“Oh yes. It’s me.â€? The other girl and I were suddenly buffeted with air from the strokes of Wes’ wings as he settled on a perch I hadn’t noticed before. “Having fun?â€?

“Loads,â€? the girl said sarcastically, though I noticed she was slightly nicer to him than me. “So, how do we get out of here? Or do you want us to wait a while or-â€?

“How about eternity?â€? His cruel laugh nearly undid me. All I could think was it wasn’t Wes. It wasn’t Wes. “Oh, it’s me.â€? When he turned to face me I almost thought he softened a little. That he seemed a little gentler. However, that feeling disappeared as soon as I thought it. “If only you hadn’t been so infatuated with John. You might have noticed the war going on. You might have noticed the cards were changing.â€? Was that pain in his eyes? “No. It isn’t.â€?

“Wes?â€? I had meant it to sound fierce, couragous, strong for crying out loud! But it came out a little croak. A five year old’s cry to their mommy.

“Not anymore, dear.â€? Then he flew away into, well, nothingness.