The Dark Society

22

 Tatum and Lyndsey grew enamored with witchcraft. But Lyndsey's alliance with Karen was changing for the worse. Worse still, despite the sect's growing membership, one oddity remained: Sabrina.

She never sought attention, yet always held everyone captivated. Classmates mocked such adoration, but Sabrina embraced it. Though non-believers found these disparities unusual. Unaware, she felt afflicted and sought guidance.

Since this began, Sabrina remembered 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 the longing. Plus, housemates reached out to offer support, but Sabrina often remained alone.

English winters were harsh, which only fueled the 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, a warm smile eased anxieties.

"Hi, baby," her mother greeted.

Sabrina sulked.

"Hi Mom, I miss you."

"What time is it there?"

"About eleven."

Julia leaned forward.

"What's wrong?"

Sabrina struggled to explain recent experiences. Still reeling from the lingering effects of the ascension.

"Everything's getting worse,"

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. All the while, unsure what she'd seen was another vision or something 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?" Tim asked.

"Not exactly, 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.

"I know you're scared, but I told you before there'll be changes."

Sabrina leaned forward.

"Yes, but what do I do?"

"Come home."