The Hunt

Chapter 35

In conclusion, we strive to bring peace to our world. To keep our families safe and without fear. To allow them to live in a world where the creatures of nightmares do not wake them and deprive them of their sleep. Where they can dream of a future full of possibilities, never having to know what could have been. We believe that once we accomplish this, our jobs will be done.

Hunter’s Codex, Conclusion statement, pg. 1287

Today is three weeks. Three weeks since Michelle hasn’t left the house. She hasn’t gone to any of her classes or spoken to anyone outside of me or Alice. Even when Caden and Alice showed up with all of her stuff from her apartment, she only spoke with Alice. Caden hung back, in the living room. The first week consisted of shutting herself into our room and only coming out to use the restroom. She didn’t come out for food, I had to bring that to her and even then, most of it was left untouched. 

Eventually she came out more to get herself food, even if it was just a pack of crackers. Just last week she sat with me in the living room while I knit. She picked out the color of yarn and watched as it slowly turned into the semblance of a hat. That became her new favorite thing to do, to sit and watch me knit something. It didn’t have to be anything in particular, I think the repetitiveness of it helped distract her. 

Nights were still difficult. She’s woken up at least once, every night, from some form of nightmare. When I asked her about them she wouldn’t tell me anything, so I just held her while she went in and out of sleep. 

Even still, she tries to act okay. I regretted not going with her that day. To get her stuff, or even after everything, to bring her home. I sent her with my father instead because I knew he could keep her safe. 

There was another reason why I sent her with him, too. I wanted to go back and check on things. There was no way Chris survived that, but I felt like I owed it to him to make sure. So we could know, without a doubt. Unfortunately, by the time I had made it back through, he was gone. Cassy had been there. She left her Aunt’s body but took his. 

When I told Michelle this, she didn’t really make much of a response. She just nodded and continued to sit in the bed.

It wasn’t until about four days ago, when her mom called, that she showed any signs of real change. 

Michelle was in the bath, trying to relax, when her phone rang. She had a few unread texts from her mom and a missed call over the past week so I answered. “Hello?”

In perfect mom fashion, she didn’t skip a beat and said, “Who is this?” 

“This is Will.” I tried my best to sound pleasant, and not like the world had done a complete 180.

“Hm. Why are you answering my daughter’s phone?” 

“Well, she’s taking a bath right now and I didn’t think I should let a call from her mom go unanswered.” I responded.

She didn’t say anything for a minute, probably trying to determine if I was telling the truth or not. “You’re right, her mom should never go unanswered. So, tell me, then, why has she been ignoring my texts?”