Visions of the Undead

"Mike? I have something to ask you if you have some time…"

"Sure." said Mike while approaching the fireplace. "Ask away!"

"I know you read a lot, just like me, so I think you're the right person to answer my question" A moment of silence. She seemed as if she was gathering her scattered thoughts. "I was wondering… when you read a book, did you ever feel that someone is watching you? But not someone in the same room, someone who assists to the scenes you create in your mind while reading the book." Mike sensed a sort of embarrassment in her voice. "She probably thinks I consider her crazy", he said to himself. "Hmm… as a matter of fact, yes, I have felt that once while reading Stephen King's Misery novel" The woman's eyes sparkled with interest. "Could you tell me more about that? I mean… I would like to know when that happened…at what age and what exactly did you see?" She tried to keep her enthusiasm to herself; the last thing she wanted was to make Mike, her best friend and confident, uncomfortable.

"I'm going to tell you something that I have kept to myself for quite a while… I'm not going to ask you to keep this secret to yourself, because I know you will." He smiled at her. "It happened a long time ago… when I was about 20 years old. I remember it was a stormy night of November. I was home alone; my parents went to visit my aunt in Edinburgh. I stayed home, because I was having a very bad headache and the last thing I needed was Aunt Emily… I don't know why but I whenever I was around her I felt uncomfortable. It was probably cause of the fact that she usually stares at me and the look in her eyes makes me feel that she can read my thoughts. So I stayed home and called her to apologize that I can't come. I took a pill and laid in bed, hoping for some rest. After one or two hours of staring empty at the walls and thinking about all and nothing, I noticed that my head didn't hurt anymore. Feeling better, I got up and went to get a glass of water; for some reason my throat was sour. When I headed towards my room I went through the library and noticed this book with black covers and red writing. It was Stephen King – Misery. I was very surprised when I saw because I have read almost all of his works, being a big fan, except for this one. As a matter of fact I never knew I had that book until then. Anyway, I grabbed the book, went to my room, laid in bed and started to read it. It was a scary one just like all of his works but I loved it. While reading it I imagined the story in mind, I could see the characters and all the things he described, just like we all do when we read. At one point I felt like someone was watching me, but not in the same room, someone, like you said, in the scenes I imagined. It was a woman. She had beautiful green eyes and curly red hair…"

Mike stopped for a moment. He seemed as if he was gathering his thoughts. The woman took a deep breath and said "She seems beautiful." At the sound of that remark Mike seemed brought back to life and said "Yes… she was…" Another moment of silence. It was very obvious that these memories were somewhat painful, so the woman tried not to push him into continuing the story.

"Sorry, Amy… I tried to forget about this part of my life and it's kind of hard for me to recall everything, I hope you understand."

"Of course… listen… it's not necessary to continue this if you don't want to"

"No, it's ok, I think it will be better to let it all out. Where was I? Oh, yes, I remember. You know that when you imagine the scenes you read in a book it's like your watching a theatre play, you see things happening from the perspective of a spectator. When I noticed this woman it was like she was a spectator as well, the only difference was that she was not looking at Stephen King's story, but more like staring at me. I could feel her watching me with her captivating green eyes. I saw her standing in the corner of the room in my mind and she stared at me with interest until I finished reading the book. At the end of the novel, and the play in my mind, she disappeared. I must admit I was fascinated by her beauty and hope she would appear in my dreams that night. But she didn't…" He got up and walked to the window. It was snowing and the street lamps were lit. Amy was sitting quietly on the armchair near the fireplace and waited to hear the rest of the story, because she felt Mike had not finished. About five minutes passed and Mike stepped away from the window and came back to the fireplace to continue his story. He looked at Amy and smiled, then said:

"As you probably assumed, I'm not yet finished."

"Yes, I did, but I understood that you needed a moment of silence."

"Ah, I always felt that you understand my needs and feelings without me having to say anything.

After 2 years since that happened I forgot all about it. And although I read a lot of books since then, I never had that feeling again and that's why I probably forgot all about it."

"Umm… sorry for interrupting, but you didn't tell me what the book was about or doesn't matter?"

"Ah, yes I forgot about that, sorry. The book was about a writer that was tortured by a woman, his biggest fan. She tried to convince him to change something in one of his books and for that she tortured him in awful ways. It's a pretty scary book with a lot of feeling to it."

"Hmm, sounds interesting, if you still have it I would like to read it if that's ok."

"Of course, my dear." Mike always had hidden feelings for Amy; he was always pleased by her presence and interest for books. Although they know each other for only a few years, they became very good friends and confided into each other all the time.

"Well, back to my story now, cause I'm sure you want to know how it ends. After two years since that happened I went to that big bookstore downtown to get Stephen King's new novel. That day started off just like any other, but to my surprise it was the start of a very confusing chapter of my life. When I walked in the bookstore I headed to the horror section and looked for the book. After looking for it for a few minutes I found and when I reached out to grab it from the shelf my hand bumped into someone else's hand. It was a very beautiful woman. She had green eyes and red hair, she seemed very familiar but I couldn't remember when I saw her. She said:

Oh, I'm sorry.

Don't be, it actually my fault. I didn't notice you, I'm so sorry, my mind was somewhere else. You can have the book if you want.

