Chapter 73

The train pitched to the left and picked up speed. The scenery sped past faster and faster. Christian jounced left and right. His heart leapt as they reached the point where he was certain they were careening out of control. The drug was making him woozy.

Then he heard an anguished cry. He blinked and there was his mother, dressed in funereal black and wringing her hands. Her mouth was contorted in fear and anguish.

“Mama, please don’t cry.” Christian could actually talk. “I’m so scared when you cry and I can’t make it better. Please be okay.”

For the first time ever in the dream, his mother turned to him. She blinked through tears. “Oh, honey. It’s not you. My pain comes from how the people around me treat you. You’ve brought me nothing but joy. I love you.”