Chapter Six

  AJ stood outside his own home, scared to go in.

  "This is probably the most dangerous place for me right now," said AJ.

  "True. Maybe we should find a safe place to gather and plan. However, the longer we wait, the harder it’s going to be to rescue your parents." replied Justin.

  What to do. AJ thought.

  "Hey, AJ! What are you doing just standing out here?" Mike came running up, dressed in jogging gear. He took out his headphones. "You alright?"

  "Ye-yeah. It’s been a long week."

  "You look exhausted. Still not sleeping well?"

  "Not really, to be honest."

  Mike walked toward the house. "You coming?"

  "I doubt they'd try anything with Mike there. This might be our way in. Let’s just look for an opportunity to separate the two," AJ thought as he followed behind.

  AJ and Mike went inside. Mike headed to the fridge.

  "Hey, want a beer? Mom and Dad aren't home yet, we can sneak some," Mike said with a laugh.

  "No thanks. So, where are they?"

  "Oh, some fundraiser for the hospital. It’s for their friends, so I guess it would’ve been kind of weird for me to tag along."

  AJ didn’t like that. "So, you're alone?"

  "It’s fine. It’s not the first time. Plus, they’ll be back soon."

  Mike opened a beer.

  "So, how are things at school? Are people still talking about that incident?" Mike asked.

  "Well, I’ve been trying not to draw too much attention to myself. So, it’s been pretty uneventful lately."

  "Good. I’m glad." Mike was silent for a moment. "Sorry. For the how I’ve been."

  "It’s alright."

  "No, it’s not. I should’ve been more supportive of you. I was just... jealous. You had a passion, and I was struggling."

  "Jealous? Of me? But you’ve got everything. You’re the favorite."

  "No, I don’t. Look at you. You’re smart, creative, talented. And I’m... I’m just some jock who’s going to wash out after college and end up being just like dad."

  "You’re not going to wash out."

  "Maybe not, but I’m not going to be great at anything either. And it’s fine. Really. I’m happy with just that."

  "I’m not."

  "I know. And that’s partly my fault. But you’re young, and you’re going to find something. And I’m going to be the big brother I should’ve been and help you from now on."

  "You think so?"

  "Yeah. Yeah, I do. Just give it time. It’ll come. And maybe in the meantime, I can create a few new creative hobbies," Mike said smiling at AJ.

  "AJ, I have an idea," Justin said in AJ’s head.

  "Mike, do you think you can help me with something?" AJ asked Mike.

  "Sure, bud. What do you need?"

  "I want to discuss my college decision with Mom and Dad, but I want to do it one at a time. Who do you think I should tell first? And do you think you could distract the other?" asked AJ.

  "Hmm. Well, Mom would definitely be easier, because if you win her over, she can help with Dad. Plus, I’m supposed to help Dad out at the church. I guess I can text him now to see if he’ll meet me there," said Mike.

  "That might just work. I think I can do this," said AJ.

  "To talk to Mom?" Mike asked, confused.

  "Uh, yeah. It’s a serious talk, you know," said AJ.

  The brothers chatted a bit longer, then Mike went to his room to call their father. AJ headed to his own room and laid on his bed, letting out a big sigh.

  "I feel like we haven’t had a moment to rest in a while," said AJ.

  "Yes, but this might be the best opportunity we have. Let’s come up with a plan while we wait," Justin said, pressuring AJ.

  "Can we not talk about this for like five minutes?" an exhausted AJ replied.

  "AJ, good news!" Mike said, appearing in the doorway. AJ sat up.

  "Dad’s going to meet me at the church. Mom will be home in about an hour, so you’ll get your chance. I’m heading out. Need anything before I go?"

  "No, I’m good. Thanks for this, Mike," said AJ.

  "No problem. I’ll be on my way then," Mike said, waving goodbye as he left.

  AJ walked over to the mirror. He looked at himself—his eyes looked so tired. But then he noticed a shadow behind him. He focused on the shadow, and it formed into... himself!

  He turned around quickly, but nothing was there. He looked back at the mirror and clearly saw another version of himself.

  "Wait, can you see me?" Justin asked.

  "Justin, is that you?" AJ asked.

  "Holy crap. You must be getting more in tune with our world. No human has ever seen us before," said Justin.

  "Why do you look like me?" asked AJ.

  "I’m not sure. Maybe it’s the connection I have with you. Remember, I do not have a real form, after all. This is still in your head."

  "Weird," said AJ, moving in the mirror and staring at Justin.

  "I’m sure we’ll understand it more soon enough," Justin said, moving his hands as AJ did the same in the mirror. AJ tried to touch the area where he saw Justin, but his hand went through his body.

  "For now, let’s prep for when your mom gets home," Justin said, and AJ nodded in agreement.

  They started coming up with a plan to get her to fall asleep.

  The front door opened and shut.

  "Looks like she’s here," AJ said.

  "Okay. I’ll follow your lead. Remember to stay calm. She can’t know we’re onto them. You have to act natural. If it comes down to it, I can’t help. You must get her to fall asleep," said Justin.

  AJ pulled out all the stops. He searched the internet for the best ways to help someone fall asleep and set up multiple strategies around the house. Even if the entity was taking over his mom, it was still her body, and he knew just how his mom unwinds when his father isn’t home.

