The Town of Willow Falls

The Illness

Rory's POV

"Hello. My friend Grace wanted to help out tonight. Soon enough she'll be able to babysit and I thought I could teach her a few things if you don't mind."

"Rory! Hi. Your friend's welcome anytime. It's so nice of you to let her tag along. But here's the thing. I took the night off. I forgot to call and tell you you didn't have to come tonight." Tracey says.

"Oh that's okay. We all get busy and forget things." I reassure her.

"That's just it. I've been busy with Viera lately. I called in sick for work to take care of Viera because I think she's sick. I know this sounds crazy. I'm only telling you because she might have mentioned something to you. But she says she's been... seeing things."

"She hasn't said anything to me personally, but..." I wonder what exactly I should say.

"Could we talk to her?" Grace speaks up.

"Of course. Come on in."

Viera is right near the door so she must have been wondering who her visitors were.

"I don't want to talk to them."
Viera looks up at her mother and then runs off.

It's silent for five minutes.
Grace talks in a softer voice.

"Ms. Parks, I know this seems hard. But, um, I had a... a cousin who went through this same sort of thing and maybe if I could just talk to Viera, we could sort things out. I don't think she's ill."

"You truly believe that? I've been scared to tell anyone about this because they would think us crazy. I'll try to get Viera to talk."

Tracey looks so concerned but she leaves us to get her daughter.

"A cousin?" I look at Grace.

"I don't know. I had to say something.
I'm a little worried for Viera. It seems like she's going through the same thing as me."

Viera comes out with her mother.

"I don't want to talk." Viera crosses her arms.

"It's okay, Viera., I try to maintain a calm voice., Your mom told us about how you're feeling. We may not understand but we know what it's like."

"No. Mom doesn't know. Mom doesn't believe me. You don't know and you won't believe me. Leave!" Viera screams and runs away again.

"Viera!" Tracey is on the verge of crying.

"We'll leave now. Just give her some time." Grace backs up to the doorway.

"I hate to see her like this. You girls are welcome back anytime, though. I must be truly desperate but I would like to here your story, Grace. About your cousin and how it was dealt with. One more thing, Rory, I know you are a sensible girl. Please don't tell your mother about this. We're new in town and already falling apart. I would understand if you didn't want to babysit Viera anymore. Have a good night." Tracey shuts the door in my face and I don't know what to say.

A/N: Ah I'm back & writing. I'm trying to wrap up this story after like 4 months of nothing. ~M