One Out of Four

Chapter 3.

Diana is in her room, lying on the bed. In front of the bed is a screen that Diana uses to monitor Kacey and Kyle's room.

Muffled sounds of screaming are heard from a regular-sized white closet. Marco is tied up with rope, and there's more rope around a red ball covering Marco's mouth.

Diana walks up to the closet and hits it three times with her foot. "Shut up!" she yells.

She chuckles softly and says, "I wouldn't want anyone to hear you."

The muffled sounds from Marco's voice grow louder, further infuriating Diana. She opens the closet door with anger.

She removes a small red ball from Marco's mouth, still wrapped in rope.

With heavy breathing and sweat running down Marco's forehead, he is finally free to speak. "Why are you doing this to me?" he demands answers.

"Because I love you!" Diana yells.

Marco glares at Diana. The anger on his skin becomes visible. "You won't get away with this!" he shouts. He grunts as the ropes fail to leave his body.

Diana rolls her eyes and puts the red ball back inside his mouth to keep him quiet. She says softly, "Watch me."

Continuously, Kacey is lying down, facing up on her bed. Her head stares at the ceiling as she thinks to herself.

Kyle is sleeping on his side.

Kacey's POV: When I was young, I thought getting adopted meant having a new family... I always dreamed of feeling loved by a parent. But I guess that dream continues.

Kyle's body shakes heavily in his sleep.

Kyle's dream is the following:

Carol wakes up in the hospital. She looks around, but her vision has faded. "Where is my family?" Carol questions, starting to panic.

Once her vision becomes clear, she spots her son Kyle beside her.

Kyle stares at his mom with gratitude and excitement. "Mom!" he cries out.

A smile appears on Carol's face as they hug tightly. "I miss you, baby," she tells him.

Kyle sniffles. "I miss you," he responds very emotionally.

Their hug comes to an end. Carol strokes Kyle's chin softly with her thumb. "I have to go now," Carol tells Kyle. She gently wipes away Kyle's tears as they stream down his cheeks; sadness can be seen in the eyes his mother gave him.

Kyle stares at his mother confused. "Where are you going, Mommy?" he inquires.

Kyle takes a breath pause. "Back home? With me, Dad, and Kacey?" he goes on, with joyfulness overcoming the sadness on his face.

Carol carefully shakes her head twice, moving it from left to right. "No, my love, my home," she clarifies.

Kyle raises his eyebrows in confusion. "What does that mean, Mommy?"

As an attempt to hold on to her hand, Carol fades, leaving behind nothing but memories.

The dream comes to an end.

Kyle's body shakes more heavily, but he is unable to open his eyes.

Kacey spots this as she gets out of bed and rushes over to Kyle.

She stands next to Kyle, shaking him. "Kyle! Kyle!" Kacey shouts.

Kyle opens his eyes and screams.

Kacey kneels beside his bed and holds his hands. "Are you okay?" she asks.