  "Hey, Mom!" AJ said, greeting her with a smile.

  "Oh. Hey. I wasn’t expecting to see you here," said Mary.

  "Yeah. I wanted to talk with you," AJ replied.

  "Oh? About what?" Mary Questioned.

  "You and Dad are right. I need to focus more on this family and my studies. So, starting today, I’m going to be a lot better."

  "I have to say, I’m surprised to hear this. What’s this? Did you order pizza?"

  "Oh yes. I wasn’t sure when Mike, Dad, and you would be home, but I figured you’d be too tired to cook. Anyway, I’m just going to head upstairs and study. Is that okay with you?"

  "Ye-yes, but—"

  "I’ll be upstairs if you need me!" said AJ, running away. He ran to the top of the stairs but didn’t go into his room. Instead, he spied from above. He knew his mom loved pizza, especially from Mary’s Shack. He had also visibly laid out her favorite tea box in case she took the bait, but he switched the caffeinated tea with her favorite, Sleepynight tea. And on top of that, Justin helped put some of the shadow vapor on all of it to help her sleep, although they were not sure how much it would affect her since she was fully taken over. They were not taking any chances.

  He watched as she took the bait. She came out of the kitchen with a slice of pepperoni pizza in one hand and tea in the other. As she walked past the hallway toward the living room, AJ saw something that scared him. He could have sworn he saw her reflection in a picture frame turn toward him. It looked like a distorted version of his mother with pure black eyes. It happened so fast—maybe he was seeing things, or maybe it was the entity.

  Mary sat on the living room couch and turned on the TV, where the news was playing. She took a bite of pizza and then tried to change the channel. AJ, being younger and more tech-savvy, had locked the TV on the news channel. Frustrated, she kept clicking the remote but eventually gave up. She noticed a newspaper on the coffee table, and as she loved reading the news, she picked it up to read while sipping the tea and eating the pizza, with the news still playing in the background.

  It was so boring that even AJ almost fell asleep watching her. He knew his mother well, but she was never the most forthcoming with him. He knew she was disappointed in him and had never made a secret of that fact. She was very particular about everything, and everyone knew it. She had a specific routine she followed every night.

  "It’s not working. Let’s move on to the next step," AJ said.

  "Wait, AJ, look," Justin said. AJ looked down to see his mother’s hand slowly fall to her side.

  "Holy crap, it worked," Justin said.

  "Thank goodness. I don’t know if Plan B was such a good idea," AJ said, glancing down the hall at a bath being prepared with candles lit and a lot of shadow vapor coming from the tub.

  AJ headed downstairs slowly, trying not to make a sound. When he reached the bottom, he glanced at the reflection he’d seen from the top of the stairs. He could see Justin in it, holding a finger to his lips in a "shh" gesture. AJ turned off the TV.

  "They look so peaceful when they’re asleep, but it’s always such chaos in their minds," AJ said, staring at his mom.

  "Ready?" Justin asked.

  AJ nodded and took a seat on the recliner. He stared at the woman who had birthed him. Entering the dream of his brother or his friends was one thing, but he felt uneasy thinking about how little he really knew his parents. His eyes grew heavy.

  "AJ. AJ, honey," said a voice.

  AJ woke in his bed to find his mom sitting at the edge of the bed.

  "Honey, you slept in. Food is almost ready. Will you be joining us downstairs?" Mary asked.

  "Huh." AJ stood up, rubbing his eyes.

  "It’s okay, honey if you need to stay in. I just wanted to let you know the food’s ready."

  "No, I’ll be down," said AJ.

  "Great. Could you do me one favor? The trash bag is over there. I have a few things I’d like you to help throw away. For example, that old toy over there. Take your time; we won’t start without you," Mary said, kissing AJ on the forehead before walking out of the room.

  AJ got out of bed in confusion. Something was off. His room seemed a little different, but he couldn’t figure out why. He walked over to the mirror to see if he could see Justin.

  Gasp

  AJ took a step back. He was young—really young, maybe 8 years old. He tried to envision his normal self, but nothing changed. He looked over and grabbed the trash bag. He walked over to his old stuffed teddy bear and threw it in the bag.

  AJ headed down the stairs, his steps quiet and slow, as if he were sneaking. He could hear commotion and laughter coming from the dining room.

  "So, what should we do for the family trip?" Adam asked.

  "How about the mountains?" suggested Mary.

  "Oh, honey, we were just in the mountains not too long ago. We should try something new," said Adam.

  "What about Disneyland?" Mike shouted.

  "Now that would be nice," Adam said, smiling at Mike.

  "How about the beach?" Mary suggested putting breakfast on the table.

  "We could have a picnic and go swimming!" said Mike.

  "Both sound good to me. What do you think, AJ?" Adam asked, looking over as AJ entered the room.

  "I think it would be nice," AJ said, pulling out his chair and sitting down. His entire family was younger—it was like he had traveled back in time.

  "There’s my boy. So, what do you say we go on a family vacation? I have some business to take care of this weekend, but we could head to the beach next week," Adam said.

  "Next week!" Mike cheered.

  "Next week it is, then. But let’s not let your mother’s delicious cooking get cold. Dig in!"

  "Itadakimasu," Mike said.

