The Collection

By David J. Rouzzo

Four of David J. Rouzzo's most popular titles come together

Hathin
Haunted by frightening visions and memories, a man searches for his past and finds himself threatened by vampires.

Some Planets Aren't so Close to Earth
Follow the life of Zane Pierce, a man who suddenly finds his dreams haunted by a beautiful woman named Amaris. Dreams soon turn to reality and Zane discovers he is a part of a much bigger picture than he could have ever imagined.

The Well Strategized and Thoroughly Thought Out Self Destruction of Harry Flynnt
Find yourself on an average quest through mediocrity as you experience Harry's life first-hand, and share in his trials and triumphs along the way.

Euphoria
Damien Williams is just an average guy working a dead-end job and tolerating a miserable relationship. His life takes a quick turn as he stumbles into another world called Euphoria - a beautiful world full of elves, witches, pirates, mermaids, dragons and so much more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9781387399420

Book preview

The Collection

The Collection

David J. Rouzzo

Copyrights

The Collection

Edition 2.0

Copyright © 2018

David J. Rouzzo

Cover design by David J. Rouzzo

Get more from David J. Rouzzo at

www.davidjrouzzo.com

Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the bible.

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means – mechanical, photocopying, electronic, recording, or otherwise – without prior written permission of the publisher, as well as the author.  The only permitted exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

© 2018 Lulu Author. All rights reserved.

978-1-387-39942-0

DEDICATION:

To Grace, Darren, Ethan, Noah, Kenna, Kayden, Lexi, and Ailyn Rose,

May you always pursue your dreams, no matter how hard the world tries to keep you from them.

Hathin

PROLOGUE

Journal Entry #1

I have these dreams. 

They’re almost like memories, like visions of my childhood.

In some of these dreams, I see three boys staring at an old house.  Following that vision, everything goes blurry, and all I can hear are screams.  Screams that sound so painful and frightening.  Screams that sound almost inhuman.

I don’t remember my childhood.  I don’t even know my name.  All I have are these little visions to live by.  The earliest I remember of my life is when I awoke cold and soaking wet in the back of an old church.  Whatever stories and secrets hide in my past remain untold to me.  I am just thankful that Dr. Jon Andrews greeted me outside one night and offered to help me remember who I am.  He’s a psychiatrist.  I hope he can help me.  He’s the only hope I have at remembering.  He’s the one who told me to write these things down in this journal, to help jog my memory.  I don’t have a family, or at least not that I know of.  I do believe that I used to, because I’ve seen a family in my visions.  I’ve seen a mother, a father, and a younger brother.  If the family in these visions truly exists, I will do everything I must to find them and reunite with them.  Before I can do anything, I have to uncover the truth about my past, and how I got to where I am now.  I must learn who I am.

Signed,

…

CHAPTER 1

How do you feel?

Fine.

Any better?

The man smirked as he looked at Dr. Andrews in disbelief.

Same as yesterday.

Your feelings? The doctor asked.

Your questions.  They are the same as yesterday…and the day before.

Look…

I come to you because I am trying to get help.  I am trying to find the answers to who I am, and where I came from.  The man sighed as he stood up from the couch that he was laying on.  Any word about my past?

The lab hasn’t sent back any information regarding the fingerprint tracking.  Keep in mind, you came to me only weeks ago, and I have not only done what I can to be a friend to you and help, but I have also offered to be a psychiatrist to you at no cost.

It’s been two months.

Yes, I suppose it has.  It should be any day now.

Any day now?  With all due respect, Jon, you’ve fed me that line for a week and a half now.  For the past eleven days, all I’ve gotten from you is that response.  Jon, you can’t help me if you’re not going to be completely open and honest with me. The man expressed with desperation.

I’m sorry.  I can only tell you what I know.  I’ll tell you what.  I’ll call the lab personally this evening and request them to speed up the process.  Have you started your journal yet?  Jon Andrews asked, hoping the man had taken his advice.

Yes, I just started it last night before I went to sleep. The man answered, nodding.

Good, Jon replied, it should help your memory.

Thank you. The man stood to his feet, shook hands with Dr. Andrews, and slowly left the office.

