Page 48 of Dark Awakening

Before I can overthink it, I grab my phone to arrange a visit, hands fumbling clumsily in my haste. But even as I start dialing, icy fingers of doubt creep down my spine. Can I really outrun these shadows haunting me? Or will they follow me wherever I go?

Shoving the doubts aside, I focus on the plan, this small ray of hope. I just need time away to clear my head and regain balance. My parents' ordinary world seems like a haven from the chaos threatening to consume me right now.

I clutch the phone tighter, allowing this temporary escape to strengthen me. I just need a chance to catch my breath before diving back into the mysteries awaiting me. Please let this work, I plead silently. Let me find some peace again amid the madness.

Mom answers warmly, lifting my spirits instantly.

"Hi, sweetheart! How are you?"

"Hey, Mom," I reply, smiling genuinely. "Hanging in there. Any chance I could visit this weekend? I need a break."

"Of course, Dani!" she exclaims. "We've missed you so much!"

I hang up with my parents and just stand there for a minute, emotionally drained. My suitcase sits by the door, taunting me. This whole freaky supernatural situation has me tied up in knots.

What the hell do I even tell my folks? "Surprise, I'm a mutant now?" They'd have me committed. No, I'll have to figure out this weirdness on my own.

The lights in my apartment suddenly flicker, making me jump. I guess my powers don't like being ignored. With a tired laugh, I lug my suitcase to the door.

A trip home might help me sort through this madness. I desperately need the comfort of familiar surroundings. But a voice in my head whispers I can't run forever. This is just a temporary break from the crazy.

I find myself rubbing my neck. Lately, it tingles whenever I think about Rhyland. His mysterious vampire voodoo pull won't just disappear.

With a sigh, I shut down the anxious thoughts for now. I need this time-out, even if the shadows creep back soon. Zipping my suitcase angrily, I head out the door before I overthink this.

The answers to this insanity are waiting here for when I'm ready. But for now, I'm gonna take a breather in a place where magic doesn't exist. Here's hoping for a little peace and quiet, at least for a while.

The lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest landscape flies by my car window, the rolling hills and dense forests soothing my frayed nerves. I flex my stiff hands on the steering wheel, trying not to recall the bizarre magical energy that has recently crackled through them. No—I need to focus on the tranquil scenery ahead, deliberately shutting out thoughts of mysteries and chaos. This weekend is just for my parents and me.

I glimpse myself in the rearview mirror—exhaustion etched in every line on my face. I blink hard and crank down the window, letting the brisk wind blast the fatigue away. I need to hold it together a little longer.

Turning at last onto their familiar street, my heart leaps as I spot the quaint stone house nestled among the soaring pines. Gravel crunches under my tires as I pull into the driveway lined with rhododendrons in full bloom. The front door flies open before I've parked, and Mom and Dad rush to greet me.

Their smiling faces lift my spirits like sunshine breaking through clouds.

“Hey, sweetheart!” Mom says against my hair, her arms wrapped around me.

“Mom,” I breathe, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I wrap my arms around her. Mom's silver hair tickles my nose. She smells of lavender and home-cooked meals, and the last of my defenses crumble.

“Welcome home, Dani,” Dad chimes in, pulling me into a bear hug once Mom has released me. Dad's plaid shirt is soft under my cheek, “We missed you.” Their arms feel like a bulwark, keeping the shadows and mysteries at bay for now. I inhale deeply, comforting nostalgia washing over me.

“I missed you too, Dad.” I sniff, wiping away tears before they can fall. “Both of you.”

“Come on, let’s get you inside,” Mom says gently, guiding me toward the house. “You must be tired from the drive.”

“Actually, I feel better now that I’m here,” I admit with a small smile. “Just being with you guys makes everything else seem less… overwhelming.”

“Let us take care of you this weekend,” Dad suggests as we step into the familiar warmth of their home. “We’ll help you forget everything weighing you down.”

The soft glow of the evening sun filters through the windows, casting a warm light on the walls.

“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, stepping into the cozy room that has always been my sanctuary during visits. The quilted bedspread and lace curtains were unchanged, as comforting as ever. Setting my bags down, I take a deep breath, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

“Take your time settling in, Dani,” Mom tells me, reassuringly squeezing my hand. “Dinner will be ready soon.”

“Okay.” I nod, smiling at her before she leaves the room.

I unpack my clothes into the antique wooden dresser, its flowered wallpaper peeling slightly at the edges. While not my childhood home, I've come to know every corner of this cozy house since my parents retired here three years ago.

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