It was almost agonizing in its return, that barely remembered sensation from the dark, terrifying night in the hospital, his grandmother awkwardly rushing him down a hallway. She’d ripped him from the blissful consciousness. He’d almost protested, until he saw the creature emitting the feeling, and whatever joy he felt dissolved into wretched despair.

The feeling had happened more than once that night: it came again from the scattering, horrible things in the hospital waiting room, and then finally from the multicolored lights from the ships in the sky that promised exultation if he just stepped out of the truck and walked into the beams of light.

The light.

The light in the trees. He remembered. At last, he remembered.

Forget Brian and Greg and their stupid game. Jerks. They can have their stupid tent; it means they don’t see what I see. What was it, that far into Grandpa Tom’s woods? I’ll get there first before they even notice it. They’ll feel bad for not letting me in.

I hope Mom doesn’t get mad about my muddy socks. Everything’s so wet from the rain, but I’ve gotta see it. That light is so bright!

I hear Brian, he’s calling my name. I know it’s him. I can always tell the difference between him and Greg running in the house. Brian always dragged his feet more. Well, I can run too, Brian. I’m faster than you. I beat you.

It almost hurts to look up at it, but it feels so good. Like the sun. It’s like I can fly! I am flying! Look, Brian, I’m above the trees! Can you see me?

The light’s gone. I’m cold. I’m in the dark, I’m somewhere else. I can’t see anything! Brian! Brian! Something’s coming. I want to go back. Brian, something’s coming—

William staggered back, and the ecstasy struck him again. All his pleasure sensors were firing at once, resulting in a painful erection. He was protected and loved and cared for. All he had to do was step into the machine, where more joy awaited.

He walked without fear of slipping now, even though the path was barely a foot wide. He was safe and secure.

His mind, however, was screaming.

It has you! It has you! Get to to the girl!

But the drenching comfort showed there was nothing to fear, certainly not in the machine.

It’s not a machine! It’s part of it! Flesh and metal! Blood vessels and lights and straining membranes inserting into cords. God, something’s rising—

It emerged like a pocket of air bubbling up from a putrid swamp. As he reached it, a pod surfaced, directly beside the one containing the girl. The grime covering it began to peel back; it was large enough to step inside.

No! No! Don’t go in! Get to her—