As the man walked out of the psychiatrist’s office, he glanced around at the empty lobby.  He remembered the family that he had seen sitting in the lobby the day before.  He remembered the brown-haired girl who sat in the old rocking chair in the corner, rocking back and forth, with a still look on her face.  He remembered the man sitting on the couch, mumbling random words and staring at the floor.  Last, he remembered the little boy who was sitting at the table, playing with a small toy car.  He began to visualize the family sitting in the lobby once again.  The image suddenly changed, as the man on the couch turned pale.  The vision became frightening as blood began to run from the girl’s mouth and her eyes rolled to the back of her head.  The image of the little boy changed as his face became covered in blood.

The man stared at the horrifying images that he was visualizing in the room and he began to scream.  Dr. Andrews ran out of the lobby and began to shake him. 

What’s wrong? he yelled as the man continued to panic.

The family! Save them! Help them!

There’s no family.  Nobody’s here! The doctor exclaimed.

Save them! The man screamed again.

The doctor continued shaking the man, until he finally fell backwards, lying on the ground.  The man looked up at his doctor with confusion.

What happened? The doctor asked.

I saw them. The man answered.

Who?  Who did you see? The doctor asked.

There was a boy, a girl, and a man.  They were sitting here. The blood…

There’s nobody here.  There hasn’t been anyone here all day.  You were my only patient today until later this evening.

It was…the family who was here the other day.  The man and the children.

Young children?

No.  The boy was young, but the girl was older.  She was in the rocking chair.

Nobody was in the rocking chair.  Nobody was here.  Dr. Andrews said, trying to understand what was going on.  The man stood up and stared at the room.  He sighed, as he stared at the table where the little boy was playing.  He was soon distracted by the ringing of a telephone.  Doctor Andrews began walking toward his office. 

I have to answer that.  Don’t worry, you are okay now.  You should try to get some rest.  Come back tomorrow. We’ll see how you’re doing, alright?

Alright. The man nodded before leaving.

The man walked out onto the sidewalk, and made his way around the street corner.  As he walked past an alleyway, he caught a glimpse of a young boy who looked very familiar.  He walked up to the boy and realized that he recognized the boy from one of his visions.  He remembered the vision of the three boys staring at the old house.  This was one of those three boys!

Who are you? He asked the child.

Your sign of hope. The boy answered.  Confused, the man decided to ask the boy more questions.

How do you know me?

All of us know you, Hathin.

I’m sorry, what did you call me?

Hathin; that is what we call you.

The man stared at the boy curious and confused about the name.  The boy looked at him, with a look of understanding.    

Your ignorance was expected. The boy informed him.  The name that we call you is a name given to the one who holds the power to start the resurrection of this town against the darkness that hinders it.  The boy reached his arm out and pointed his finger at a box lying nearby.  Inside is a gift we have made for you.  The image you will find can show you who you are.  You must learn about the symbol, and study it.  You must learn about yourself.  The past holds no answers, but you still must remember it, for it will help you understand your future.  You must allow your faith to guide and carry you.

The man began to grow more curious and more confused by what the boy was explaining to him. 

Faith?  Faith in what? he asked.

Faith in yourself. The boy answered.

I don’t understand. The man replied.  A lady walked up behind him. 

Sir, who are you speaking to? she asked him.

The boy. He answered her.

There’s no boy around here, sir.  I think you had better go home and get yourself some good rest.  She shook her head and walked away.  The man looked back at where the little boy was standing before, but no one was there.

Confused, the man looked over at the box that the boy had pointed to.  He walked over to the box and carefully opened it.  Inside the box there was a black cloth.  He pulled the cloth out of the box and unfolded it, revealing a shirt. The black shirt had a mysterious symbol on the front of it resembling the letter H, with a few noticeable differences.  The man placed the shirt back into the box.  He picked up the box and headed towards the old church he had first found himself in.  He had been sleeping in this church every night, and leaving early enough so that nobody would come in and find him.

Back at the church, the man set the box down underneath a chair.  He then sat down with his journal to write down the events and emotions he had gone through that day. After writing, Hathin laid down on some blankets that he had gathered together, and slowly fell asleep. 

