"I'm going to round a few more hands. If you run into Tyler, would you let him know what's going on?" Jack asks me as he takes a few hurried steps forward.
"I definitely will." I wave him off.
We part ways.
Bob or Wade?
"Yeah?" Came Wade's reply.
Could you let Hailey know that I need to speak to her please?
"No problem. I guess Jack asked you for some help?" He asks.
Yeah, he did. Can you or Bob locate Tyler and fill him in on Jack's plan?
"I certainly can. Hailey is on her way to you." He replies and then I feel his presence leave my mind. I see Hailey making her way towards me, followed by Rose and Travis. My stomach twists at the sight of the nurse. Why do I feel this?
"Is something wrong? Wade said you wanted to talk to me." Hailey stops in front of me.
"Can we go somewhere and take a seat first?" I ask. The pain in my leg was beginning to throb. It was very irritating.
"Of course." She nods. The three of them help me make our way to the closest porch, where I can take a seat.
"Is everything alright?" Hailey asks, she sounds worried.
"Yeah, everything is fine. This is good news but it needs to remain a secret, okay?" I look between the three of them. They all nod their heads.
"So Jack has asked for help with completing the wedding so he can surprise Mark." I lower my voice to make sure no passing ears hear me.
"It's a wed-!"
Rose is quick to cover Hailey's mouth.
"That's exciting!"
"So what does Jack want us to do?" Travis asks.
"Well right at the moment he went to get more hands to help. Maybe you can help keep Mark busy until Tyler returns to hopefully take him out of the village. Hailey and Rose, you two are in charge of making very long daisy chains, they are going to be used to tie back weeping willow branches for a curtain look." I answer.
"That sounds lovely." Hailey says after Rose had removed his hand from her mouth. She gives a big smile; very excited to be a part of this ceremony.
Travis nods his head, "I'll do my best."
"Alright, remember secrecy." I repeat and then shoo them off to complete the tasks given to them.
I lay back down on the porch, the pain in my leg was becoming unbearable.
I think I'll just rest here for the time being. No one needs my help right now anyway.

~Dream~
"Ethan, there you are, I have been looking everywhere for you!" Angie grins, bouncing in her chair as I make my way over, "For me??" I take a seat directly across from her. It looks like we are in some kind of retro diner, which is strange because I didn't know Angie then. Why is this the setting?
"Yeah, I've been searching for you for a while!" She chuckles, "Somehow I lost track of you."
"Lost track of me?" I question.
"Mhm!" She nods her head.
A waiter walks over, his face is blanked out. I can only make out the body build and outfit. That's disconcerting.
Angie leans over and points to things on the menu, "Ethan, what do you want?" She pushes the menu over to me. I pick it up and squint as it is hard to make out what the words are, "Does that say dirt pie?"
"Dirt pie, excellent choice sir!" The waiter speaks but the voice is distorted.
"What-no!" I try to grab him but he disappears. What the fuck??
Where am I?
"Okay, so now that we have ordered food, tell me, how is the freedom?" A new voice asks. I turn back to see Trixie join her sister. She is standing behind her sister except that she looks worse for wear. Dirt, blood, and lifeless eyes.
"Trixie...?" The word that comes out of my mouth slowly distorts and the whole room begins to shift and twist nauseatingly so. The cute little diner changed back to the forest; it's dark and extremely cold. I shiver and wrap my arms around myself, trying to create some kind of body heat.
"Guys...?"
I can't see anything with how dark it is.
There's a sound like some kind of flood light turned on and I turn around to see Angie sitting in a chair; sobbing.
Her left leg is turned outwards, the bone is jabbed up and out of her skin. Her right leg is completely twisted backwards, her kneecap exposed through the back of her leg. Blood was slowly pooling underneath her. Her tears were creating grooves through the dirt that caked her face. Her clothes were ripped in some places and shredded in the other. Behind her stands her sister. Trixie's head is hanging off to the left side from what I can only assume is her snapped neck. My stomach drops and my head begins to spin slightly. I bend over as I am afraid I would throw up.
