The tall woman unwrapped the dreams, sniffed a black sachet, then gave a little nod. “I’ll need another dozen tomorrow.”

“Another dozen?” Maren only had six nightmares left.

“And I’d like some of that whispering dust.”

Maren’s knees almost buckled. She wondered how the woman knew about the dust, then realized with a shudder that there must be more than one video of her and Hallie. This also meant, without a doubt, that the evil woman was giving the nightmares to other people. Otherwise, there’d be no need for the whispering dust. Maren felt like a worm. Worse than a worm. A slug.

“I can’t give you whispering dust,” she said. “Even I’m not allowed to touch it.”

“I don’t care how you get it,” said Maybe Ms. Malo. “Make it happen.”

“But that’s not fair,” said Maren. “We had a deal.”

The woman’s eyebrows stretched into an exaggerated display of pity. “Did you really think so? That’s sweet, but no. You’re mine now, Maren Eloise Partridge.”

Black stars spun in Maren’s vision. She was going to be sick.

“You’ll bring the dreams and the dust,” said the woman, “or everyone will know what you did.”

Maren spun on her heel and ran. Ugly, shrill laughter chased her around the corner of the hospital, past the entrance and into the parking lot, where the bus pulled up to the stop.

“Wait!” Maren’s desperate shriek rang out.

The doors opened, and Amos appeared on the steps, about to exit.

“Hey.” His grin faded to concern as he took in Maren’s flapping clothes and ragged expression. “What’s going on? Is she back?”

“No.” Maren wanted to get around him, but he blocked her way. “I just need to go home.” She wedged her elbow between him and the door and tried to squeeze past.

Amos didn’t budge. “Is your sister okay?”

“She’s fine!” spat Maren. “Can you please just move? You’re holding everybody up.”

“She’s right,” said the bus driver. “Keep moving, kid.”

Amos gave Maren a long look that said I see you. Then he stepped aside. Maren tripped up the stairs and dropped one of her quarters. It rolled down the aisle and she chased after it, crouching and cursing. By the time she finally found it under someone’s grocery bag, her breath came in gasps and tears dripped off the end of her nose.

As the bus pulled away from the hospital, Maren realized she’d forgotten to visit Hallie.

Thirteen