JOURNAL ENTRY #2

More visions have appeared to me today.  My current emotions are bewildering and confusing at the same time.  I feel afraid, but at the same time, I feel prepared.  Then again, perhaps I am just crazy.  Perhaps I have lost all my sanity, and that is why I am seeing these visions.  Either way, I can’t help but wonder if there’s something more, something big, behind all of this.  I just can’t help but ask myself why I am the only one who is able to see these things.  Nothing makes sense anymore.

One benefit from these visions is that I now have a name for people to call me.  The boy in the alleyway called me by this name, and the way he explained it made it sound to me like there are others who know me by that name as well; others who look to me as some sort of leader.  How am I to lead people who know me and expect something of me, when I do not even know myself?  The only thing I know about myself is the name that I have been given from my visions.  From this point on, I will learn who I am, and I will learn who I am supposed to become.  I will learn the meaning of the symbol that was on the shirt that I was given.  From this point on, I will be known as Hathin.

Signed,

Hathin

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

1 Corinthians 14:10

CHAPTER 2

As Hathin slept, visions and voices filled his head.  Visions of the family he had seen at the doctor’s office flashed through his mind.  The vision occurred of the three boys staring at the old house, but this time, something had changed.  This time, there were only two boys staring at the house.  The boy he had seen in the alleyway was no longer standing there.  Hathin then envisioned the alleyway, with the little boy standing there.  The boy’s eyes looked as if he couldn’t have been any happier, but the boy did not smile.  He pointed to the sky as he spoke.

So many questions fill your mind.  You wonder about the visions, your family, and your past.  You wonder how I am capable of speaking to you in your dreams.  Please, understand that you are blessed.  You do not know your past because you are not ready to know your past.  A long journey has begun for you.  Much suffering and loss will fall upon you, but you were chosen for a reason and the fact that you were chosen means that you can overcome all challenges that will confront you.  You must understand that just because you are the only one who sees these visions; it does not mean that they are not real.  You must believe that they are real.  When you believe in them, you will begin to understand them.  The boy then bowed his head, as a man appeared behind him.  The boy vanished as the man grinned, revealing spots of blood inside of his mouth.  Two fangs showed on the sides of his teeth.  Startled, Hathin woke up to find himself all alone, still inside the church.  He stared up at the stars that shined through the window that he slept beneath and found comfort in the glow they provided.

Hathin awoke the next morning and left the church before anyone else arrived.  He immediately headed back to the office of Dr. Jon Andrews to inform him about the strange occurrences that took place on the previous day.  He walked into the office and walked up to the desk where the secretary was sitting.

Dr. Andrews, please.  I need to talk to him. He told her.  The secretary glanced over the book she was reading.

I’m sorry; Dr. Andrews hasn’t come in yet. She replied.  Hathin turned around and began to leave.  The secretary began searching throughout files on her desk.

Sir! She called out to Hathin.  I know which patient you are, and Dr. Andrews received a fax about you this morning.  I think it would be alright with him if you take these.  I believe they are for you anyways.  She handed the files to Hathin and returned to her work.  Hathin opened the files and prepared to read the documents that were inside. Inside the file, there was one single sheet of paper. The page inside the folder was a note to Dr. Andrews that he would receive the background information on Hathin within the following 48 hours.  As he continued reading, he learned the name that he was given at birth and his date of birth.  He learned that his real name was Nathaniel Bedlam and that he was born on April 18th, 1979.

Hathin jumped as a hand grabbed his shoulder.  He turned to see Dr. Andrews looking over his shoulder, trying to read the documents.

Sorry I’m late.  What do we have here?  The doctor asked as Hathin handed him the folder.  Dr. Andrews read the document and then looked up at Hathin.

Nathaniel Bedlam. The doctor stated.

I have waited so long to know. Hathin said, as he hung his head down, staring at the floor with a look of lost hope on his face.

Is something wrong? Dr. Andrews asked, realizing that Hathin had something on his mind.

I have waited so long to know who I am, but even now that I have found my birth date and name, I still do not know who I am.  Hathin said as he clenched his fists in anger.  The doctor nodded in understanding.

We will continue with our sessions. Your past will come to you through your visions and your journal. He stated calmly.