  "You should teach AJ some Japanese, Mike. Maybe then he won’t be such a sloppy eater," said Mary.

  "I’m not a sloppy eater. And he doesn’t know Japanese; he just watches anime," said AJ.

  "Oh, you have to learn Japanese, AJ. Then you can watch all the best shows with me. There’s this new one where the main character has a scar on his face like an X and..." Mike continued.

  AJ had forgotten Mike went through an anime phase. Mike seemed so mature lately that AJ had forgotten he was once a kid, and so were his parents. This wasn’t a dream, exaggerating things—this was how his family used to be.

  AJ sat at the dining table. Everyone was eating breakfast and laughing. His dad told a joke, and everyone laughed. Even his mom, who was normally strict, was laughing. AJ couldn’t remember the last time they were this happy together. They looked so lively. It made AJ feel lonely and isolated as if he didn’t belong here.

  AJ finished his breakfast.

  "Hey, Mom, do you need any help with the dishes?" Mike asked.

  "Oh, no, sweetie. I’ve got it. But what could you do, see those two books on the table? Can you throw the one of the left away? Mike, I heard you talking about a new anime—why don’t you show it to AJ?" Mary suggested.

  AJ looked down at the two books. The one on the left said learning the Japanese language, and the right said learn how to draw manga. The bag was next to AJ, so he tossed them in, and it grew a little bigger.

  "Okay! Come on, AJ," Mike said, grabbing AJ’s hand. AJ looked back at his parents. They seemed genuinely in a good place.

  Mike dragged him to his bedroom.

  "I was so excited. I wanted to show you this last week, but I couldn’t find it," Mike said, rummaging through his drawers, looking for his DVD.

  "Hey, Mike. Um, is everything okay with Mom and Dad? Have you noticed anything off with them or anyone—or anything—hanging around?" AJ asked.

  "Like what? They seem normal to me. Ah, here it is! Samurai X!" Mike said, finding his DVD. "Come on, we have to watch it in the living room." Mike grabbed his arm again, and they were off.

  Mike rushed to the DVD player and put the disc in. He hurried into the kitchen and came back with two soda cans. He sat cross-legged and tapped the spot next to him for AJ to sit.

  "Hey, I brought you guys some popcorn," said Mary, walking in.

  "Thanks, Mom. Move, it’s about to start!" Mike said.

  "Haha, okay, okay, I get it. I’ll leave. Well, enjoy, but straight to bed afterward! I want to see clean teeth and clean sheets," said Mary.

  "Okay, Mom," said Mike.

  "AJ. Can you throw the sodas in the trash bag? Popcorn is enough." Mary asked.

  "Huh? Yes, I heard you. Clean teeth," AJ said, throwing the sodas away. The bag grew larger.

  Mary walked away, and AJ looked for anything suspicious but saw nothing.

  As he turned back to the TV, he could see her reflection on the screen, still staring at him. He quickly turned to see her walking away, but when he looked back at the TV, her reflection was definitely still staring at him—until the DVD started and took away the reflection.

  The movie began, and Mike was glued to the screen. AJ sat for a while, thinking, unsure of what to do. Then he decided the best option was to scout the house and see what his parents were up to.

  "Justin?" AJ whispered.

  No answer.

  He decided to walk out of the living room and down the hall to the kitchen. Everything looked fine. His dad was reading a newspaper. But where was his mom?

  "Hi, AJ. Are you heading to bed already?" Adam asked.

  "Not yet, Dad," AJ replied.

  Adam put down his paper. "I guess we are getting older. Your mother is already in bed. She said she’s really tired. Even if it is a bit early for her."

  AJ crept down the hallway and passed his parents' bedroom. He slowly opened the door and stepped inside. He turned on a flashlight and pointed it toward the bed. It was empty. No one was there.

  "AJ? Is that you?" a voice said from behind. AJ turned around and shined the flashlight toward the bathroom. He saw a dark figure standing in front of the sink. He quickly turned off the flashlight.

  "Don’t worry, it’s just me. I’m brushing my teeth," said Mary.

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  "Mom?" AJ asked.

  "Are you done watching the movie with Mike?" Mary asked.

  "Yeah. I was just about to go to bed," AJ said.

  "Oh, okay. Let’s get some rest. I’m sure your brother will be in soon," said Mary.

  AJ didn’t move.

  "AJ? Did you hear me? Oh, your clothes in the hamper. They are way too feminine for a boy like you. Throw them away please." Mary asked.

  But AJ was frozen in fear. In the mirror, he saw a shadowy figure, unlike anything he’d ever seen. It resembled his mother, but her eyes were pitch black. Her hair was long and moving as if there were a draft. It was clearly staring at him, and the worst part—it was smiling.

  AJ slowly backed away from the bathroom door. He looked down and the trash bag was there. Is it always with him? He threw the clothes in the bag. He ran out of the bedroom and closed the door behind him. He could hear his heart beating in his ears.

  AJ walked back down the hall and past the living room. Mike was still watching the anime, and Adam was still reading his paper. He ran back to Mike.

  "Mike! Mike!" AJ shouted.

  "Yeah, what’s up, AJ? Oh, you look like you’ve seen a ghost," Mike said.

