I crawl into bed, expecting Tina to make good on her promise of another Christmas gift, but sleep overtakes me before she ever arrives. One moment I'm staring at the ceiling, half-listening for footsteps, and the next, everything slips away.
When I open my eyes again, I'm no longer in my room.
I find myself standing in Vage's room.
For a moment, my vision goes fuzzy, as though someone has smeared grease across my eyes. The world blurs and doubles, and I have to blink several times before it slowly comes back into focus. The familiar shapes of the room settle into place, sharp and unmistakable, and a knot tightens in my chest.
I really hadn't expected to come back here. Last night was supposed to be my final treatment with the white light. That was what Vage had said. Yet here I am again, standing in the same alien space that has haunted my dreams and waking thoughts alike.
I wait for the glow, but it never comes.
