Thirty-EightThey sat in Jake's lounge, all of them silent. Vicky and Jasper huddled together on the sofa, the woman stroking her son's hair gently. Alana lay on the other sofa, soft cushions under her head. A fleece blanket covered her from the neck down. The witch lay still, holding the pendant under the blanket. She mouthed silent words, trying to bring herself back from the brink of darkness. Jake and Wilf walked into the lounge from the hallway. The younger man flopped down next to Jasper, his head in his hands. “We need Alicia back, Jake. Call your friend. I will boil some water.”
Wilf headed out into the kitchen, as Jake pulled his phone out of his pocket. He dialled a number, dried tears streaked across his face. “Kerry. Hi. Is Alicia okay?” He listened to the response as fresh tea