  AJ paused, wondering if this Mike had a shadow figure too. He ran to the mirror to look. Mike seemed normal.

  "Okay, Mike, I saw something—in Mom’s reflection," AJ said.

  "Oh, you mean her shadow?" Mike asked calmly.

  "So, you’ve seen it too?" AJ asked.

  "Yes. We all have. But don’t worry, it won’t harm us. In fact, it protects us," Mike said.

  "Protect us? From what?" AJ asked.

  "From anything, really. Haven’t you noticed how great life is here? We’re finally a family, and it helps us keep it that way," Mike said, putting his arm on AJ’s shoulder. "You’re overthinking it. No secrets here. You can talk to Dad in the morning, or even Mom. They can explain further. But for now, I’m just wiped, so I’m going to bed."

  Mike got up and headed to his room, leaving AJ alone. What to do now? I guess I’ll have to let this play out and investigate more in the morning, AJ thought. He headed upstairs and lay in bed. He looked over and the bag was in the room and was now three times the size.

  The next morning, AJ awoke to the smell of breakfast. He got up, dressed, and headed downstairs to the dining room.

  "Hey kiddo, I was wondering when you were going to wake up," said Adam.

  "Oh, good morning, Dad. Wow, that smells delicious," said AJ.

  "Yes, it does. I'm starving," Adam said.

  "Me too! Mom, breakfast looks amazing," said Mike.

  "I'm glad. I've been working on my pancake recipe," Mary said.

  "I thought the blueberry pancakes looked really good, so I added some blueberries to these."

  "These are so fluffy. I forgot you used to make pancakes like this," said AJ.

  "Used to? Honey, I’ll always make you pancakes if you love them," said Mary.

  "But you don't. You stopped. And Dad being nice? Not once scolding me? This isn’t how real life is. Once Mike goes off to college, everything changes. You stop trying to make any special meals. Dad is barely even home. The only time we're all together for a meal is when Mike’s back in town, but it's all pretend. It’s one big lie to Mike that we’re a happy family. Or maybe it’s a lie to yourselves. Or maybe... Maybe you just couldn’t stand being around me," said AJ.

  "You are right," Mary said.

  "I am?" AJ asked suspiciously.

  A light black smoke radiated from Mary, and her pupils dilated.

  "It’s nice to meet you, AJ," Mary said.

  AJ jumped back in terror.

  "Don’t be afraid. I’m just here to talk and introduce myself," said Mary.

  "Are—are you my mother’s sleep entity?" AJ asked.

  "Yes," said Mary.

  "I want you to leave her. Leave my family alone," said AJ.

  "I’m afraid I cannot do that," said Mary.

  "Why not?" asked AJ.

  "Because she doesn’t want me to. You see, we are fully integrated, so I feel what she feels, and I know what she knows. That’s why I know you’re not wrong about how real life has been."

  "What do you want?" asked AJ.

  "Simple. To exist. That’s all any of us want. Is that so wrong?" said Mary. "And your mother, she cares about you. Truly, she does. But your parents... they just lost their way. So, we made a deal. I offered her help in fixing the family, and in exchange, she lets me into your world."

  She tried to approach AJ, reaching out, but when he backed away, she retracted her arm.

  "I won’t hurt you. I’ll give her back control now. Think it over. See what life could be like. In this dream, anything you want is possible, and then when you're ready, I can make this a reality in the real world," said Mary. The black smoke dissipated, and her eyes returned to normal.

  "Huh?" Mary looked over at AJ. "Oh, did you meet my other half? I hope she didn’t scare you," said Mary.

  "Oh no, dear. She was lovely. As are you," said Adam.

  "Why are you guys okay with this?" asked AJ.

  "Why wouldn’t we be?" said Mike. "Life is great, and she has never done any harm to us."

  "Look, we’re going to the park as a family. You’re welcome to come, and you’re also welcome to stay here. But if you come, we can explain things, and you can observe and ask questions along the way. What do you say?"

  AJ thought about it as he stared at his family. They really weren’t giving him any reason not to go, and he could at least figure out what to do next with more information.

  "Okay, I’ll go to the park with you guys," said AJ.

  "Perfect. Let’s go. Can you do me a favor? Pack up some fun, safe, quiet activities like cards and puzzles," Mary said. “Throw out all those balls and games that make you and Mike all hyper.

  The entire family packed into the car and headed out to the park, just a couple of blocks away. AJ’s bag had to go on top of the car; it was so big. The sun was out, and there wasn’t a cloud in sight. Other families and people were there, enjoying the day as well. Mary and Mike went to set up a picnic on the grass while AJ sat on a bench behind them. The huge bag behind him.

  "Do you mind if I sit here?" Adam asked, approaching.

  "Oh no, go ahead," said AJ.

  Adam sat down next to AJ.

  "What is this all about? What’s happening?" asked AJ.

  "We’re just having a fun day. Isn’t that what you wanted?" asked Adam.

  "I didn’t ask to go to the park," said AJ.

  "Not the park. This—us hanging out as a family. AJ, let me ask you a question. What’s your end game? Why are you hunting down all the ‘shadow entities,’ as you call them?"

  "To protect my family. I don’t want to see them hurt," said AJ.

  "Well, I don’t see anyone getting hurt. In fact, have they ever actually hurt anyone?" asked Adam.

