Four days had passed since they laid their grandmother to rest. Life slowly returned to normal, and Tashia focused once again on her studies.
But something disturbed her—her grandmother's presence lingered, especially in her dreams. Night after night, Felicia would appear, sometimes simply staring into nothing, her face clouded with sadness.
And sometimes, she said just one word.
Help.
Tashia couldn't make sense of it. The woman who had caused her so much grief was gone, and yet, her spirit seemed to cling to her. Adding to her confusion was the recurring image of Ashley—crying, blood streaming down her face.
Tashia scratched her neck out of habit. She and her sister Vivianne had always shared something different, even as kids. A strange ability to see things others couldn't—visions, dreams, and events no one would believe. It was a gift passed down from Grandma Felicia.
Sitting at her desk, Tashia stared at her schoolwork. Now a third-year college student studying BS Architecture, she couldn't afford distractions. Her majors were demanding. She needed focus.
But her ability—her curse—was beginning to get in the way.
Grandma, whatever you're trying to say, please tell me clearly, she prayed silently.
She let out a sigh. She was alone in the room; her older sister was at work.
I'll finish this later. I just need a quick nap, she told herself.
Night crept in. Tashia turned off the main light, leaving only her lampshade on. Dressed in her pajamas, she climbed into bed.
She drifted off to sleep—but when she opened her eyes again, she was no longer in her room.
Am I traveling again? The thought struck her with dread. She had avoided this for so long. The visions were too painful.
But it was too late now.
Darkness surrounded her. She saw a woman dressed in white walking ahead.
Tashia's heart skipped a beat.
Grandma Felicia.
She called out, but her grandmother didn't respond. She just kept walking deeper into the dark.
Two more figures appeared—one man, one woman. They flanked her grandmother like silent watchers. Then they all stopped.
"Help us."
Their eyes were heavy with sorrow.
Tashia swallowed hard. In what way can I help you? Grandma, please don't scare me like this. I'm not used to speaking with spirits.
"Help. There's no time left, Tash. Help us."
Suddenly, Tashia was pulled into a place even darker—completely devoid of light. She saw the three spirits again, bound and shackled by something invisible.
"W—What's going on? Why are you trapped?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Help us escape," a woman pleaded.
Tashia's thoughts spiraled. How? Why are they here? Who imprisoned them?
"There's no time left! Let us go!" The man shouted.
"My, my. You invited her here, and then you shout at her? That's no way to treat a guest," a new voice said.
Footsteps echoed. Someone tapped Tashia's shoulder. She turned—
And froze.
It was her. The woman she had seen before—with Sheila.
The woman smiled gently.
She's the one Vivianne mentioned, Tashia realized. Her voice caught in her throat.
"Dear, you shouldn't be here. Your soul doesn't belong in this place," the woman said softly.
"B—but… they're imprisoned. I need to help them," Tashia stammered.
"I locked them there."
The woman's admission stunned her.
"W—Why? What did they do to you?" Tashia asked, still lost in the chaos of it all.
"Felicia, you're dragging this child into matters she doesn't understand. Do you want her to get hurt?" The woman asked, turning to glare at Grandma Felicia.
"What did Grandma do to you?" Tashia asked again.
The woman—Leah—sighed.
"You need to return now. You're not the guest I'm waiting for," she said with a half-smile.
Guest? Tashia wondered.
Before she could react, Leah gently pushed her. As she began to fade, the woman whispered:
"Take care of the child you see in your dreams."
Tashia jolted awake, heart racing. Her mouth was dry. She got out of bed and went to the kitchen for water. There, she found her sister.
Vivianne had just returned from work.
"Tashia, are you okay?" she asked.
Tashia didn't respond immediately. She stared at the glass in her hands, then gave a quiet nod.
"I didn't wake you up earlier so you could rest," Vivianne said while eating.
Tashia sat at the table, still shaken. Her visions… the traveling… it was happening again.
Who is she? she wondered. Why did she imprison them? And who is this guest she's waiting for?
Then the final question chilled her to the bone.
The child… did she mean Ashley?
"Tashia!" Vivianne shook her arm. "You spaced out. What's going on?"
"I can't stop thinking about Ashley," Tashia confessed, her voice quiet. "She keeps appearing in my dreams."
Vivianne set her spoon down. Her face turned serious.
"I've seen her too… in a hospital gown, crying in the dark," she admitted.
Tashia stared at her sister, stunned.
"That's exactly what I've been seeing too…"
"I didn't know how to tell anyone," Vivianne whispered. "Especially Sharlene."
Sharlene—their sister. How could they explain this to her?
"I just want Ashley to be safe," Vivianne continued. "My instincts are rarely wrong, Tashia."
Tashia nodded slowly.
"I know," she said. "Mine too."