"How, how could you?" Angie asks.
"W-what?" I question.
"How could you allow that traitor to stay with you!" Trixie shouts. Her voice roars. It bounces around the area we are in. I cover my ears, wincing at the loud booming. Traitor? Who are they talking about?? What do they mean?? Is this a nightmare??
"Why can I see you!!!" I shout back. "Why are you here! Why are you haunting me!"
"Watch your back." Angie whispers and I barely hear her over her sister's loud screaming. Her voice was morphing into something incomprehensible. I collapse to my knees and arch my back to look up at the dark abyss above us; a splitting pain shoots through my entire being. It feels like my very atoms are being ripped apart! The scream that I produce feels like it's going to shatter my vocal cords! I jerk forward and cough violently, blood spews from my mouth painting the feathery emerald grass in a bright crimson color.
My vision swims and there's a searing agony feeling that tears through my back, like white-hot knives slicing through flesh! With a sickening pop, my wings burst forth!
Stand.
Shakily, I make my way up onto my feet. I wipe the blood from my mouth and gasp out.
Now come here.
My body starts to jerk forward, like something else is controlling me. The pain in my leg amplifies each step I take. The bleak forest slowly comes back into view and there in front of me stands a creature. It's hard to make out exactly what it is.
"...who?"
Silence! Do not speak.
What fresh hell has my mind created now to torture me with? Seeing two dead friends wasn't enough?
The creature makes its way forward to me and holds out a very boney hand, a finger slowly making it's way forward to poke against my forehead.
It's time to unlock your ability.
"I have one?"
I said silence!
The voice hisses before I heard eerie whispers that seem to rush around my head and I tense. It felt like I was suddenly surrounded on all sides. I jerk my head around but I can't see anything other than the creature in front of me. The finger shifts slowly and then turns as if it was a key to unlock some magical lock sitting on my face.
Bright lights flood the space and I have to slam my eyes shut once they begin to sting.
~End Dream~

My eyes snap open and I suck in a breath. I sit up and check my surroundings. I'm still on the porch where I had originally laid down. The sun had sunk below the horizon. A cool breeze brushes by and I shiver. Why am I cold? I glanced down to see that I had large sweat stains taking up the majority of my shirt as if I had been exercising vigorously. I smack my lips and take note of my parched throat. Mm, I need to get back home. I felt exhausted. I go to grab my crutch but see that it isn't where I left it. Perfect. Some idiot must've grabbed it. Whatever for? It's not like they need it, and obviously, I'm laying right next to it.
I twist my upper body a bit and lean as much weight as I can onto my right side as I push myself into a standing position. I take a shaky step forward and wince as the pain shoots up like lightning. I throw my arms out and I feel like I'm learning to roller skate all over again. It was strangely silent as I limped my way down the small dirt path that led down the middle of all of the little houses. Why did no one wake me while I was laying on the porch? How long was I there? Is it the same day?
"Eth?"
I look up to see Mark. His wings were stretched out behind him, soaking in the beautiful moonlight that lit up our path. He was dressed in a black sleeveless shirt and wearing some pants; I was having trouble identifying them.
"Shouldn't you be using a crutch?" He asks as he moves forward to steady me.
"It's missing. I fell asleep on a porch and when I woke it was gone." I try to keep my weight off my leg.
"Gone? Porch? How long??" He asked quick questions.
"I don't know how long I was laying there and I have no idea why my crutch is missing nor why no one woke me." I answered him. He furrows his brows and then shifts to the left side of me, wrapping my arm over his neck as he starts to help me back to my shared house. I wince a bit, the movement to my arm makes a sharp pain shoot through my ribs and I huff, "I must've been fighting demons in my sleep."
"Sore?" Mark asks.
"Yeah. And it's strange that I didn't get the same nightmare that I normally do. I haven't fixed the Tears yet but I still can't sleep without them." I focus hard on my feet to make sure I don't start lagging behind Mark. He's quiet as he focuses on helping me.
"How late is it?" I break the silence.
"The sun set a few hours ago, so it's probably around midnight." He estimates, "I was expecting you to be resting in your house."