  "Well, no. But they could have. They were trying to take over. I was told my family would die. And Everett—yeah, he was going to hurt a lot of people because of them!" said AJ.

  "Or is it possible that they were trying to help? Maybe things were bad for those people already. Maybe it was the human side of things that was going to do harm," Adam said, standing up. "I could be wrong. But if I were you, I’d be asking myself: who’s telling me all this information? And I’d ask for proof."

  Adam walked over to Mary and Mike on the grass and sat down. Mary handed him a water bottle. He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

  Mike looked back at AJ, grabbed something out of the picnic basket, and ran over to him.

  "Here, I brought you half of my sandwich," he said, handing it to AJ before sitting down next to him.

  "You know, I know I’m not the real Mike. And Dad knows he’s not real either. But that doesn’t mean this can’t be real. And you know who is real? Her," Mike said, looking at Mary. "Mom is real, and I know she would never let anything happen to us."

  "How do you know? How do you know the truth from the lies and the dreams from reality? I don’t think I can tell anymore," said AJ.

  "I don’t have an answer for that. But I know what I would do. I wouldn’t let anyone give me an answer. I’d have to figure it out for myself. You know, you can ask her. She won’t lie to you," Mike said, getting up and starting to walk back to his parents. "Whenever you're ready."

  AJ’s knee was shaking uncontrollably. "Screw it," he muttered, getting up and walking over to his family. They all smiled at him. Mary tapped a spot next to her, gesturing for him to sit. He chose to sit next to Mike.

  "Finally decided to join us. Do you want something to drink?" asked Mary.

  "No food, no drinks. I’m here for answers," said AJ.

  "Straight to business, huh?" Mary said, carefully wrapping her sandwich and setting it aside. "Okay, what do you want to know?"

  "Why did things get so bad?" asked AJ.

  "You know, I don’t think your father, or I even know when or why it fell apart. I think parents normalize what a family should be based on their own parents. We try to recreate that happiness we had as children. I think that’s what your father was trying to do. He truly thought the way he was parenting was right," Mary said, looking over at Adam.

  "But that happy family our parents showed us was a lie. Parents hide the truth, thinking it’s protecting their kids. You know Uncle John? He’s actually my stepbrother. The truth is, my father was having an affair, and my mother ignored it. All the way up until one day, a man showed up on our doorstep, claiming to be my brother. She couldn’t deny it anymore. But you know what she did? She pretended like John was her own, and everything was fine. I wish she would’ve told me the truth earlier. I couldn’t tell then, but she had sadness in her eyes."

  "You know, my parents never once told me they loved me," Adam joined the conversation. "But I knew they did. So, I thought that’s just the type of family we are—that I didn’t have to say it to you. But that can all change. AJ, I love you, and I just want what’s best for you."

  "This isn’t real, though. I know we’re in a dream," said AJ.

  "Well, I told you. I can show you," said Mary.

  "Show me?" asked AJ.

  "Well, the other me will," Mary said, drifting off. Slowly, the black smoke rose from her body again. Her pupils dilated, and then she smiled—a smile clearly not human, but someone pretending.

  AJ stood up and took a step back.

  "Are you still afraid?" Mary said, still smiling.

  "You have to understand how creepy you look."

  "Whoa, hey, that’s your mother! That’s not nice," Adam said to AJ.

  "I apologize. I can’t control how I look. I’m just so happy with you all. I can’t help but smile."

  "It’s fine. So, you can make my family all happy in the real world?" asked AJ.

  "Of course. Would you like to see? It’s easier if I show you how. I can take you there. But it is your decision when you’re ready."

  "I’m ready."

  "Okay. Clear your thoughts to lower your domain a little, and I will transport us," said Mary. AJ took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second. Nothing seemed to change.

  "Okay, we’re here," said Mary.

  "Huh?" AJ said, opening his eyes. They were back in the kitchen of his home. His brother and father were standing near the entrance to the basement door. Mary walked over and put her hand on the door handle.

  "Your shadow is down there," said Mary.

  "What? Justin? What did you do!" exclaimed AJ.

  She made a calming gesture with her hand. "I’ve captured it. It’s alive. But there’s something you should know. It’s been manipulating you from the start. For what it’s planning, I don’t know. But trust me when I say, we will do anything it takes to exist. I’ve tried to get it to tell me, but it won’t. I’m just going to let you go talk to it. Get some real answers."

  "And then what?" asked AJ.

  "And then, I’ll let you decide what to do with it."

  "You’ll let me?" asked AJ.

  "Yes. In order for this to work, we need to build this relationship on trust. Will you go talk to—what do you call it?—Justin?" asked Mary.

  AJ nodded. She opened the door. It looked just like his real basement. He didn’t like spending much time down there in the real world. It was all masonry, dark and creepy, with a single light on the stairway, so it wasn’t too bright. He walked past her as she continued smiling creepily. He started walking down the stairs. About halfway down, he heard the door creak. He turned around to see Mary closing the door.

  He reached the bottom, where he saw a boy. Both his arms were chained and attached to the ceiling. The chains hung down just enough to let the boy kneel, but no further. There was another chain around his neck attached to the ground. It was dim, and the boy’s head was down, so AJ couldn’t make him out yet. As he got closer, he saw a circle drawn on the ground with symbols that were foreign to him. The boy had black smoke radiating from his body, and it seemed like the symbols were pulling the smoke down to the ground.

