Cassandra: Now, c’mon. Let’s get you home.

  The two of them head back to the Keeper headquarters.

  Venessa: I thought you said we were going back to…the Presleys.

  Cassandra nods: We are. Come with me.

  They step into a small room with metal walls. Cassandra scans her hand and there’s a flash of light. When Venessa opens her eyes, she sees a staircase in front of her and hears familiar voices. She and Cassandra head up the stairs. Cassandra scans her hand and the wall slides open. The Presley house is dark.

  Cassandra:(whispering) I think everyone’s asleep.

  Venessa nods.

  Cassandra:(whispering) Well, goodnight, Venessa. I hope to work with you again soon.

  Stolen story; please report.

  Venessa sighs. She would rather not have experienced what she had.

  Cassandra scans her hand and climbs back down the stairs, the kitchen wall closing seamlessly behind her. Venessa creeps upstairs. She hears Cory reading The Fellowship of the Ring to a younger child named Josie.

  Cory: I’m getting kinda tired, sweetie. Maybe we can finish the chapter tomorrow night.

  Josie:(pronouncing her ‘R’s as ‘W’s) No! I want to know if Galadriel turns evil!

  Cory: Now, why would she turn evil?

  Josie: You said the One Ring turns the nicest people evil!

  Annelise steps into Josie’s room: I can take over if you want.

  Cory: Thank you, Annelise.

  Annelise nods, hugs Cory, and sits down beside Venessa. She then begins reading the scene where Galadriel is offered the Ring.

  Venessa laughs to herself and steps into her room. After changing into her pajamas, she crawls into the bottom bunk and quickly falls asleep.

  Later that night, Annelise walks into Venessa’s bedroom. Venessa is crying and moving around in her sleep. Annelise smiles. She rests her hand on Venessa’s arm, and she relaxes.

  Annelise:(soothingly) You don’t know the whole story of what happens next. Remember that.

  End of Issue 3