"Well I had been trying to get to know everyone better recently since in the beginning we all just kind of became friends due to circumstance." I explain.
"Oh that's a good idea." He nods his head as he helps me shuffle up the step to the porch of my little house.
He turns the doorknob and pushes the door open before we shuffle in until he helps me rest on the couch.
"Need a change of clothes?"
I glance back down to my sweaty outfit and then nod, "If you don't mind."
"I don't." He shakes his head and then heads back to the bedroom.
"You heard anything from Tyler all day??" I ask.
"No, he's been gone since early this morning. He did tell me something about being close to finding something?" I hear Mark's voice muffle slightly and then raise again. He must've stuck his head in the closet while searching through the shirts.
"Find what??" I ask. I don't recall Tyler telling me anything about looking for something on his trips away from the village. I hear the closet door shut and then the dresser drawer shut. Mark's steps are nearly silent as he returns to the living room. He's carrying a large t-shirt; it looks too big for me to wear.
"I couldn't find any shorts or pants."
He offers the shirt to me and I pull my sweaty shirt off.
I must've forgotten about laundry.
"I'm not sure what he is searching for. He hasn't disclosed a lot of information." He answers my question.
"What has he disclosed?" I toss my dirty shirt to the floor and then struggle out of my jeans. Mark tosses me the oversized shirt, "Not much, just that he really wants to find it, it's extremely important."
"I wonder why he hasn't told me about it." I put on the shirt and then ruffle my hair out of my face.
"Maybe he wants to confirm it before sharing?" He shrugs and then takes a seat across from me on the coffee table.
"Are your wings healed?" I take notice that he left his wings out the whole time. They seem to shimmer just slightly. The small muscles flex a bit as he leans forward, "Bones are healed but I haven't tried to take off yet. As much as I have a dire urge to take off the ground, I don't want to risk going too early and permanently damage them."
"Yeah, wouldn't want to do that." I shake my head.
"So you've been getting to know everyone?" He asks and I nod my head, shifting to lay down on the couch; the exhaustion from the day catching up to me.
"What do you ask?" He shifts a bit more to get comfortable on the coffee table.
I shrug the shoulder I'm not laying on, "Just basic questions, like what was your life like before the hospital, how did you meet your spouse etc, etc."
"Oh," He leans back a bit and then hums softly as he thinks over the questions, "I assume Jack told you about our meeting on that blind date I was on."
"Yeah, he did tell me that." I confirm.
He nibbles his bottom lip, teasing it with his teeth as he makes a face, his eyes slightly glazed over. What are you thinking about so hard? I stretch and my eyes start to flutter. I need to sleep but I don't want to be subjected to more nightmares.
"Do you want me to stay while you sleep since Tyler isn't here?" He asks softly, "I understand that it must be difficult to rest alone."
"No, no, it's alright. I'm sure Jack misses you." I fold my arm to support my head.
He chuckles softly, "Probably."
"I really love your relationship with each other, it's really inspiring." I smiled warmly and then yawned.
"Inspiring?" He asks.
"Yeah, you care for each other so much and you also respect one another." I reply, "I think it's something to strive for."
"Oh, I don't know," He rubs the back of his neck, suddenly flustered at the idea of his relationship being the ideal.
"Well I certainly think so." I reiterate.
He smiles, "That's sweet of you to think so."
I yawn again and then sigh, "That's alright, you don't have to stay with me. I'll be alright."
"Okay, if you need anything at all, you know where to find us." He smacks his thighs lightly as he, then, stands, "I hope you find the meaning behind your nightmares."
"Me too, but I have no idea where to start." I sit up.
"I'm sure it'll come clear when the time is right." He runs his fingers through his hair and then says his goodbye, quietly making his way back out into the moonlit night. I watch him leave before standing and hobbling over to the kitchen. When is the last time I ate? My stomach makes a loud rumble, it's uncomfortable. I open the small fridge and scan through what we have, which isn't a whole lot. Almost empty. Tyler usually stocks the fridge and does the cooking. Maybe I can find some crackers to snack on? I close the fridge door and make my way over to the cabinets, beginning my search.

