting fingers with hers.

Angela’s eyes trickled with tears.

“And not to mention… absolutely cute. Wait.”

Her eyes were riddled with tears. He was so close to her face that she wanted to scream.

“Very beautiful, especially with eyes this mesmerizing,” he said, then chuckled manically.

Help me, someone. Please, I beg of you.

“How old are you?” Brandon asked.

Angela’s hand trembled. She gripped her pencil tightly, but he removed it so she could stop. “El… e… ven.”

He lifted his hand off of hers and placed it on her thigh. “My! You’re so tiny for your age, although…” He took a good look at her legs and figure. “Your body is so nice and adult-like. Hee, hee, hee. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.” He started groping and caressing her thigh.

“Stop. Pl… ease…”

“I think we’re gonna get along just…” He felt something touch his shoulder so he turned around.

“You’re one sick fellow, aren’t you?” the girl in the white dress said.

Wh-What’s she—?

“If we were truly alone you’d be dead before you’d ever violate what belongs to me, you disgusting, wretched human.”

Brandon started shaking and fell down, feeling petrified at what he was witnessing. “Who… where did you come from?!”

“Oh? Now you’re scared, aren’t you?” She extended an arm. Her hair fluttered and the room lights started flickering.

“What’s happening? What’s going on?”

“Don’t worry. If it were up to me I’d let you experience the depths of darkness like no other, but instead, I’ll let my beloved take care of you. He’s much scarier than I am,” she said, then laughed.

Brandon cowered while Angela stayed in shock.

“I’m sure he’ll punish you to the point you want to beg for your death, just like I’m about to punish him for hurting me.” She disappeared, leaving the man on the brink of peeing his pants.

After everything settled down, Brandon stood up and laughed, presuming it was just the drugs he’d taken earlier that were messing with his head. He turned back to Angela, and as he was about to go back to whatever perversion he had in mind, his actions got worse.

As he started unbuckling his belt, his mind wanted to do something vile to Angela’s innocence. Footsteps were coming towards her room. She used the opportunity to get up and storm out of her room. It was Randolph, so she hugged him to death and cried loudly.

“Baby girl! What’s the matter? Why are you crying so much?” Randolph asked, trying to comfort Angela.

She was still speechless about what had happened. Brandon weirdly walked out of the bathroom to make it seem like he was using it.

Randolph suspiciously asked him, “Why use the upstairs bathroom when there’s one downstairs? That’s strange for you to come all the way up here to use a bathroom.”

Brandon said in a creepy, calm voice, “I like to take longer paths to better my cardio, especially now that I’m recruited. I need to build up these calf muscles, am I right? Hahaha!”

Randolph still didn’t buy his story, so he picked Angela up and they all walked downstairs. As they reached the vicinity of the living room, Brandon quickly sat on the couch and questioned Randolph’s suspicion towards him even further.

Jack finally walked back in and Angela quickly hurried to his side. She shook really badly, and he noticed how her own tears had drenched her face in sorrow..

“What’s wrong, Angela?” Jack asked, hugging her to comfort her. “Tell me what's frightening you, please?”

She tried to whisper into his ear, but Brandon started to cough loudly, interrupting her and making her clutch onto Jack even more.

Jack raised his voice at him. “Shut up for a second!”

But he continued coughing. Angela couldn’t take it anymore, so she bit her lip and built up the courage to tell her brother that the creep was trying to molest her. She wiped her tears away, finally having the courage to tell Jack everything into his ear, like what the man had done to her in secrecy.

That angered Jack and made him feel utter rage. The darkness coursing through his veins loved this emotion, it craved more of it, and as Angela said more, Jack mustered enough courage to contort his features into fury.

Angela realised how mad Jack was, and it terrified her. She could feel his gaze, his aura. Jack was bloodthirsty.

Jack’s eyes were so empty, more empty than usual, and the look on his face, a still expression of nothingness, said it all. He patted Angela’s head. “Thank you, sis. Now be a good girl and go back to your room, okay?”

Angela was frightened by the emotionless face Jack was expressing, especially with a smile that seemed so artificial. She listened to her brother and started walking back to her room. Jack, on the other hand, walked over to Brandon’s side while his smile still seemed forceful.