  "Justin?" AJ said.

  The figure looked up, and it was indeed Justin. He looked the way he had when AJ first saw him in his mirror. He was bruised and cut all over, but he looked exactly like AJ.

  "AJ?" Cough, cough "Help... me..."

  AJ walked over to the circle. He touched it with his foot, but nothing happened. So, he moved closer, examining the chains.

  "How do I get you out? Is there a key?" asked AJ.

  "Yes. Under your mom’s pillow," Justin said, looking over at AJ. His eyes were just like Mary’s entity, but at least he wasn’t smiling.

  "I’m sorry. I should have told you the truth. I’m sorry," Justin said.

  AJ paused, trying to free him.

  "The truth about what? What’s going on?" asked AJ.

  "This wasn’t my intention. I promise. Set me free, and I’ll tell you everything."

  "Tell me what’s going on!" screamed AJ.

  "I wanted my life, just like everyone—no, everything—else in this world. I thought we could both get what we wanted."

  "Keep talking, or I’ll hand you over to Mary’s entity," AJ threatened.

  "No! Look, the entities—they’re bad for your family and friends. They will say and do anything to come into this world. In dreams, they can only mimic. They’re harmless there. But in the real world, when they actually attach, they feed off pure emotion. Imagine existing for longer than the Earth without feeling a single emotion. Then, feeling something for the first time—let’s say happiness. They get addicted. They want more. They want the most extreme of it. It doesn’t matter what emotion. But what if it’s rage? What if they’re addicted to rage or lust? Even if they don’t kill someone, they will destroy the person you know and love," explained Justin, regaining his composure.

  "And what makes you so different? Why shouldn’t I destroy you and them?" asked AJ.

  There was a long pause.

  "You should."

  AJ stepped back, staring at Justin.

  "Justin, what was the first emotion you felt with me?"

  "Loneliness," Justin replied, his head down.

  AJ didn’t know why, but his eyes began to tear up.

  "Do you—do you see me as broken? As pathetic, like everyone else?"

  Justin looked up but didn’t know what to say.

  "This whole time... have you been trying to 'fix' me? Like the other entities are doing?" asked AJ.

  "It’s not—" Justin started but was interrupted.

  "I never asked for your help. In fact, I was just trying to help my family. How dare you peek into my mind? You violated me!" There was a long pause.

  "Why does everyone get to feel happiness but me?" AJ said, tears now rolling down his face.

  "AJ, I can show you happiness. Get the key; you must unshackle me," Justin urged.

  AJ wiped away his tears. "One last question, and there better be no lies. What are you hiding from the other entities that you don’t want them to know?"

  Justin stayed silent, shaking his head as if to say no.

  "Fine then. I’ll try Mary’s way of happiness," AJ said.

  "No, stop! Fine." Justin sighed. "I didn’t want to tell you this because I needed time to get you to believe me. You still may not after this. It happened after the first dream when I absorbed Everett’s entity. When we absorb one another, we absorb them entirely—not just their physical state, but everything about them. All the emotions they’ve learned and all the memories they’ve had with the person they’re attached to. AJ, I know how the entities came into this world—and how to do it again. Do you know what that means? Do you know what would happen if they fully absorbed me?"

  AJ looked at him in disbelief. He started walking back up the stairs.

  "AJ, wait. AJ don't tell them. AJ! Make them feel anger. They will show you their true side. AJ, come back!" Justin screamed in the distance. “I can show you happiness; you just need to break the chains.”

  AJ knocked on the door. Adam opened it, and AJ could see Mary sitting by the table, waiting.

  "So? What did you learn?" asked Mary.

  "You were right. He admitted that all you entities are trying to do is exist, including himself. That you're driven by craving human emotions," said AJ.

  "I see. And did he tell you what he’s planning to do?" asked Mary.

  "He plans on absorbing all of you. When he absorbs you, he gets all the emotions you've acquired, too," admitted AJ.

  "And you believe him?" asked Mary.

  AJ didn’t respond. He stared at her. She stared back.

  "Do you think he’s telling the truth? Because if he is, you must decide. You’re the one who can stop him. Or are you the one who will help him?"

  AJ stood there, frozen.

  "It’s time for dinner," said Adam.

  "Go sit, we’ll finish cleaning up," said Mike.

  Mary got up and headed to the sink to wash her hands.

  "AJ, are you okay?" she asked.

  "Um, yes. You know, it’s just hard," said AJ.

  "What’s hard?" asked Mary.

  "I mean... it’s just... I know my family isn’t perfect, but this...,” said AJ.

  "But this can be reality," said Mary.

  "But this is your perfect reality."

  Mary put down the dish she was washing.

  "I can help. I can give you the family you truly want."

  They stood in silence, just staring at each other.

  "What’s wrong with what I have?" asked AJ.

  "Nothing," said Adam.

  "It is your life. You are the only one who can live it," said Mary.

  "But what if I can’t decide? Or what if I don’t want to carry around this stupid bag anymore?" asked AJ.

  Mary looked up at AJ’s father, and they smiled.

