The Dark Society

25

 Luis struggled to wake after a long night of cribbage. And though not an avid player, he enjoyed time with his parents. Nevertheless, he pulled the comforter over his head as his mother knocked on the door.

"Go away!" he insisted.

Caroline entered, seeming more excited than usual.

"Are you dragging yourself out of bed sometime today?"

"Why should I?"

His mother turned.

"Because everyone expects you."

Luis sat up and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Besides..." she added, "you don't want to disappoint, right?"

Luis sneered and nodded.

"I guess not."

She arranged the laundry while considering another question.

"Is Karen going with the group?"

He sighed.

"As far as I know."

Life was progressing with little reflection. Amid tests, social activities and the impending holiday, winter recess soon came. During which various seminars concluded, and Sabrina worked to complete arrangements. Motivated by memories of Jennifer, the recurring visions and other strange phenomena.

University staff were busy refining plans for the inaugural event. The common stood decorated to symbolize happiness and merriment. Holiday traditions everyone enjoyed, but one Sabrina recognized as the last.

It was 11:30, and Tatum and Lyndsey spent the morning chatting. While downstairs, Kyle and Logan sat, worried about Sabrina.

"It's not a wise idea," Logan declared.

"What do you think we should do?" Kyle asked, joining his brother in the kitchen.

"I don't know..." he replied. "But Lyndsey's spending a lot of time with Tatum."

Kyle pondered this.

"I'm surprised, seeing how Karen keeps her on such a short leash."

Logan glanced toward the ceiling, expecting to hear something from the apartment above.

"Even so..." Kyle continued, "we should call Brie."

Logan nodded and began dialing. They'd tried to contact Sabrina recently, but received no response. This time, however, if there was no answer, they'd visit in person.

The phone rang, and Logan pressed the receiver to his ear.

"Hey, it's been a while."

"Hi, stranger," Sabrina answered.

"Where've you been?"

"I needed time..." she confessed. "But everything's fine, so there's no need to worry."

Kyle moved closer and listened in.

"Are you attending the festival?"

"Yes..." she responded. "I look forward to seeing everyone."

Logan glanced at Kyle.

"Are you going alone?"

Sabrina hesitated.

"I'm going with the house..." she said. "I'll feel more comfortable."

Logan groaned, but felt relieved.

"We can't wait to see you."

She paused.

"If anything changes, I'll let you know."

Logan hung up and looked at Kyle.

"Do you think she knows?"

He smirked.

"We have the advantage; no one does."