“You okay, Brandon?” Jack asked.

Brandon waved a hand. “No, no. I’m fine.”

“You seem to have a bad cough, though. Especially with how rudely you interrupted our little convo, my b-r-o.” Jack placed his hand on Brandon’s shoulder, which creeped him out.

“Is something the matter?” Brandon asked. He was beginning to get nervous, scared even.

“Randolph, could you give us a second? I need to explain more to our new comrade, so, will you?”

Randolph wasn’t stupid. He could read Jack’s emotions like a book. He knew Jack was absolutely livid. “Alright, I’ll go check on Angela. And Jack.”

“Yes?”

“Nevermind, I’m going now.” Randolph walked off to go check on Angela.

Brandon was sitting on the couch, so Jack took a seat on the couch in front of him. He sat down, then rested his arms on his knees. To Brandon, it seemed like Jack was calmer than usual.

Both of them sat in silence, staring at one another. A ticking clock was in the background, a couple of gunshots went off outside, sirens too. Brandon felt uncomfortable.

Glancing at Jack, Brandon saw that his eyes were locked onto him, and permanently. Growing more uncomfortable, Brandon jittered a leg, tapped his knee, then smiled. Jack stayed quiet, too quiet, and didn’t make the slightest movement.

Perplexed by the uncomfortable silence, Brandon decided to try and ease Jack’s suspicion towards him. “So? What’s this explanation you wanted to talk about?”

Jack continued staring. His gaze grew more intense. Brandon wiped his sweaty forehead.

“My… it-it’s getting hot in here? Right? Ha, ha, ha.”

Jack leaned back on the couch. “Say Brandon, have you ever thought about your utmost desires? Your deepest passions and when you feel the need to obtain them?”

Brandon felt relieved. The question Jack asked made him feel less worried about his gaze. “Of course, of course. Whenever I do I can’t help but feel great, especially when I do obtain them. Wow, such an amazing experience, you know?”

“Huh?” Jack stroked his chin.

“What about you? What do you desire?”

“This isn’t about me, this is about you. You’re our new friend, so let’s talk about you. But there is something rather curious I have in mind to ask you. Mind answering me, in the best way possible, for my sake of course. Nothing else.”

“Oh… uh, sure! Ask me anything.”

Jack released a long deep breath and slowly leaned forward. “Brandon, did it feel good?”

“E… Excuse me?”

“Did it feel good?”

“I-I… I’m not sure what you’re—”

“Answer the question. Did it feel good?”

Brandon swallowed. “What do you mean by that?”

“Did… it… feel good? Was it up to your liking, Brandon?” Jack asked, clasping his hands together.

The tension from Jack’s sudden movements brought forth more worry in Brandon’s face. His mouth was slightly open, his brows were furrowed, and he felt drips of sweat come down his face. In hearing Jack’s question, Brandon couldn’t bring himself to answer it without revealing an action he’d ensued on his dearest sister.

Feeling Jack’s gaze grope his body, Brandon let out a long breath and shrugged. “I can’t really answer a question that’s out of con—”

Jack interrupted Brandon with a loud suction of air and release of building temptation through his nostrils.

Jack blinked once. “Was it up to your liking, Brandon? Was it soft? Smooth? I bet it exceeded all your expectations. This desire that you so rightfully seek, when you’d gotten a hold of it again, it was in the grasp of your hands, hands covered by the innocence that you’ve squeezed, violating it by your wretched fingers as you overpowered someone weaker than you.”

Hearing Jack’s words brought forth a scare in Brandon he hadn’t experienced before. “I’m confused by what you mean, man. You’re—”

“Brandon, if you would answer the question then surely our discussion can come to an end. I know right now the temptation to your desires is driving you mad. The fact that in most times you can threaten that passion with your predatory eyes says it all. It’s quite alluring, right? I bet you felt so powerful, well in most cases you do, but right now you don’t feel it because you didn’t get what you wanted. And when you found the best desire you’ve possibly ever laid your eyes on, felt even, the fact you missed your chance to have it in your grasp brings anger into your damned soul.”

