You're both facing adversity in life. In a sense, you've both been raped. Julia in a literal sense and yourself in a mental sense. Catia cursed you and has left you a shell of your former self.The past few days have been hell. Why not reconnect with a old friend and see if it leads anywhere? Everyday you walk to the Cinnamon Pearl Cafe hoping to see Julia. A few days go by and you never see her, however it's not all bad. You're now eating and staying hydrated, which is never a bad thing. You haven't seen any shadow people in days and have stopped having nightmares. Things are looking up for you.


One day after ordering your usual (a cup of coffee and cinnamon toast) Julia walks in. She's all alone and you make eye contact with her. She winks at you and holds up a finger indicating that you should give her a second. You watch as she orders a coffee and raisin bread. After paying, she walks over to join you.


"I'm surprised to see you here," she says.


"I'm here all the time now. I mean, their coffee's really great."


She laughs and asks,


"How have you been doing?"


"I'm great, but I've been worrying about you, how have you been holding up?"


She gets a little teary eyed while saying,


"That's so sweet of you, but you don't have to worry about me. I'm planning on leaving Ashton tomorrow morning."


You sit mouth agape shocked at the news. She could have easy left without telling you. You might have gone mad waiting for her, but now you have a chance to leave with her.


"Why are you leaving? I get why you might not want to live in a place with bad memories of your past, but why leave so soon?"


"It's no longer safe here and you should know better than anyone being a guard and all."


"Former guard, and what do you mean it's not safe? I haven't heard of any demon sightings..."


"Well there was one just a few nights ago and people living in Ashton died. I have family up in Kingsburg and know I'll be safe there."


"Are you going all alone or bringing anyone with you?"


"As of now, all alone. I don't know how difficult travel will be, back if I survive, I'll finally have a place to call home."


You really don't think it's a good idea for her to travel alone. One for the selfish reason of wanting to be close to her, but also because it's the middle of winter and travel hasn't been safe since the demonic invasion. This is all happening so fast, you barely know Julia the adult considering you just reconnect with you. Will she even let you come with her if you ask?

You wish her good luck and say goodbye

"Well best of luck, but I have to go."


"Ok...goodbye."


You leave and give her a smile, but on the inside you feel horrible. Why didn't you ask if you could come along? The worse that could happen is her saying no, but at least you could say you tried. You arrive home and spend all day inside. During sleep, you have your first nightmare in days. Seeing no reason to go to the Cinnamon Pearl Cafe now that's Julia is gone, you stay inside all day. The shadow people start showing up in the corner of your vision and they taunt you relentlessly. Since you're not eating or drinking, you don't have the energy to leave bed anymore. You spend the next few days like this regretting the choice you made.


On a day like any other, you die from dehydration during your sleep. Rest easy knowing you'll never have a nightmare again.