Essence Of Evil

A Sickly Feeling

Once the refreshments were ready, Amanda returns to her family. "Bottoms up, everybody!" She said. Paul, Derek, and Odette each take a cup, while Amanda holds on to the one where she poured the fancy bottle and everyone drinks up.

"So, Derek, have you and your father done anything fun since he reentered your life?" Asked Paul. "We recreated my only remembered childhood memory, the day he taught me Catch & Fire." Said Derek. "Awww, I wish I could've seen it!" Said Amanda. "I watched them from inside and teared up, it was so sweet." Said Odette.

"Wait, what do you mean your 'only remembered childhood memory'? I thought there was more than that." Paul said. "Paul, do you remember when I showed you and Amanda the portrait of my father?" Derek asked. "Oh, right." Said Paul. "Shortly after I first saw it, I said I had very few memories of the time I spent with him." Said Derek. "From when you were little?" Amanda asked. "Yes, and I obviously had no idea about his disappearance." Derek said. "At least you get to make new memories now that he's in our lives again." Odette said.

Everyone nods in agreement, then Amanda puts her hand on her stomach. "You okay, Amanda?" Asked Derek. "I don't feel well all of a sudden." Said Amanda. "Maybe we came over at a bad time." Said Odette. "No, don't say that. Darling, was it something you ate?" Paul asked. "I don't know, I was fine when I got up this morning." Amanda said. She breaks into a coughing fit.

"That doesn't sound good." Odette said. "Maybe I'll feel better after getting some sleep." Said Amanda. "Good idea. It may still be early, but your health is important." Said Paul. Amanda heads off to the bedroom to get some sleep. "Get well soon." Derek said.

Paul looks at the bedroom door as a worried expression appears on his face. "Don't worry, Paul, she'll be alright after a good night's sleep like she said." Said Odette. "I sure hope so. If she's not, I'm taking her to the doctor." Paul said.