The tension in the air rose. Brandon knew Jack wasn’t stupid. He was caught red handed, or was he? Brandon tried analyzing Jack’s words; predatory, innocent, gazed, empowering. The only thing other than his assumption Brandon could come up with was hunting. And it got to him. The coat he was wearing was made out of elk.

Brandon felt relief again. In the basking silence he brushed it away with his laughter. “Man, here you had me worried about something else. Yes I can answer your question, friend. It’s smooth, soft, and warm…”

Brandon started showing Jack his hidden perversion, answering Jack’s suspicion towards him. Jack saw how he stroked his coat, felt it, and ran his dirty hands over it. That disgusted Jack. What made it worse was how Brandon softly moaned beneath his breath, showing his true self to Jack.

“I was loving it, laying my sights on my prey, pulling the trigger, putting it into a deep slumber. And when I reached what I rightfully deserved, rewarding my actions, I just couldn’t help but slowly stroke my hands through the hairs of my prey, feeling its skin beneath it. Lastly, when I got to take it home and devour its warmth all to myself.”

Jack had heard enough. He put a hand on Brandon’s shoulder. “Come with me. I’ve got something to ease that cold.”

Brandon smiled. “Sweet! Right behind you, friend!” They both got up, and Brandon followed Jack into the kitchen.

Randolph and Angela were in her room while the two conversed for a while. Angela showed Ranolph more of her natural talent, expressing happiness once again and forgetting about the events that occurred.

An hour fully passed and Jack and Brandon hadn’t returned, which made Randolph feel uneasy. Knowing Jack, Randolph could assure that he might be dead. He wanted to go check, but something stirred inside Randolph, bringing a hindrance inside his stomach.

“Baby girl, Uncle Randy has to use the restroom. I’ll be back!” He dashed out the door and into the bathroom.

Angela giggled and continued drawing until she heard something odd. It was a noise hard to ignore. It was a muffled sound that brought disturbance to her ears. She got up and walked out of her room towards the strange sound. It sounded like someone was crying, or as if they were shouting at someone, begging for mercy.

“Is someone shouting?” she asked, while walking towards the muffled screams downstairs.

Stopping at the bottom step, she heard the muffled sounds of misery coming from the kitchen. Walking into the place of dining and food making, the sounds got louder and clearer. It came from the basement door. She walked up to the door and stopped.

Agonized screams came through the creaks of the door, which made her jump. What’s going on down there? Angela wondered.

She lay her head against the door and heard someone whimpering, moaning in pain. She retracted and felt scared, but she wanted to know why there were scary noises coming from the depths of their home.

Angela grabbed the door knob and slowly opened the creaking door, revealing the darkness. The sound of the person crying was as clear as day now, as she slowly walked down the barely visible steps. Stepping on each step cautiously one at a time, Angela could hear their voice beg for forgiveness and mercy.

Angela reached the third last step and heard the horrific sounds of agonized torture beside her. She started shaking from the sounds alone, yet her curiosity got the best of her.

There, beneath a single flickering light was Brandon strapped to a chair, bruised, and bloodied. Worst of all, one of his eyeballs dangled from its socket.

“Please, I’m sorry!” Brandon pleaded as blood dripped from his mouth. “I didn’t mean to touch your sister!”

Jack stood in front of him and swirled a pair of scissors, taunting Brandon. “You know what I’m about to do to you, right?” he said maniacally as he got closer to Brandon’s face. “I’m going to cut off each of those nasty fingers you tried violating my sister with, so can you shut your mouth? Your pleas for mercy are just as annoying as your face.”

He snipped the scissors to torment him. Brandon continued crying for mercy. “Please, I beg of you!”

“Once I’m done, that filthy hand you placed on my innocent sister will be cut off and shall not harm another innocent soul ever again.” Jack started cutting off his fingers one at a time.

Brandon screamed, begging for a last chance. But Jack only replied by blinking. He then continued to cut more fingers off. Jack stopped, leaving a single finger left. Blood gushed out of the holes from the others.

Jack gently smiled at Brandon while he continued to plead for mercy. Jack walked around him, stood behind him, then wrapped his arm around Brandon’s neck, placing him into a side headlock. Brandon felt his windpipe slowly being crushed, but then he saw Angela stare at him from the stairs. What he saw made his heart race with absolute, unrefined horror. He squirmed around in Jack’s arm, begging Jack to end his miserable life so he could quickly stop seeing the horrific sight he was forced to stare at.

