What A Year

Here we are, Sebastian's pov

Rain pours as I stand in the middle of a field.

Thunder shakes the ground. Eerie echoes of howls and grunts charge at me from all around.

Dropping into a fighting stance, I prepare to beat my way out of whatever’s closing in.

A bolt of lightning splits the sky and in its flash, I see hordes of silhouettes.

Another blinding flash.

Then silence.

The rain clears and now it’s me and an empty wet field.

Something pulls me forward across the field toward a looming castle.

It stands seven stories tall, with four windows on each level.

Something on the fifth floor catches my eye.

A woman with silver hair and orbs for eyes stands, mouthing words I can’t hear.

Her silver hair cascades around her tall frame.

Something about her feels familiar.

“Look at the roof, Seb.” Lilah’s voice comes from somewhere in the night.

I look up and see you, Lupe.

You’re close to the edge of the castle.

The mysterious woman gives me a menacing smile—and you fall.

I bolt up in bed, heart hammering in my chest. The urge to leap and go to you is strong. I can still smell the wet grass.

Lilah walks into my room and sits down.

“I have to show you something. Guadalupe pulled me into a dream just now.” Without time to process my own dream, she takes my hand and leads me into her memory.

It’s her most advanced ability.

She walks me through your dream and it’s the day you showed us the cave.

“She doesn’t remember me,” Lilah’s saying, “but I could tell she wasn’t frightened. More like, annoyed. She doesn’t like people poking around in her mind.”

“Then don’t do it again,” I say, sharper than I mean to.

“She pulled me in, bro. I don’t think she realized it. She doesn’t remember what she was dreaming before I showed up. But I saw it.”

I grab her hand. “Show me.” I close my eyes and she takes me to your original dream.

We stay in the cave, but this time paint is dripping from the walls.

You and Victor are in the middle dancing.

He twirls and dips you.

Your face glows as you smile.

Then, the same silver-haired woman from my dream appears.

Victor turns you away and steps between you two.

But she vanishes—and reappears directly in front of you.

She lays her hand on the center of your chest and you convulse.

Victor catches you as you fall.

Now it’s just him and your limp body in the cave, his lips moving with silent panic.

“Tread lightly as you seek answers, boy.” I whip around and come face to face with the woman.

“Someone is watching—and waiting to strike at your weakest moment.”

Victor lets out a terrifying roar and lunges at me.

I snap awake, breathless from the dream.

Lilah watches me. “She spoke to you,” she whispers.

I stand and start getting dressed. “Lilah, get ready for school. I need to see Guadalupe before work.”

She stomps off, mad that I cut the conversation short.

As we head out to the car for school and work, Mom calls out. “Don’t forget, the Jones’ anniversary party is tonight. All four of us are going.”

“What fun,” Lilah mutters sarcastically.

After dropping her off and pinky promising I’ll fill her in later, I head to the hospital.

I wait in the car until I get the signal that the coast is clear.

Ten minutes pass, then a text: She’s all yours, honey bunny!

I gather the vase and head inside.

When I step into the hospital, I’m hit with waves of despair.

I lean against the wall as I drown in sadness.

Lupe—how can one person feel this and not collapse under the weight?

I steady myself and walk towards the elevator.

I let my feelings flow into you. I pour my love and awe into every step.

The elevator doors open with Sherry front and center.

“Good morning, handsome,” she says with a wink, plucking the vase from my hands, “You won’t be able to stay long. She’s got company on the way. I’ll give you some paper to leave her a note—it’ll brighten her day, I’m sure.”

Before I can question what she means she shoves paper and pen in my hand. "Hurry now, they're on the way up."

So I write:

Guadalupe,

I’m relieved you’re awake.

I know things must be confusing right now. If you’d like, I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

I’ll stop by later after your visitors leave.

—S.H

I hand Sherry the note and walk away.

Before the elevator doors close I see a frown cross her face.

As I get closer to the exit, I see Zeke and Victor walking in.

Close call.

I drive to work.

After graduation last year, I took a front desk job at one of the Jones’ hotels. They run six hotels across the county.

A cold, clammy hand lands on my arm when I enter the lobby. “Hi, Sebastian. Isn’t it a lovely morning?” Sadie says breathlessly.

I glance at her perfectly manicured white nails and force a polite smile. “It is, actually.”

I gently drop my arm out of her grip.

Being touched by someone else feels wrong.

Mr. Jones steps out of his office as I head to the desk with Sadie on my heels.

“Good morning, Sebastian! I heard the good news!” he bellows.

“What’s that, Daddy?” Sadie asks, too brightly.

“Guadalupe is finally awake!” A grin splits my face as all the color drains from Sadie’s.

“It’s true,” I say. “She’s awake—and I plan to see her later today.”

But then I remember—the party.

“Oh, but tonight’s the anniversary party,” Sadie says in a whiny tone. “I was really hoping you’d go, so I wouldn’t be alone.”

Before I can respond, Mr. Jones cuts in. “Oh honey, he’s not gonna want to hang around a boring party. He’ll want to be with Lupe.”

“Victor will be with Lupe,” Sadie replies smugly.

“And so will I.” She marches off into her father's office.

I thank Mr. Jones and get to work sorting room assignments.

⸻

The rest of the day is a blur of tasks—and avoiding Sadie.

She’s lurking around the lobby more than usual, and her perfume is starting to give me a headache.

Around mid-afternoon, five men in black suits walk in. All big and silent.

They request five separate rooms for three nights.

I assume it’s a business conference—nothing out of the ordinary. The Jones family hosts all kinds of events in their banquet halls.

At two o’clock I head out to find Sadie so I can take my lunch break.

Outside, she talks with one of the suited men. When I approach, she dismisses him. “Hey, I’m heading out for lunch. Watch the front?”

“Of course, sweetie,” she says, reaching for me.

I dodge and pat her on the head. “Thanks,” I mutter.

If she can’t stop with the touching, we’re gonna have to talk.

But first—I need to make sure it’s okay to tell people about us.

⸻

I pick up lunch from a small diner nearby.

On the drive back, a cramp shoots through my body. I let go of the wheel, grabbing my head.

Screams tear through my brain—loud, painful, impossible to shut out.

I try to let out a scream of my own—but the pain is too much. My mind is being pulled away.