Really? Not a single snack anywhere?
Damn. I don't really know much about cooking either...maybe I should see if anyone is still awake? No no, I shouldn't wake anyone while they are sleeping just for a bit of a night snack. It'll be alright. I've gone without food for much longer. I wish Tyler was here though. I miss him. It seems like he is always gone, doing something for everyone else. And I know that he is just trying to make himself useful. I can't really be mad at that, it is my fault that he no longer has a purpose. Where does he even go? He said that he had never been outside the hospital in his entire life. What would he be searching for? Did he learn of a family that doesn't know he exists? Does he want to meet them? To see if they will accept him? If they do, will he leave? Will he return? Would he take me with him or leave me here? I know we just accepted terms to start dating but wouldn't a lost family be more important than just a blossoming relationship? The last thought makes me annoyed with myself. I roll my eyes and then decide to start some tea. Maybe if I knock myself out the nightmares will leave me alone. I grab the kettle and start to fill it with water. You know something like a radio wouldn't be bad for this place, it's so quiet. I miss listening to music. The songs that made me want to become a musician. Hm, I wonder if I can still play my instruments. I frown slightly at the memory that surfaces with that thought. The kidnappers had destroyed my house completely; any instruments I owned were smashed to bits. I wonder if they sold all my belongings. Or did they completely torch the place too? Did they get rid of my existence before we destroyed the paper trails. My parents didn't even realize I had disappeared. I doubt any of my neighbors thought anything about it either. I guess my life before this was just worthless. No one seemed to-
"Ethan!"
"Ah-!" I jerk to the sound of my name, throwing the kettle at the person.
Tyler caught it with no problem, other than a little back splash, "Uh...?"
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry! You startled me!" I cover my face. Did I really just do that! He laughs for a few seconds as I feel my face heat up at my stupid reflex. He walks over and sets the kettle down on the counter, "I have important news." His face looks a bit more serious. It makes my stomach twist with knots. Is this it? Is this the secret family? Is he going to leave and try to have a relationship with them? Am I going to be alone?
"I found her." He grabs my hands and holds them carefully, "I found your mother's grave."
I look up at him. I blink a few times and then my gaze lowers to the ground, morphing into a frown. What did he say? Her? Mother's grave? I jerk my head back up to meet his eyes, "What."
He nodded his head, "It took a while, but I found her."
"You found Mom...?" My voice wavers as a lump suddenly forms in my throat. Tears begin to prick my eyes.
"Yeah, and I have an idea of how to get you to her without being seen by any outsiders." He continues. "We'll need Jack and Bob's help."
"Everyone's asleep." I tell him.
"We can wake them." He shrugs it off and turns to head back out the door. I grab his arm, "Wait, I don't..."
"This is a bit more important, Ethan, I don't want you to have to wait any longer." He turns back to me, "If they get angry then they have a right to be angry at me because I chose to wake them up for you."
"Tyler..." I try to figure out what to say to him but I can't think straight.
"Here, why don't you wait here and I'll bring them back here." He pats my hand gently, before removing it from his arm. "I'll be right back." And he takes swift steps to leave me alone again.
I stand in place.
...he found Momma. That's what he's been doing this whole time? Searching for me? But how did he manage to even get the location? Only my father knows that information. And all of my connections to them had been cut off. Did he track my father down to ask him? By himself? Never been out in the world before and he found, not only my mother, but got the information from my father???? What? What.
"...it's kind of late, what exactly do you guys need help with?" Bob's voice snaps me back into reality. I watch as the three of them enter the room.
Bob looks groggy. He scratches at a spot on his stomach, dressed in a pair of underwear and wife beater shirt. He grumbles softly as he adjusts his glasses. Jack rubs the sleep from his eyes as he lets out a loud yawn. His appearance looks like he rushed to throw on a pair of sweatpants, completely forgetting a shirt. His hair was flat on one side, probably the side he had been sleeping on.
"It's pretty important." Tyler informs them.
