The Dark Society

22

Tatum and Lyndsey had grown enamored with witchcraft, but Lyndsey's alliance with Karen was changing her for the worse. Despite the sect's growing membership, one oddity remained: Sabrina. She was the only one who never sought attention, yet she always held everyone captivated.

As time passed, classmates mocked such adoration, but Sabrina seemed to embrace it. The non-believers found these disparities unusual, unaware that she was afflicted and seeking guidance.

Since this began, Sabrina had pondered her previous encounters with Jennifer, eager to discover their meaning. Until then, she focused on the future, since getting answers seemed impossible--another reality she felt compelled to accept.

Above all, she yearned to return home and reunite with her parents, and though friends sympathized, they couldn't ease her longing. Meanwhile, housemates had reached out frantically to offer support, but Sabrina often remained alone.

English winters were notoriously harsh, which only fueled her homesickness. Thus, while reminiscing, tears flowed as the pain of absence surged. Sabrina wanted to share these anxieties with her parents, and when Julia answered the call, her warm smile eased any doubts.

"Hi, baby," her mother greeted.

"Hi Mom..." she murmured. "I miss you."

"What time is it there?"

"About eleven."

Julia leaned forward. "What's wrong?"

Sabrina struggled to explain her recent experiences, still reeling from the lingering effects of her ascension.

"Everything's getting worse," Sabrina said.

Her mother looked puzzled. "How do you mean?"

Sabrina tensed and exhaled. "Visions, tremors, and unexplainable blackouts."

Tim settled beside his wife. "How's my beautiful daughter?"

Sabrina brightened. "Hi, Dad. I miss you."

Tim leaned closer. "I miss you too. I hope you're still coming home."

"Around the 23rd or 24th."

Julia noticed her daughter's uncertainty. "What else?"

Sabrina's gaze shifted between the bathroom and her hands, unsure whether what she'd witnessed was another vision or something more tangible.

"Mom..." she began. "The apparitions are getting more vivid."

Julia felt uneasy but tried to help her daughter understand. "Go on."

"I can't explain it..." Sabrina elaborated. "They're like vibrant spirits trying to reach out."

Julia tensed. "They?"

Sabrina paused, giving her parents time to grasp the seriousness. "I don't know their names, but I see them often."

Tim and Julia clasped hands, recognizing the implications. "Do they speak to you?" her father asked.

"Not exactly..." she replied. "But they seem eager and accepting."

Julia shifted forward. "When was the last time?"

Sabrina shrugged. "It's been a while... but when we connect, things feel better."

Her mother adjusted her position. "I know you're scared, but I told you before--there will be changes."

Sabrina leaned forward. "Yes, but what do I do?"

"Come home."