Chapter 10: Delirium
“The tree,” Barrett said, his voice was sleepy. “She’s in the tree.”
“Barrett,” I struggled to find my voice. “You’re safe.”
“The tree,” he said again, this time I could hear fear, could see him struggling in his hypnotic stupor.
“I’m going to count to five and when I get to five you are going to wake up. You are safe,” I started to count.
Barrett tossed his head from side to side. “The tree, she’s inside!”
“Three, you are safe, Barrett,” I knew I couldn’t touch him. “Four. Barrett, on the next number you will wake up and you will feel rested and safe.”
“The tree!” His voice was raised, nearing hysteria
“Five!” I called out, my mouth open, frozen, I felt like I couldn’t move or breathe. When I looked down, Barrett was staring up at me.
“Anson?” He sounded conf
