A/N: As usual, I would recommend putting the video on loop.

For the rest of the day, it had been tense, and the following days were as well. A week had passed before security dropped around the perimeter of (f/n)'s home. It hadn't been until then that she was able to safely retrieve her purchases from the car. Thankfully, her parents hadn't needed to use it since they had been well stocked on groceries. (F/n) had managed to sneak the items into her room in the afternoon when her mother had been busy tending to a client and their family. Her father had been taking an early shower.

Still, it had been strange that no sight of the creature had been made. He had seemingly disappeared along with the two detectives. (F/n) had wondered if he had been killed by something, which was unlikely, or he had decided to leave town. That didn't make sense, though, given her deal with him, but she wasn't complaining. Her life had returned relatively to its normal ways. Even her terrifying visions had dwindled a little bit since her mind had finally been able to settle down from constant terror.

It had come at even more of a shock when two more weeks had passed, and the creature had never shown himself. Everyone in the town was beginning to assume that he had truly left or been killed. Security still remained around the funeral home, but it had dropped significantly. There were only four well-armed individuals in total: two at the front and two at the back.

The chief had updated her parents and her each week, but his answer had been the same. No news had been made on the creature. He even had a team go to Nick's apartment, but the male had informed them that he hadn't heard anything either. Nick had only said to send a greeting (f/n)'s way.

Stretching, (f/n) leaned back in her desk chair. She closed her laptop computer and let out a peaceful sigh. If another week passed, it would be a month since she had seen that awful thing. The teen hoped that he was dead. Almost, she thought that she had heard a giggle behind her. (F/n) peeked over her left shoulder and saw nothing there. A smile rested on her lips; she was still on her own.

Occasionally, she would see or hear something, but it wasn't as bad as before. She figured that it truly wouldn't go away until there was some confirmation that the creature was deceased, but it was at a tolerable level now. (F/n) would mostly ignore them or roll her eyes. Her mind was simply playing tricks on her, and it was nothing to bother herself with.

She shut off and closed her laptop; she was meeting Haley for coffee. Ever since the incident with Dean, she had been meeting Haley twice a week. Haley had her friends from the high school, but they hadn't been there when she had received the call about Dean. It had been a surprise when she first had received the call from Haley, but she had agreed to the first meeting and discovered the reason why the younger teen wanted to talk to her and not her friends.

Haley had mentioned that they were sympathetic towards her, but she couldn't talk to them completely when they acted so ... normal. They didn't fully grasp what she was going through, and one of her friends had even mentioned that she had only known Dean for four months, so she shouldn't be crying so much. It wasn't a good environment for her, and the younger teen had stated that she wanted someone more understanding of death and the grieving process to talk to.

Today, (F/n) imagined that her conversation with Haley would center around his funeral since Dean's parents presumed him to be dead. They wanted a place where they could at least visit their son even if he truly wasn't resting there. Mr. and Mrs. Nexem had an appointment at the funeral home four days ago and had offered for Haley to join them. The teen had refused.

(F/n) grabbed her outdoor layers and informed her parents that she was leaving. Once in the car, she drove off to a local coffee shop. She avoided the road next to the woods, and she probably would continue to do so. It held dreadful memories for her, and she didn't wish to revisit them. Already, she was dealing with Laura and Dean's funerals, which were constant reminders of the creature's horrible ways.

Talking with Haley didn't help with that, but (f/n) knew that she needed consolation. If Haley wanted it from her, she would provide it, and two days a week was manageable. When she pulled into the parking lot, she spotted Haley's car. Most likely, she had already ordered coffees for them both since they would switch on buying it for the other.

Leaving her car, she entered the building and saw Haley at one of the back tables. She looked out of it, and (f/n) could tell that her mind wasn't at the coffee shop. Quietly, (f/n) took her seat and saw a warm, French vanilla cappuccino in front of her. Haley had her hands wrapped tightly around her glass, but (f/n) didn't say anything.

When Haley looked up, she looked like she was about to speak, but nothing came out. She gazed back to her own coffee. (F/n) would give her all the time that she needed, or she would try to. Her parents did want her back at the house before dark. In fact, most people didn't go outside at night. Even though the creature hadn't popped up for some time, everyone remained cautious.

"What did his parents decide on? Can you tell me every detail?" Haley finally spoke, her eyes focused on the steam rising from her coffee. "I want to know what I should add, and I'll pay for it. He deserves it."

Taking a careful sip of her coffee, (f/n) felt her chest tighten. Haley was right, and it pained her to know that Dean was already in the cemetery in an unmarked grave. He didn't even have the carnation that she had left him. She wanted to cry and apologize to Haley, but she couldn't. The creature was gone, but he wasn't definitely dead. No apologies could be made until she knew for certain.

After another sip of coffee, she managed to force her guilt away. She couldn't break down in front of Haley. Wrapping her hands around the cup, the warmth helped as she discussed the arrangements being made for his funeral. Haley had listened closely even though her gaze never met (f/n)'s. Tears did leave the younger teen, and a few sobs followed. Several napkins were taken from the table, and she used them to blow her nose.

Once everything was told to Haley, (f/n) waited until she was ready to talk again. "D-do you ha-have a p-paper and p-pen, (f/n)?" she stuttered while she retrieved another napkin.

"Yes, just let me know what you need. We can discuss prices later if you want. I'll try to make it as affordable as I can."

"Thank you, but you can be upfront with me now. Even if I can only add one thing, I'll be fine with that. I just ..." She bit her lower lip and stared at the napkins, but she didn't grab another. "Just let me know what the options are and their costs."

It took a few more hours and two more cups of coffee before they finished. Several times, (f/n) had to stop and let Haley have some quiet. (F/n) had made sure to go over the details slowly since she didn't want Haley to think that she was rushing her. Before any of her decisions could be pursued, they would have to be run by his parents.

Aware of that fact, Haley thanked and hugged (f/n) goodbye. (F/n) left shortly after and headed back home. There was about another hour of light, so she took her time. When she arrived home, she saw mother and father out in the cemetery, most likely making arrangements for Dean's funeral. She left the car and called out that she was back. They waved to her before they returned to their business.

Going inside, she closed the door behind her and headed up to her room. She was looking forward to grabbing a nice soda from her mini fridge. Due to the creature's absence, she had stored some of his ... food in the freezer, but the rest she had to dispose of. The smell of her fridge had been awful, and it was starting to stink outside of it. A lot of cleaner had to be used to get rid of it. Luckily, no one had thought to check their trash on garbage day.

A few feet from her door, she froze. Her feet took steps back. Something felt ... off. She picked up the sound of ice breaking. Maybe, it was her mind playing tricks on her again. (F/n) took another step back. There was time to walk away. It was light outside, but then ... how? Had the creature adjusted to daylight in the last three weeks? He had disappeared with those two detectives during the day, but she didn't want to believe it.

Soft footfalls hit her ears. They were coming towards her. The doorknob turned. Her heart pounded. Eyes widening, she thought that she might faint. She was just beginning to get better, but everything seemed to be rushing in on her again. And, you thought that you could get away. Roughly, she turned, but neither Brent nor Dean was there.

Cracking open, the door revealed a dark room. She couldn't see him, but she knew that he was there. He was inviting her in, but she wouldn't step closer; she didn't desire to return to that nightmare. "No," she muttered before she took more steps back. "I refuse." Her denial had been barely audible, and the door opened more.

Nails wrapped themselves around the edge of the door and tapped. It was as though she was listening to a death drum roll. The door moved more, and she saw bare feet step out from the darkness. Her eyes trailed up and recognized every feature. When she met his eyes, he grinned. "Hungry?"