My visions?  My visions have done nothing lately other than scare me and warn me about some journey full of suffering.  My visions have only confused me more than I already was to begin with.  These things that I keep seeing are simply making me feel insane! Hathin quickly calmed down and shook his head in doubt.  He thanked Dr. Andrews, took the information packet, and began walking towards the door.

See you tomorrow. Dr. Andrews said with a grin.  Hathin turned around and looked at him. 

See you tomorrow. He smiled, turning back towards the door and walking outside.

Outside, Hathin brushed past a girl who had long, black hair and was slightly shorter than he was.  She had a confused look on her face as she turned and looked at him.

Hathin? She yelled out to him.  He turned and looked at her, curious as to how she knew him by the name that the boy in his vision had given him.

How do you know me?

I don’t know. She answered. I saw you in my dreams.  Don’t ask me to explain it because I can’t.  You were there in my dream.  You handed me a crucifix and gave me this address.  I drove across the state to find you.

Yeah?  Well, this is a psychiatrist’s office, so maybe you should think of it as a sign and make an appointment.  Hathin commented sarcastically as he began to walk away.  He stopped and turned back around to her, realizing his snide remarks weren’t helpful to the situation.

You think I’m crazy?  I thought I was too at first.  I thought that was the only possible explanation!  There’s just one problem.  How do you explain this?  She asked.  She reached out and placed a crucifix in his hand.

What’s this? he asked her.

The crucifix you gave me in my dream.  It was in my hand when I woke up. She looked at him with fear in her eyes.  Hathin sighed, and then nodded.

What’s your name? He asked calmly.

Nevaeh Evanstein. She answered.  Why?  How?  It was just there!  I woke up with my hand clenching it in a fist.  You handed it to me in the dream and you told me to bring it to you immediately.  She explained it to Hathin with a sound of confusion in her voice.  Hathin looked at her, confused and bewildered.

Did I say anything else?  He asked.  She thought for a moment, and answered.

"Yes!  You told me I had to hurry and that I had to find you and give you this before they came."

They? He questioned.  They who?

I don’t know. She replied.

Hathin sighed in disbelief and exhaustion. 

Tell me a way I can reach you. He insisted.  She wrote down her name, phone number and address on a slip of paper and handed it to him.

I’ll keep in touch.  If you need to find me, come here and let them know you are looking for Nathaniel Bedlam.  He told her as he turned and walked away.  A short distance down the road he stopped and examined the crucifix Nevaeh gave him.  He walked back to the church, went inside, and wrote in his journal before he went to sleep.

Journal Entry #3

Oddly, no visions have occurred since my last entry.  However, I have had quite an interesting day.  I went to Dr. Andrews’ office and found out that my birth name is Nathaniel Bedlam.  I found out that I was born on April 18th, 1979.  I also found out that knowing my real name has done me no good, as I still know nothing about my past or who I really am.  Whether I am called Nathaniel Bedlam, or if I am called Hathin, it makes no difference.  The only difference between the two names is that one has a hidden and forgotten past, while the other has no past at all.

I met a girl named Nevaeh Evanstein today.  I think she has visions too.  She told me I came to her in one of her dreams and handed her an object.  When she woke up, she was still holding it in her hand, so she came to find me.  She said I told her to bring it to me and that I told her where to find me.  The object was a crucifix.  I don’t understand its significance or why I urged her to find me so quickly.  There are still so many questions that I must find answers to.

Signed,

Hathin

Hathin woke up before the sun rose the next morning and stared out the window of the dimly lit church.  He held the crucifix that Nevaeh gave him in his hand.  He stared at it as the sun rose and shined in through the window, reflecting a glimmer off the crucifix. 

What don’t I know?  He asked himself out loud.  What don’t I understand?

He put the crucifix inside the box with the shirt he found in the alleyway, and then he headed towards the door of the church.  He rushed so quickly, he didn’t see that anyone else was in the church.

Sir?  A man yelled out to him. Sir, can I help you?  The man began walking towards Hathin.  Hathin stopped and turned around. 

I’m sorry, I… he stuttered.

Ah, it’s you.  I was wondering when I would find you here awake.  I’ve never wanted to wake you, even though I’ve always wanted to introduce myself. The man said.

You’ve seen me sleeping here? Hathin questioned, curiously.

