Chapter 7: An Abandoned House

The weekend rolls on at a steady pace. Monday greets Crash with an eager energy. The anxious teenager rides his bike to school with a mission in mind. 'I have to ask Alex,' he thinks with determination.

Crash texts his friend that he has an important question. The statement causes the other to worry. Yet, Alex does not openly stress his concern in fear of the other refusing to share information. With a meeting time in place, the two continue their day.

From the opening bell, Crash finds focusing on school difficult. He sits in class with a complacent stare—captivated by daydreams.

From lecture to lecture, Crash is unable to ground himself into the present. He sits in history class staring at the front of the room. The teacher continues her lesson plan without noticing the youth's lack of attention. Crash's eyes may be pinned to the whiteboard. However, he can only see the vision playing in his mind. Subconsciously, he clicks his tongue in discomfort. The touch of a hand brings Crash to the present.

From the desk behind, Karma gives him a note. The surprised teen takes her letter. He unfolds the paper and reads: 'are you alright?' Crash's cheeks flush from embarrassment. He does not intend to cause his friends to worry. Crash writes a quick reply: 'just nervous for the little one.' He watches for the teacher's gaze.

As she turns her head towards the board, the teenager sneaks his note back to sender. Once the message is read, Karma looks at him with sympathy. She nods her head in agreement. Crash smiles sadly and casts his attention towards the teacher.

After another moment, he peers at his bare notebook. 'How can anyone expect to study when there's a missing child?' The teenager's unease grips his throat.

The class ends as the chime rings on the overhead speaker. Crash leaves the room with his friend close behind. She taps his shoulder. The two teens step towards the side of the hallway.

"Don't stress yourself out, Crash," she opens with a concerned expression. "I'm worried about the little girl, too. But, there's nothing much we can do."

"Well…I wish there was a way we could help," the other sighs. "I…just feel terrible."

"The only thing we can do is pray," Karma replies. "And send positive energy in hopes of her safe return."

She clasps a hand onto his shoulder. He nods in agreement. As the two bid each other 'goodbye,' Crash cannot help but to feel guilty. 'I'm sorry for not telling you the whole truth.' He shakes his head, disappointed in himself. Friends should be able to confide in one another.

"She may not understand," Crash whispers while walking towards his next class. "Then again, why am I telling Alex?"

His mind begins to wander. Crash's inner turmoil continues to grow as his sentiments expand as a volcano waits to erupt. The distracted teenager misses a step at the stairwell. His hand shoots outwards and latches onto the railing. A few snickers are heard around him.

Crash flushes in embarrassment. Once he regains balance, the teenager continues his day.

The remaining courses transpire without much alarm. Crash attempts to follow his friend's suggestion: don't worry.

At first focusing on the next lecture is difficult. 'Breathe.' Crash's thoughts demand. He resumes the typical routine, holding his breath on the count of one…two…three…until he reaches ten. The trick seems to work better at keeping worries at bay. To Crash's surprise, he is able to relax for the rest of the school day.

Students cheer in excitement as the bell signals their dismissal. As the other teenagers exit the class with anticipation for the afternoon, Crash recoils into a state of unease. He gathers his belongings and walks to the library.

While watching his steps, Crash walks up the staircase with more care than his previous descent. As he enters the room, eyes scan for a familiar face. He notices Alex sitting in a corner with his hand in the air.

Once he sits down at the table, Crash realizes a change in the other's behavior. Alex does not have his typical cheery glow. He appears solemn and serious. The difference is alarming for the nervous teen.

"Hey Buddy," his friend greets in a calm tone. "What did you want to discuss?"

Despite a period of time where Crash feels more at ease, he returns to some old habits. He looks down and taps the table. After a quiet moment, the anxious teen sighs.

"Well, I had a bad dream," Crash pauses with a sad glance towards his friend. "It was about the little girl."

"Marie?" Alex asks with a brow raised. "Tell me, did you see a picture of her before going to bed?"

"No," the concerned teen shakes his head. "I saw her at the park…She was playing with her family until they left her…alone. From that point, I started to see the silhouette of a tall man and he took her…I couldn't see him clearly in the dream, but I saw her perfectly clear. When I woke up, I couldn't believe it…Eventually, I found an article on my cell phone…The little girl in the photo was the same one as in my dream."

The distraught teen takes time to detail his experience. Crash's discomfort is evident. Instead of responding, Alex casts a glance at the other students in the library. They do not seem engaged in eavesdropping. Yet, he decides that they cannot talk further in such a public space.

"Why don't I walk home with you today," Alex suggests. "Then we can talk more about the dream."

Crash regards the other with confusion. He tilts his head in response. 'I wonder if he believes me.' The worried one thinks to himself. 'I can't see why he wants to leave.' Regardless of his disturbing dream, now Crash wonders if sharing it is a mistake. He gives a heavy sigh.

"Okay." He nods. "Let's go."

The small party of two leave the library. Once they ready their mounts, Crash and Alex move towards the direction of the first's home. The ride is initially quiet as numerous folks pass along the streets. Alex takes the initiative to show his friend another path. The blue-eyed teen finds himself with more questions and doubts about the conversation. On the other hand, he agrees with the other's direction.

Willow Street is adjacent to Crash's own road. Today is his first experience riding along the sidewalk. As he studies the road, he notices less people outside. There are some vacant homes that make him feel uneasy.

"Okay," Crash finally speaks. "Can you please tell me what you think of my dream?"

The other pushes himself forward slowly on his skateboard. His green eyes look towards his friend with growing concern.

"Dude, don't you see?" Alex's voice cracks. "You didn't have a dream—you had a vision!"

Crash stops his bike. He stares at the other with a perplexed expression. 'Visions aren't real, are they?' The boy shakes his head.

"How is that…possible?" he asks while conflicted with the revelation.

"Some people just have a gift." Alex raises his finger in emphasis. "It's that simple. There are people who are sensitive to the spiritual world. So, whether they believe it or not, they get certain abilities that aren't always explainable."

A mirage of images flash in Crash's mind. 'No, that can't be right.' He attempts to suppress the thoughts of the little girl and his familiar nightmare. 'I can't have a gift. Dreams are just dreams…Aren't they?' His attention shifts from Alex to home.

"I think I should get going." Crash begins to pedal away. "I'm sorry…I bothered you."

Alex watches him ride along the sidewalk for a moment. He shakes his head. 'Come on kid, the world is more than one can see with their naked eyes.' The teen takes in a deep breath and releases a heavy sigh. He suddenly notices something odd.

"Are you alright?" Alex calls out in alarm.

Suddenly Crash stops riding his bike. He presses a hand to his forehead. The searing pain is so strong that he fails to realize Alex's presence beside him. 'What the heck is wrong with me?' Confusion mixes with fear until a wave of understanding washes over troubled teen. Crash's gaze shoots towards his left. A shabby abandoned home stands in the midst of tall grass. A foreclosure sign is posted on the lawn. The feeling in his head diminishes. Crash's mouth drops as his breathing is exasperated.

"What was that?" Alex's voice breaks through the daze.

"She's in there," Crash points to the house. "I'm sure of it. The little girl is trapped inside."

Alex looks towards the house. His heart drops from the premonition. Yet, all the two can do is wonder—is it true?