The Haunted Traveler Vol 1 Issue 2

85
Deidre said, slipping the contents of the paper cup into
Anna’s palm. The pills jostled together, rolling to a
stop. Sunlight caught several of them and they glowed
like jewels.
“I don’t want the vitamins,” Anna said.
“You need them.”
Anna popped them into her mouth and swallowed,
scowling at the bitterness seeping into her
mouth. Deidre handed her the juice. Grateful, Anna
drained the cup.
“Let’s get you settled, then.” Deidre lifted
Anna to her feet, cupping her elbows and guided her
to the bed.
Deidre tossed aside the covers and Anna sank
onto the mattress, reveling in the comfort greeting her.
She yawned and giggled as Deidre removed her slippers,
her cool fingers tickling her skin. Anna sighed,
feeling small and cared for, as if she were a child
again. Caring for Serena had not been what she’d
expected and it was nice to be pampered for a change.
Anna turned onto her side, facing the window
as Deidre tucked the blankets around her. Her eyes
closed and she inhaled, smelling the aroma of freshly
laundered sheets and sunshine.
“Sweet dreams,” Deidre said. “Maybe when
you wake up, we can take Serena to the park. Doesn’t
that sound lovely?”
“Hmm,” Anna said, nodding.
She heard the door close. The ensuing silence
lulled her into slumber.
I know the folklore. Healthy, happy children
replaced with sickly imitations. Faeries steal them,