Step Children

7.

The shrill sound pierced their ears as they pulled out of the projection back into the House with a View.

"Melissa saw that happen? I didn't know..." Scott said. He looked away.

"Her foot never touched the bottom step, so no Constructor saw her starecase. Interesting. She had such a powerful emotional experience that she was able to Construct a Reaper of her own." The Constructor said as he wiped the top of his head, which was coated in sweat.

"Why didn't she say something to me? I never wanted this to happen. I didn't mean to hurt her mama," Scott said, ignoring the Constructor's summary.

"This is important. You need to listen. The Widow-Maker was born of her impression of your worst self, but she knew not what she had birthed. It means to destroy you. After it does it will destroy her too." The Constructor said as he moved to sit on the chair behind him. His eyes fell closed heavily. They then popped open quickly. He was exhausted.

"How do I stop this Widow-Maker?" Scott asked.

"We don't know. Typically we only run from them."

Scott scoffed. "You're psychic. Tell me the future."

"It doesn't work that way."

"Damnit! You're s'posed to help me," Scott shouted.

The Constructor spoke in a calming tone. "I have helped. Your solution has to come from within. Brian can show you where to find him. He is a Seeker. Now please, go. I must rest.".

They closed the red door behind them and left the House with a View.

The dense fog still surrounded them. "Are you ready to do this?" Brian asked.

Scott was taken aback. "No. What am I supposed to do when I find this Reaper? He's already killed me once. How do I...?"

Brian shook his head. "I wish I could help."

With a snap of his fingers, Scott lit a Marb and clenched the flame away. He took a deep drag. His heart was pounding so hard he began to tremble. After exhaling, he tossed the cigarette and said, "Fuck it. Let's do this."

"Are you ready?" Brian asked, surprised.

"No, I'm not ready. I have no clue what I gotta do, but I gotta do something. I made this demon, I can't let it hurt my little girl."

"Take my shoulder when you're ready, or...when you want to go. I'll take you to him."

Scott set his hand gently on Brian's shoulder. He squeezed lightly, and held his breath.