"Well are you going to fill us in on the importance?" Bob asks, his tone a little harsh.
"I found Ethan's mother's grave and I need your help to get us there." Tyler turns to both of them, "Bob can pull the location from me and give it to Jack, who can teleport us there."
They stare at him as his words sink into their half asleep minds. Bob lets out a long winded sigh, "This couldn't have waited until morning?"
"I didn't think so." Tyler replies, "Ethan hasn't seen her in years, there is a very probable chance that his nightmares are caused by this and will clear up with meeting her again."
"Yeah, but we don't know if that is the right choice." Jack says, "I mean, don't get me wrong, I understand wanting to help him as soon as possible, but I'm mostly asleep Tyler. Teleporting without a clear mind is not the safest thing to do."
Tyler falls quiet. He shuffles a bit then lets out a sigh as he turns to pace a few steps away. I watched him before turning to Bob and Jack, "Sorry for waking you, maybe in the morning we'll figure it out."
"No harm done." Bob shrugs his shoulders and they make their way out of the house. Once the door shuts, I turn and make my way to Tyler. I gently touch his back. A shiver moves through his body but he doesn't shy away.
"I'm sorry." He utters.
"Sorry?"
"You were right, I should've been more patient. It's, just- I wanted to do something important for you." He expresses.
"But you did something important for me. You found her." I grab his arm, "Just because we can't go now doesn't mean what you did is any less important."
He glances at me, "Are you sure?"
"Of course! I didn't know you were looking for her. The fact that you even found her is a miracle!" I stepped in front of him, "How did you find her?"
"I asked Felix and Bob about your parents. They gave me the information I needed and took it upon myself to locate them. I avoided your stepmother. It took a while to get your father's attention and to get him away from prying eyes. I briefly explained about trying to find her grave. He told me the location and that he wanted to help me but he wouldn't be able to get out from under his wife's thumb while your younger siblings are still at home. He said that he couldn't remember where exactly she was buried. But knew the rough location. So once I found the meadow, I spent the next weeks searching for her. As your father explained that she didn't have a proper headstone so I had no choice but to start digging in the ground."
"That's why you came back so muddy." The realization hits me.
"Yeah, that's why." He confirms.
"...the only reason I knew it was her was because of the coffin. Your father said that as a six year old you managed to carve 'I love you' into the wood."

~Flashback~
There. I finished it.
"What are you doing?" My stepmother hisses from behind me. She leans over my body and then lets out a horrified shriek "Marvin! What the hell is wrong with your snot nosed brat!"
"What do you mean?" I hear my father.
"You let your son carve words into her coffin?? What a disgrace!" She continues her loud squawking and her hand grips my upper arm. I yelp as she jerks me away from the coffin, "Wait! Wait! I didn't say goodbye yet!"
"Come on, the ceremony is about to start, if I hear one more peep out of you, you'll never see your mother again!" She growls.
"But-" I choke on my words as she then smirks at me, "And there. Just like that you will never come back here again."
~End Flashback~

I shudder violently at the horrible memory. It makes me feel sick to my stomach that such a woman would do something so unthinkable to a helpless, grieving child.
"Ethan, you alright?" Tyler's hand upon my arm makes me jump and I stumble back before realizing it was him.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm alright." I rub where he touched and then grip it just barely.
She was always so grabby. She was always so violently angry towards me. What did I ever do to piss her off to treat me that way? I was merely a child. A motherless child. What was she hoping to gain from my father anyway? We weren't rich. We weren't famous. Not much to our name. Was it some kind of game to play with her rich friends? To tease a broken family? To jerk them away from the only chance to properly grieve? Was she an affair partner...? No, Dad would never...would he? I nibble on my lip before I look back at Tyler. He's patiently waiting for anything from me.
"Do you think you can find something to make for dinner?" My stomach growls and I make a face at the uncomfortable feeling.
"Yeah, I can. Why don't you lay down in bed and I'll bring it to you." He says.
"Sounds good." I nod and then hobble my way towards the bedroom, trying not to let old, unpleasant memories haunt me.