September 23rd “I don’t feel right,” Jon said. “Things are spinning, like water circling a drain.” “I could get the nurse back,” Karl said. “Maybe it will stop,” Jon said. Rudy leaned forward to see Jon’s face in the lamp light. “Your color looks off. Maybe we should get the nurse.” “I was dreaming. I … Continue reading Chapter 71 – Five Past Midnight

Night of September 22nd Rudy had been asleep for hours when Karl poked him in the soft part of his shoulder. Like the point of a spear penetrating the very spot that would inflict the sharpest pain. Rudy groaned then yelped. “What the fu….” “Get up if you’re coming. Jon would have already been up … Continue reading Chapter 70 – The Hunt

Sunroom, September 22nd The words on the page undulated like slow moving ripples of black across a pond of milk. They seemed to speak, though no sound came from them. Jon rested the open book in his lap. “What’s the story today?” Mrs. Krantz blurted, wanting him to get on with it. “Snorri just wanted … Continue reading Chapter 69 – The Troll

Wednesday Jon made his way to Mrs. Remple’s room. A slow shuffle, neither foot lifting off the floor as he went. He felt old. He stared straight ahead but only saw images of the past, as if he were walking inside a dream. Harriet in the yard with their infant son, Magnus. Rolling a large … Continue reading Chapter 68 – Mrs. Remple’s Bed

They gathered in the Sunroom, all sat silent under a pall of gloom. Jon sat in his same chair, beside the empty Queen’s chair. He did not bring his big red book. Instead he opened a small grey covered volume and read lines from his favorite poet, Dylan Thomas. He spoke softly. Do not go … Continue reading Chapter 67 – Sunroom