That evening Liza curled up on her bed with her laptop and logged onto the net. More than once, she had Googled different phrases, hoping to find an answer to her father's plight. Tonight, she Googled "capturing spirits before they flee." She knew it was a long shot, but everything else was too, so she had to try.
After about an hour of reading about runes and magic spells to control the dead, Liza's mother, Leslie, came up the stairs to let her know it was dinner time.
"Whatcha workin on?" she asked.
Liza shrugged.
"Just trying to find an answer for Daddy."
Leslie sighed and sat on Liza's bed.
"Honey, the government is doing everything they can with experts on the subject. What makes you think there's something on the net that isn't being explored already, there?"
"I have to try," Liza mumbled.
Leslie stroked her daughter's hair.
"I know, Honey. I just don't want you stressing yourself out. Like me, you have to realize that you are powerless and let the powers that be, be in charge."
"If they were doing such a great job, why is Daddy still in that creep's mind?" Liza asked angrily. "And besides, I'm not powerless. I can dreamwalk too."
Leslie's face became worried.
"Liza, it's not safe for you to do that. I thought we discussed you not dreamwalking anymore until we know it's safe."
"Mom, according to you, it will never be safe. I got through D.J.'s problem, I can handle it."
"Sweetie, D.J. was a dangerous situation. You could have been seriously harmed. He had you trapped inside his mind. I just can't lose two of you, not to this."
"You won't lose me, mom. I promise."
"Promise that you won't do it anymore."
"I can't."
Leslie sighed again. She knew it was pointless to argue with her daughter.
"Just remember to always have your tether like your father showed you. And don't speak to the dead. They aren't the same as you. I don't know if they can harm you or not, just stay away from them. And Liza, remember that I love you and am only looking out for you, ok?"
Liza nodded. Leslie stood up and kissed her daughter's forehead.
"Ready for dinner?"
"Depends, what are we having?"
"Your favorite, left overs."
Liza wrinkled her nose.
"Lovely."
"Oh, that boy called again, what's his name, Kent?"
Liza wrinkled her nose again.
"Quinn."
"Right, that's the one. Are you two seeing each other?"
"No."
Leslie put up her hands and smiled.
"Alright, alright, I believe you. What does he want so much?"
Liza gave her mother a look.
"Ohhh...he likes you, huh?"
Looking ill, Liza nodded her head.
"Ah well, it's to be expected when you are as beautiful as you are."
Liza looked at her mom witheringly.
"What? You are!" She laughed.
Liza picked up her pillow and hurtled it at her mother, also laughing. After a few tosses back and forth, they went down for dinner, Liza's Google search forgotten.
