She could feel it happening as the nausea began to fade. A wave working its way through her, almost like a sexual peak that was slowly growing. She wanted to fight it, but at the same time, she was surrendering. Not because it was pleasurable, although it was, but because she believed she needed to become what he was, up to a point. But she couldn’t go past it. There had to be a sweet spot, where she had some but not all of his power. A stage from which she could return to her real self.

It all depended on her son.

Come on, Charlie.

“It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” Nabler said. “Think of what you’ll be capable of when everything is up and running. When you start sending your books into houses all over the world. It’ll be a bit hit-and-miss at the beginning, getting the balance just right. I wasn’t hitting my prime with the trains until the fifties. I’ll help you get started before I take my leave.”

“You’ll come back after you take Charlie home?”

“Well, about that,” Nabler said quietly. “I think you’re already far enough along to handle the truth about Charlie.”

Sleepily, Annie said, “What do you mean?”

“I can do a lot of things, Annie, but I can’t make people forget. That’s not in my repertoire. And I’m afraid Charlie can never leave here knowing what he knows, having seen what he’s seen. I’m sure you’re coming to understand that.”

Had they lifted off the floor? Was that possible? Annie moved her feet, as if they were hanging off the end of a chair. She and Nabler, in their embrace, had levitated. Just a few inches, she reckoned, but floating just the same.

“I didn’t want you to hurt him,” she whispered. “But I suppose you have to do what you have to do.”

“You see? You coming around that way, it’s already started, but we have a ways to go yet before you’re there. You’re a soufflé, Annie, rising to perfection, but one misstep and you’ll completely collapse.”

She thought she sensed a door opening and closing, although it couldn’t be heard over the trains.

Yes, yes, she was right. There was someone in the room with them.

“We have company,” Nabler said softly. “It’s okay. Whatever sad little trauma he might experience watching this won’t be with him for long.” And then, annoyedly, he said, “He still looks like the mess he was before.”

“Maybe he came inside to change his clothes,” Annie said dreamily, although she was still hanging on, part of her still in the real world.

“Hi, Mom,” Charlie said, taking a few steps closer. “You’re floating.”

“I know. It feels really strange.”

“I wanted to say goodbye again.”