Well, of course.  You don’t hide that well. The man smirked.

Who are you? Hathin asked.

You can call me Jordan.  I work here at the church.  It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.  Tell me, have you seen any of them yet?

Any of what?

Why, the ones who walk in the dark.  Funny isn’t it, how we call them that?  I think it is.  I think many people walk in the dark.  Some of us have never been told any better though. Jordan explained.

I’m confused.  Who walks in the dark? Hathin asked.

Haven’t you been listening?  Everyone walks in the dark, unless they know better.  Do you know better?

Look, I have to get going.  I’m sorry for intruding. Hathin explained.

Intruding?  Not at all!  We’ve waited a long time for you to be here.  Finally, it appears that the Prophesy is true.  I get so tired of false prophesies.  They give me headaches.  You come back, and you stay here every night you need to, boy.  At 21, you’re just too young to be out on the streets.  Especially when you’re training hasn’t even started yet.

Training? Prophesies?  I have no idea what you’re talking about.

I’m talking about the end of the dark ones.  Boy, you were predicted by a wise old man who believed in the light in a way most only wish they could.  A faith with the strength to bring down the mountains, it was.  Every ten years they come to this village.  That’s all going to end soon; I sure believe it is.

Look, I don’t know who you are.  Thank you for permitting me to sleep here; I’ll try to stay out of the way.  Good luck with your ‘dark ones’ or whatever you called them. 

Hathin walked out the doors and headed to Dr. Andrews’ office.  He walked into the office and walked up to the secretary. 

I’m here to see Dr. Andrews, please.  He told her. 

He’ll be with you in just a moment, sir.  She replied.  She paged Dr. Andrews and let him know Hathin was there.  While waiting, Hathin observed the room.  He looked at the secretary as she was continuously typing on a typewriter.  He observed the nameplate that sat on her desk. It said Megan Anderson in gold-colored letters.   Dr. Andrews walked out into the lobby.

Mr. Bedlam!  Welcome back!  We have a little more information for you!  Come into my office; I’ll show you the papers we received today.  The doctor invited.

Inside the office, Hathin paced back and forth, waiting to see what new information Dr. Andrews had for him.  Here it is.  Dr. Andrews said, pulling the files out of the desk.  He handed the files to Hathin.

I had a family.  Hathin stated, reading over the files.  He continued reading and then handed the papers back to Dr. Andrews.  My mother’s name was Naomi.  My father and brother were both named Niccoli.  They all came up missing when I was 14 years old.  They’ve been announced dead, but their bodies were never found.  He said, turning to leave the office.

What are you going to do now?  Dr. Andrews asked.  Hathin turned back around and looked at the doctor with a look of determination.

Those papers mentioned where my family lived, where they worked, and when they were last seen.  I don’t believe for one second that my family is dead.  I’m going to go and explore my past.  I want to remember everything from my past because I believe my memory holds the answers that will help me find them.  Dr. Andrews gave a look of concern.

For now, go back to the church.  It’s getting late, and you won’t see a thing at night.  Go to the church, sleep, and do your investigating in the morning.  At least do that.  He asked.  Hathin turned around and stared at the door. 

Fine.  He stated as he walked out.

the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Psalm 34:16

CHAPTER 3

It was late evening as Nevaeh Evanstein sat on her living room couch with a telephone pressed up against her ear. 

Caleb, I know it sounds crazy, but I swear to you it’s true! Just never mind then!  You don’t want to believe me, that’s your choice.  I know I’m not crazy!  Nevaeh slammed the telephone down onto the phone’s base and shoved it away from the couch.  What a jerk.  She said as she got up and walked out onto her porch.  She looked out from the porch and stared at the dark evening sky.  It’s always so dark here. She mumbled as she turned and walked back into her house.  She walked into her kitchen and opened her refrigerator.  She pulled out a bowl of pre-made salad and some Italian dressing and walked back into her living room.

Nevaeh sat back down on the couch and started to eat her salad as the telephone rang.  She put her salad down and picked up the telephone.

Hello?  She answered.  She waited a moment, but no one responded.  Hello?  A look of fear came over her face as all she heard was breathing over the phone.  Suddenly, static filled her ear and she pulled away from the phone for a moment.  Slowly, she put her ear back to the phone.  Hello? Who is this? Finally, a voice answered back. 