  "Then we are going to have a problem," said Mary.

  "AJ, honey, I’m sorry, but we can’t have you interfering. This is for your own good," said Adam.

  Adam and Mary began walking toward AJ.

  "Wait. Stop," said Mike.

  "We have to, but don’t worry. You’ll wake up, and it’ll all be taken care of. No more Justin," said Adam.

  "No. I will take care of it," said Mike.

  "Thank you. You are a great son," said Adam.

  "I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen."

  "You’ve always been the best at these things. Thank you," said Mary.

  Mike started walking toward AJ.

  "What did I do to deserve this?" said AJ.

  "Oh, baby, we love you. That’s why. This is the only way," said Mary.

  "AJ, you know this is for the best," Mike said as he approached him.

  "You can’t. No. STOP!"

  Mike raised his hands and grabbed AJ's neck. AJ couldn’t breathe. He could hear the laughter.

  "Don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon," all three of them said in unison.

  AJ’s vision started to blur. The laughter grew louder. He looked over at his family. Mary and Adam stood behind Mike, laughing.

  "We’re going to protect the family. And that means you," said Adam.

  "Even if it’s from you," said Mary.

  "Stop, please," begged AJ.

  "Shhhh," said Mike.

  AJ was fading. Everything was getting blurry. He managed to get out one last sentence.

  "He’s still hiding something," whispered AJ.

  "Wait. Drop him," said Mary.

  Mike let go, and AJ collapsed to his knees.

  "Ow, fuck. I felt like I was dying. Why did that feel so real?" AJ said, rubbing his neck. That pain felt more intense than Everett’s, Zoe’s, and Mike’s dream combined.

  "Oh, honey, because," Mary leaned in closer, "you are in my domain. Without Justin, I’m in complete control. Time, pain, I can manipulate it all. If your mind thinks it’s real, it will treat it as such. But if only I could get what's in there." She tapped his forehead. "I’d have the answers and settle this. But since I can’t... explain."

  "I could tell. He’s still hiding something. Something he’s not telling me. If you destroy him, it may be lost," said AJ.

  "And what do you propose? He knows your emotions. You can’t hide from him," asked Mary.

  "You feed off or act on our emotions, right? Well then, he’s scared. He’ll say anything to be free. And he’ll trust me. If he doesn’t, then you have my permission to erase my memory and absorb him."

  Adam and Mike looked at Mary.

  "Very well," said Mary. "On your way."

  "Wait. I want something in return for good faith."

  Mary’s smoke flared around her body.

  "I never finished that anime movie with Mike or ate your cookies. Can I just finish that? Act like a family one more time. You know, in case I forget any of this," said AJ.

  "Seems fair," said Adam.

  Mary nodded.

  "Yay! Let’s go," Mike said, grabbing AJ as if a switch flipped and they were back to being a happy family.

  They ran back to the living room.

  "One second, Mike. I forgot the bag, and I need to use the restroom," said AJ.

  "But you never go to the restroom in a dream," questioned Mike.

  "Right. Yes. Um, well we still need to grab the bag." said AJ.

  "Oh, of course. Be quick," Mike said, running into his room.

  AJ waited until Mike was out of sight. He quickly ran to his parents’ bedroom. He checked the hallway one more time to make sure it was clear. He ran over to the bed and picked up the pillow. Just like Justin said, there was a key. The key was small and made of some type of metal. It was flat, black as the night sky, and had a texture like sandpaper. AJ stuffed the key into his pocket.

  He walked back into the hallway and then into the bathroom. He turned on the light. His reflection in the mirror was a mess. There were black lines and bruises around his neck. He splashed water on his face and concentrated. When he looked back up, the marks were gone. He walked back to Mike’s room and sat down.

  AJ sat and watched the entire episode. Mike was talking the whole time, but AJ couldn't tell you a single word he said, nor any part of the movie. He was too focused on what was next, or rather, what to do next. Even if he sets Justin free, what then? Just pop out of the basement, guns blazing against his mother? Or maybe he should wake up and make a run for it. He thought he knew what to do.

  As soon as the movie ended, Mike's demeanor changed. His smile shifted.

  "Are you ready?" Mike asked. AJ nodded in agreement.

  Mary and Adam stood next to the basement door. Mike went in and opened it.

  "So, what's the play?" asked Mary.

  "I'm going to go down there and get the truth from him. Then I'll call out to you when I'm ready for you to come downstairs. Or, if he doesn't tell me, I'll signal. Either way, you decide what to do with him next," said AJ.

  "Fair enough," said Mary.

  AJ turned on the light switch on the wall as he started his descent down the stairs. The light was dim, but still bright enough to make out shapes and details. The same symbols were drawn on the ground. As AJ got closer to the bottom, he could see Justin still kneeling. Justin looked up at AJ.

  "Well. I guess you’re not dead. That’s a good sign. Then again, we’re still in this dream, so that’s obvious," said Justin. You figured out they’re evil?" asked Justin.

  "I don’t think they’re evil. You're just trying to survive. I can’t blame you any more than I blame a starving predator in the wild," AJ replied.

  "Huh. That’s a very human answer," said Justin.

  "Well, I am human," said AJ.

  "Right," said Justin. "Anyway, so... what did you decide to do with me?"