Jack patted his head. “It’ll be fine once this is over. Then we can truly be friends.”

Jack tightened his grip. “Got any last words?”

Brandon breathed heavily. As tears ran down his bloodied face, he grit his teeth and said, “I’ll see you in hell! Go fuck yourself!”

“Perhaps someday, friend.”

“To the both of you!” Brandon shouted before Jack was ready to make him meet the devil that awaited him.

Jack snapped his neck with force, making Brandon’s body fall back, along with the chair he was strapped to. Jack heard his body crash, then he repeated what Brandon had said. “The two of you?”

He wondered why he said that but when Jack turned around, Angela stood there with an expressionless face, almost as if she were a doll.

Jack looked back at Brandon’s body and was relatively upset. “Randolph!” he called out in an angered tone.

Waiting patiently for his arrival, Jack approached a traumatized Angela. “I’m sorry that you witnessed that.”

Angela didn’t react to anything he said. She just stood there like a statue.

Randolph came rushing down the basement stairs. “What man?! Can’t you see I was taking a shit? Goddamn…” As Randolph reached the last step, he was surprised to see Angela down there with Jack, until he spotted the body behind him.

“Randolph, I thought I told you to watch Angela?”

“Jack, what the hell man?” Randolph grabbed Angela, trying to snap her out of being shocked.

Jack walked up to him. “Listen alright! He tried molesting Angela, okay. I admit I did get a little carried away! Just take Angela while I clean this up.”

Randolph shook his head and without breaking her out of her unconscious state, he decided to carry her upstairs back to her room. Angela still wouldn’t move a muscle or react to anything, even when being lifted off her feet. She was so shocked at what she saw that she couldn’t believe how far Jack had taken things.

As Randolph carried Angela back to her room, Jack stood next to Brandon’s body and looked at his own bloodstained hands. He wondered if he was sick instead of this sicko. He shook his head and stared at the cold concrete ceiling. The basement light rocked from side to side in the darkness, then suddenly started to flicker.

Jack wondered if he was a hazard to his own sister, because he wasn’t sure if she’d be safe around him any longer. He loved her to death and would do anything for her.

“What’s wrong with me?” Jack asked, throwing the scissors at Brandon’s lifeless body.

I guess I am sick…

The lights continued flickering and swinging continuously. Jack didn’t know that the girl in white stood behind him, slowly approaching from behind. She giggled softly and embraced him into the shadows of darkness.

Randolph set Angela on her bed, feeling worried for her safety after what Jack had just done. He understood that Brandon had done something horrible, a deplorable act no one should ever endure, and deserved every type of punishment imaginable. But was it necessary to torture let alone murder someone like that in the worst way possible.

Randolph sighed, tucking Angela into her bed. “I understand how you feel baby, but your bro’s not right. I hope you finally understand what we’ve been meaning to tell you.”

He got up and opened her door. But I know that you’ll never end up like him. That’s why Eric and I are trying our best to ensure a better future for you. He walked out and closed her door.

Angela stared at her ceiling with empty eyes. She finally snapped out of it, then placed her hands on her face and began crying. “What have you become, brother?”

She continued whimpering. You really are sick in the head…

Getting out of her bed to stand at her window in front of her desk, Angela cried deeply. Sunlight shined through as she stood in front of it, thinking about what Jack had become.

She placed her hands over her chest. “Even though you’ve become this sick, I’ll still love you no matter what you’ve become.”

Her vision started blurring. She felt very light headed. I’ll-I’ll do anything to get my brother…

Angela reached for a photo of her and Jack they took four years ago that was placed on the desk. “The brother who saved me from that hell.” As tears rolled down her face, she lost her balance and fell.

As she lay on the floor, the picture slowly drifted down beside her. The girl in white stood in the corner and watched it land.

She walked next to Angela and bent down to ruffle her hair. “That’s it. The weaker you’ll get mentally…” she said, leaning into her ear, “…will be the day I’ll take back what was rightfully mine.” She continued patting Angela’s head and started singing a sad lullaby. Sunlight slowly faded away until Angela’s room succumbed to total darkness.