Nevaeh, can you hear me now?  Caleb’s voice spoke loud and clear from the other line.  Nevaeh sighed with relief.

Caleb!  You scared me!

I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to.  Look, I was calling to check up on you.  I know we just got off the phone a few minutes ago, but you were really worrying me with all of that stuff you were saying earlier. Caleb expressed his concerns to her.

Well, thank you for caring, but I’m perfectly fine. Nevaeh replied.

Alright, I just wanted to make sure.  Hey, if you’re scared of having any more dreams, I’ll come over and keep you company tonight. Caleb suggested.

Yeah? Nice try, but no thanks.  Nevaeh laughed as she hung up the telephone.  She grabbed the bowl of salad and took it back into the kitchen.  She took one more bite of the salad, and then threw it into the trashcan.  She grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator, took a small drink and then put the bottle back.  She walked into her bedroom, closed the door, turned off the light and lay down in her bed.

It was the middle of the night when Nevaeh was awakened by a loud shatter.  She sat up in bed and stared at her closed door.  The door was still tightly shut, so the sound she heard came from somewhere else in the house. 

What was that?  She asked herself out loud.  She slowly stood up out of the bed and began walking towards the bedroom door.  As she reached the door, she stopped and slowly moved back towards the bed.  She went to her dresser and grabbed her car keys and slid them into her pocket.  She then grabbed her jacket and put it on. 

There’s no way I’m going to be dumb enough to go out there and not be prepared to run if I need to.  Then again, maybe Caleb’s right and I really am crazy.  She said to herself.  Slowly Nevaeh made her way back towards the door.  She cautiously opened the door and moved into the dark hallway. 

Hello?  She called out.  Is there anyone here?  She continued through the hallway.  Please don’t let there be anyone here.  She said to herself.  She walked into her dining room, but couldn’t see anything in the room.  It’s pitch black in here.  Is anyone here? Caleb, are you here?  She called out into the room.  She felt something brush up against her leg, startling her and causing her to jump in fright.  A car with bright headlights drove by outside, and the light shined in through the large window of the room.  The light shined into the room long enough for Nevaeh to realize that she had walked into a small nightstand.  She sighed in relief as she looked up towards the window.  As the car drove away, the light faded from the window.  Before the light was completely gone, she noticed the silhouette of a man standing across the room. 

Caleb?  Is that you?  She asked with fear.  The man just stayed where he was and did not reply to her.  Okay, that’s a no.  Who are you?  She asked him. 

It doesn’t matter who I am.  He replied to her. 

Why? Why doesn’t it matter? She asked.

Because, what difference does it make who kills you?  All that will matter is that you will be dead.  He replied, growling.

How do you know?  Her eyes had adjusted to the darkness of the room and she could easily see the man’s shadowy figure now.

Because that’s what I came for.  He began to walk towards her.

Wait! She yelled.  What if you’re the one that dies? She asked defensively.

How amusing.  Don’t be foolish, girl. He laughed.  I can’t die.

Everyone can die.  There’s no such thing as an immortal! She exclaimed.

Indeed, I’m not immortal, but you don’t have what it takes to kill me. He stated.  Nevaeh looked around the dark room for a way to escape the man.  She looked down at the nightstand and saw a letter opener.  She slowly reached down and grabbed it.

Put that blade down, girl.  It doesn’t frighten me.  The man demanded as he walked even closer to her. 

Who said anything about frightening you? She asked him as she swung it hard towards his head.  Dodging the attack, the man stumbled backwards.  Nevaeh saw an opening to the living room and quickly ran towards her front door.  The man regained his balance and began to follow her.  She quickly unlocked and opened the front door and took off towards her car in the driveway.  The man walked out onto the porch and began walking towards her.  Nevaeh unlocked the car door and quickly got in, turning it on and starting to drive up the driveway.  The man followed up the driveway.  Nevaeh turned and looked out at him.

Don’t have what it takes, huh? He challenged.  Quickly, Nevaeh put the car in reverse and sped back at the man.  She waited to hear the slamming sound of the car clashing against the man’s body, but she never did.  As she pulled out of the driveway, she looked at where the man was standing.

