It was six thirty in the morning. The sun would be up soon, somewhere behind all those clouds. He didn’t have anything to be afraid of.

Brandon ran faster. He was flying now. He’d almost reached the tree.

Soon he could stop and wait for Felicia. When she caught up to him he could tell her what he’d thought he’d seen. They could laugh about it together.

Ten yards to go.

The shadow was still there. It looked bigger than before. More solid.

Brandon kept going. Kept going a little farther. He was in an all-out sprint now, and closed the space between himself and the tree in a few leaps.

The shadow was gone. Brandon had outrun it. Relief flooded his chest. He smiled.

Then something slammed into his chest, knocking him to the ground.

Brandon lay panting on his back, his eyes closed. His head throbbed where it had hit the dirt.

His mind was foggy. A sharp sound rang in his ears. He smelled apples baking.

It felt like he was lying under a brick wall. But there was no wall at this part of the lake.

“Brandon!” Felicia was far behind him, her voice a shriek instead of a chirp. “Brandon, are you okay?”

Brandon tried to sit up, to call out to her that he was fine. That she didn’t need to worry.

When he opened his eyes, Rafael was looking back at him.

Brandon tried to scream. No sound came.

Rafael smiled.

His eyes were solid black. He was bloodier than in the dreams. Dark red liquid streamed down his face, dripping onto his neck. The knife he held in front of Brandon’s face was covered in slick red blood that dribbled down his arm.

Footsteps pounded behind them on the dirt path.

Then Brandon understood.

Rafael was going to hurt Felicia.

Brandon lifted his arms. His right arm wouldn’t move, so he reached for Rafael with his left. He’d squeeze the life out of him if that’s what it took.

His hand gripped nothing but air.

“Leave her alone!” Brandon tried to shout. His lips wouldn’t move.

“Brandon!” Felicia shrieked again. She’d caught up with him. She was gripping his shoulders, lifting him up, shaking him.

Get away, he wanted to tell her. Get away! He’s dangerous!

He still couldn’t speak. He couldn’t see Rafael anymore.

He couldn’t see Felicia either. All he saw was darkness.

His eyes had closed again. He couldn’t make them open.

“Stop it!” another girl’s voice cried. “Let go! You’re only hurting him worse!”

Maria.

Maria was here. Just like in his dream.

Brandon wanted to tell her to get away too. Rafael couldn’t have gone far. He could still hurt either one of the girls, and—

Wait. Why was Maria here?

Felicia released his shoulders. Brandon sank back into the ground. It felt soft. Like a pillow.