  AJ took out the key and showed it to Justin.

  "I’m going to get us out of here. But once we’re out of this situation, you and I are going to have a long chat. You're going to tell me the truth about everything," said AJ.

  Justin hesitated. "AJ, I—"

  "All of it! Don’t tempt me with this ‘make me happy’ crap. I want to know what you really want," AJ exclaimed. Justin nodded.

  "Okay. I'm going to call Mary down. She’ll think you're still tied up, but you won’t be. When she gets close, you grab her and put her in the chains."

  "AJ, this is her domain. It won’t work," said Justin.

  "I know. But what if we combine, like she did? Give you control of me. Will it work then?"

  "Yes, but are you sure? I’ll be able to feel everything you feel, but you’ll also feel what I feel," said Justin.

  "Yes, if that’s what it takes. And no absorbing her," said AJ.

  "What?! You just want to leave her chained? That only buys us time. Once she wakes up—" said Justin.

  "I know. No absorbing. Until I have the truth," said AJ.

  "Fine. Fuck just get me out of here," said Justin.

  "Here we go." AJ used the key to unlock the chains, but Justin stayed in them, pretending he was still restrained. He walked over to the bottom of the stairs. "Mom!" he called out.

  Creeeek.

  The door slowly opened. Step by step, she descended. But it wasn’t Mary—it was the shadow version of her. She was smiling from ear to ear.

  "Well, did you find what you were looking for?" asked Mary.

  "I did."

  "And?" asked Mary.

  "And he knows how to stop you all. He’s looking for some reason to be the sole being, by absorbing all of you and then stopping you from coming to this world," said AJ.

  Justin looked upset.

  "And how does he plan to do that?" asked Mary.

  Step step step.

  Adam came walking down the stairs. He looked around the room.

  "Go on, AJ," said Adam.

  "Uh, yeah. Um. Well, I don’t know exactly, but I think by absorbing you, he gains your knowledge, so..."

  "Fascinating," said Adam.

  "So, I just need to absorb him? Hmm," Mary said, stepping closer to Justin. AJ was frozen with nerves, waiting for Mary to make a move.

  "But," Mary took a step back, "it isn’t necessary. AJ, I wasn’t kidding when I said I have your mom’s best interests at heart. Leave him here in chains. He won’t die, but he will be locked in your subconscious."

  "Honey, given the new information, do you think this is wise?" Adam asked.

  "How would we even know he's telling the truth? Something feels off. He doesn’t feel like us. I want to examine him a bit longer." Mary argued.

  AJ glanced at Justin. Neither of them knew what to do now. Their plan had fallen apart. AJ then noticed Justin's black eyes weren’t fixed on him. He looked down, and black smoke was filling the ground. AJ turned around and looked back at Adam. His eyes were those of a shadow entity, but his presence was much heavier than either Mary’s or Justin’s. A thick aura of black mist surrounded his entire body as if he were wearing a black trench coat.

  He looked back at Justin, and Justin was frozen with fear.

  "Well, I know one way to find out if he's telling the truth,”Said Adam.

  "How?" asked Mary.

  Adam thrust his arm right through Mary. His arm had a shadowy aura in the shape of a spear.

  "Why?" said Mary.

  AJ was frozen in shock. He didn’t even see Justin get loose.

  "We have to run," Justin said, grabbing AJ by the hand and running up the stairs.

  "Well, well," Adam said, watching the boys run, his hand still through Mary.

  They both made it back to the kitchen.

  "Hello, AJ," both the dream Mike and Adam said.

  "We have to wake up," said Justin. "I'm sorry to do this." Justin jumped into AJ, phasing into him and tripping him. As AJ fell fast and hard, he hit his head.

  AJ opened his eyes and found himself back in his living room gasping for air. He couldn't move. Then he saw his hand in front of his face, turning it over and back. He was not in control.

  "Justin?" asked AJ. But his mouth didn’t move.

  His body stood up and looked around, then scooted back against the wall in fear at what he saw. Adam was holding Mary in the air by her neck. His shadow pierced through her body, causing no physical damage, but her shadow was screaming in pain. When his shadow arm pulled back, it ripped her shadow from Mary. He then threw her to the ground.

  AJ was now standing with his back against the wall. "Justin, we need to do something."

  "No," Justin said, frightened. "He can enter dreams while awake. We have to run, or he'll kill us both."

  "That's my mom! Give me back my body! Stay and fight!"

  "I'm sorry, AJ," Justin said, taking off running in AJ's body. The last thing AJ saw was the pitch-blackness in his father’s eyes. As he ran out the door, he heard the entity scream. He kept running until he reached a tree in the nearby park where they had gone in Mary’s dream. He sat underneath the tree.

  "I'm sorry, AJ. I’m just trying to protect us," Justin said.

  "What was that?" AJ cried out.

  "I’ve never seen that before. He can enter our subconscious while we’re awake. I don’t know how to beat that." Justin explained.

  "Well, we have to come up with something!"

  "We can’t beat that alone!"

  "What if we’re not alone? I have an idea," said AJ. He closed his eyes, and his head dropped. When he reopened his eyes, it was sunset. He moved his hands to show he regained control. There was only one entity left, and for the first time, AJ was taking charge of his own life.