He’s gone!  She exclaimed.  Terrified, Nevaeh left and headed towards the main streets of the town, afraid of what she had just seen.

Back inside the house, the phone rang and Nevaeh’s answering machine picked up the missed call. 

Nevaeh, are you there?  Caleb’s voice came over the machine.  Look, I know you don’t want company, but I’m worried about you, so I’m coming over.  After a short silence, the answering machine hung up the phone call and the house turned silent.

In a dark room, a door opened and a shadowy figure holding something in his hands walked in. 

Ah, you’re back, Racidiel.  How did the hunt for the girl go?  A man standing in the corner of the room asked.  The room was so dark you could barely see anyone in it. 

She got away.  Racidiel, the man who walked in, answered. 

What?  Did you at least get the book?  The man asked him. 

Yes, master, I got the book.  What was she doing with it anyways?  Racidiel asked curiously as he handed it to the other man.

I’m not quite sure of that yet.  Did she know anything about you?  Asked the man as he held the book in both hands and stared at it. 

She knew nothing.  The only thing she knew was that I was there to kill her.  Racidiel answered. 

I don’t want to risk it.  She probably didn’t even bother reading this book yet, but I want you to go back to her home and wait for her.  She has to come back sometime, and when she does…  Racidiel grinned at the man.

Right away, master.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 54:17

CHAPTER 4

Nevaeh closed the door of her car and began walking towards the doctor’s office.  She ran to the door, but stopped when she realized that the office was closed. 

What do I do now?  She asked.  As she turned to walk away, Dr. Andrews walked up to her. 

Can I help you with something?  He asked her. 

No, I don’t think so.  I was looking for the people that work here so I can find someone.  She replied. 

Well, this is my office, so it must be me you’re looking for.  You’re lucky I had to come back here and grab some papers I had left behind.  How can I help you?  He asked.  Nevaeh paused for a moment and then let out a sigh of relief. 

I’m so glad I found you.  I’m looking for someone, and I was hoping you would be able to help me find him.  His name is Nathaniel Bedlam.  She told him. 

Yes, I can help you.  Normally, I am not permitted to give the location of one of my patients, but this seems important, and Nathaniel is a special case as it is… so I’ll make an exception.  You can find him at the church right down the road there.  It’s within walking distance of my office, so you can’t really miss it.  Just head straight down the road, the church will be on your left.  He answered. 

Thank you.  Nevaeh thanked him and got back into her car.  He waved as she drove away towards the church.

Arriving at Nevaeh’s house, Caleb, a blonde-haired man that had known Nevaeh for several years, pulled his car into her driveway. 

That’s weird.  He said.  Her car’s not even here.  Did she leave?  Caleb noticed that the front door of the house was wide open, and the house was dark, so Caleb was being cautious.  Something’s not right here.  He said, as he walked into the house.  Nevaeh?  He yelled out for Nevaeh, but no one responded.  Nevaeh? He yelled out again.  Are you here?  He carefully looked into the dark hallway and could barely see Nevaeh’s bedroom door.  The door was open, and the room was dark.  Nevaeh?  Are you in your room?  He asked as he began walking towards the bedroom.  Suddenly a voice spoke softly behind him. 

She’s not in right now, boy.  Caleb turned around and saw the man who confronted Nevaeh earlier, Racidiel, staring back at him.  Racidiel threw his hand out hard and hit Caleb.  Caleb fell onto his back, landing hard on the floor of the bedroom.  Caleb tried to get back on his feet, but Racidiel hit him again. 

What did you do with Nevaeh? Caleb screamed at Racidiel. 

I didn’t do anything.  Unlike you, she was smart enough to run away before I killed her.  Unfortunately for you, you’re not that lucky.  Caleb could be heard screaming faintly from outside of the house.

Nevaeh parked her car in the church parking lot.  She quickly ran to the doors of the church and knocked on them.  Jordan came to the door and let her in. 

Hello miss, can I help you?  He asked her. 

Yes! she replied. I’m looking for…  The man interrupted her before she could even say the name. 

Say no more, miss; I know why you’re here.  He’s right this way.  Jordan led the girl through a couple hallways and up a flight of steps.  He stopped in front of a door.  In here is a lounge area where he stays.  Go on in.  I need to get back downstairs now.  Jordan walked back down the steps and through the halls.  Nevaeh knocked on the door.  No one replied, so she opened the door and went inside.  After walking into the room, she closed the door behind her.  Inside the room, she saw Hathin sitting by a window and staring outside. 

Did you hear me knocking?  She asked. 

Yes.  I’m sorry.  I was staring out at the stars and thinking about the day I’ve had.  He answered. 

Had a long day?  She questioned.  I bet no one tried to kill you. 

Someone tried to kill you?  He asked. 

Yes, and I’m not sure why.  He was in my house.  I heard a noise and I went out to see what it was.  He was just standing there.  I hit him, and I ran.  She explained. 

It’s good to see you’re okay.  Hathin stated, concerned. 

Yeah, I suppose I should be happy about that.  I just don’t understand what he wanted.  I haven’t gone back to my house; I’m too afraid.  She said. 

I don’t think you should go back to your house alone.  Hathin told her.  Just then, someone knocked on the door.  Jordan walked into the room and smiled. 

Miss, I expect you’ll need somewhere to sleep tonight, so I’ve prepared a comfortable place for you.  He told Nevaeh. 

Thank you, sir.  Nathaniel, will you go with me to my house tomorrow?  She asked. 

Call me Hathin, and yes, I’ll go with you.  Hathin answered.  Nevaeh thanked him and then followed Jordan out the door. 

As they left, she closed the door behind them.  Hathin then picked up his journal and sat down by the window again.  He wrote a new entry into his journal, and then rested on the floor and fell asleep.

JOURNAL ENTRY #4

I still haven’t had any visions lately.  I do know that I had a family though.  My mother, Naomi, and my father and younger brother, both named Niccoli.  They’ve been missing and declared dead since I was 14.  I know where I used to live, where my parents used to work, and where they were all last seen.  Their bodies were never found.  They can’t be dead.  I don’t believe they are.  I won’t believe it.

I will find them.  Before I go searching for them, I am going to take Nevaeh back to her home.  I wish that I could remember what that’s like, to have a home.  Jordan, the man who works here at the church, told me that the church could be my home for now.  So, I guess it is.  It’s time to rest.  Tomorrow begins my search to find my past.

Signed,

Hathin

It was early in the morning when Dr. Andrews arrived at his office building.  He placed the key into the doorknob and turned it, but the door was already unlocked. 

That’s odd… he said as he cautiously entered the building.  He stood in the lobby and looked around.  The nameplate from Megan Anderson’s desk was lying on the ground as if it had been knocked off her desk.  A few magazines were lying on the floor clumped together.  Dr. Andrews realized that some commotion had taken place in the lobby.  As he continued to look around, he noticed that the door to his office was slightly open.  He slowly began walking towards the door.  He tried to see into the room, but the door wasn’t open enough to see anything.  He carefully put his hand on the knob and took a deep breath.   Suddenly, the door pulled open, startling him. 

Hey! Smiling at the doctor, Megan Anderson walked out of the office room.

I didn’t mean to scare you, Jon, I was just doing some early cleaning.  She said.  The doctor took a deep breath. 

It’s okay, Megan.  You just startled me a bit.

Sorry! She apologized as she lifted a brown paper envelope from her desk.  By the way, this mail came for you.  I believe it’s more information about that Nathaniel Bedlam patient of yours.  She handed him the envelope and sat down at her desk.  Dr. Andrews opened the envelope and pulled out the papers that were inside.  A smile grew across his face as he read the first document. 

His family! He exclaimed.  Megan Anderson looked up at him.

What? she asked.

They’re running a search.  They’re going to find information about his family and mail it to us as soon as they have it!  He said as he slid the documents back into the envelope.  He handed it back to Megan.  Put this somewhere you won’t lose it and give it to him when he comes back.  He told her as he walked into his office.

Thank you for coming with me this morning. Nevaeh said to Hathin.  They were in her car and she was driving back to her house. 

It’s not a big deal. Hathin replied.  She looked at him and shook her head. 

It is to me!  Whoever it was in my house last night could still be in there waiting for me right now! She said,