But it's the last one, you should have it, you were here first.

No, I insist. I'm sure I'll find it somewhere else, there's nothing to be worried about. She smiled at me and took the book. I gathered my courage, I was always a little nervous around women, especially beautiful ones like her, and said:

I assume you're a Stephen King fan as well?

Oh, yes, he is one of my favorite horror writers; I'm simply in love with his works. His books have a special place in my personal library. By the way my name is Christine.
Such a beautiful name. Mine is Mike, nice to meet you!

Likewise. You know, since you were so kind and let me have the book I want to make it up to you. Let me buy you lunch.
Oh, but that's not necessary, I'm sure anyone else would have done the same thing is they were in my place. I was hoping she would insist, because as you imagine I really wanted to go out to lunch with her. She was very attractive and the fact that she was a King fan pleased me even more.

Please accept, Mike. I don't like owing people.

Oh… ok then. She smiled and went to pay for the book. We then went to this classy restaurant a few streets away from the library, sat at a table for two and ordered. We talked for 2 maybe 3 hours about a lot of things, mainly about our common passion for books. She was a very intelligent woman, I knew that by the way she talked; she used a lot of sophisticated words and quoted her favorite writers. Well, what can I say? Talking to her was a great pleasure.

After we finished lunch she told me that she has to go back to work, she worked at this big software company and had a meeting that day. We said our goodbyes and I dared to ask her if I would ever have the pleasure of talking to her again. She smiled and gave me her phone number and said:

Please call me only between 8 and 10 in the morning, because I'm not at work then.

I'll keep that in mind, thank you for such a lovely lunch and distinguished conversation. I'm looking forward to a next time.

So am I. See you soon, Mike.

Take care, Christine and good luck at that meeting!" She smiled and then got into a cab and went to work. I headed to another bookstore hoping I would find the book. Everything was perfect. At the end of the day I was contemplating on my fascinating meeting with Christine and I had a new book filling an empty place in my library.

I started going out with Christine almost every weekend. After about a month we were officially dating. I was so happy and felt that I have finally found my true love. After another month I asked her if she would like to move in with me, she accepted and in a week she was living underneath the same roof as I was.

I was so happy when she took a few months off from work and stayed home. The only problem was that I couldn't get a vacation from work because my boss needed me. Christine understood me and I remember how each night she would greet me with a kiss and a big hug. We took dinner together each night; she was a very good cook, may I add. Everything was going great until one day when I remembered the night I read Misery. I was stunned. Christine looked exactly like the woman I saw then. Oh my God, how could I have been so blind? I always thought she looked familiar but I never, not even for a moment, thought about that woman that kind of scared me, I must admit. I didn't want to tell her anything about the book and my vision of her. I thought it was best that way and I never imagined the awful things that happened next.

It was 20th of July. I came back from work earlier than usual, somewhere around 3 in the afternoon. From the moment I walked into the house I felt that something was wrong. In case I didn't say, Christine was still on vacation then.

Honey, I'm home! nobody answered. Honey? Are you here? again no answer. I went in the kitchen and I was shocked. There was blood on the table and a few drops on the floor. I went crazy and started shouting for Christine, I feared for her life. I followed the blood trail that led me to the bathroom. And then I saw her, lying on the floor with her hand wrapped in a cloth full of blood.

Christine? Can you hear me? I was desperate. She didn't answer so I took my cell phone and called 911. After less then 5 minutes an ambulance came and took her to the hospital; she was still unconscious when we reached the hospital.

I was walking down the hospital aisle back and forth like a worried husband that awaits news about his wife; we weren't married but sometimes I felt that we were.

Sir, please have a seat, the doctor will be here any minute with news about your girlfriend. said a nurse. I was too nervous and worried to sit but I took her advice; I never liked arguing with people, especially those who are trying to help me. The doctor came after a while, he looked very calm and said:

Mr. Anderson, I have news about Miss Christine. First of all, there's nothing to be worried about. She is coming around. Her unconsciousness was caused by the loss of blood. You can go to her room now and talk to her if she is awake.

I went with the doctor to her room and I saw her. She was a little pale and her eyes were staring out the window.

My love, I was so worried. What happened?

Oh my dear, come. she reached out and I hugged her. I'm so sorry about everything. I was in the kitchen and preparing lunch and for a moment my mind was somewhere else and I cut myself by mistake. I started bleeding severely so I ran to the bathroom and grabbed a piece of cloth to stop the bleeding. Unfortunately I failed for the blood shedding wouldn't stop no matter how hard I tried to stop it. After 2 minutes or so I started to get dizzy and I laid on the floor. After that I probably loss my conscience, because I can't remember anything else.

Oh dear, you should have been more careful. At least you feel better now, I hope.

Yes, dear, I'm alright now.

The doctor gave us the release papers and we were home around 10 o'clock. She was very tired so she fell asleep immediately. I went into the living room to let her rest; I left the door open in case she would wake up and shout me. My mind was troubled by what had happened. Something just didn't seem right. At first I started thinking about what would have happened if I wasn't home earlier that day, but after that a lot of questions and doubts occurred in my head. Was it really an accident? If so, why did she bleed so severely? I mean if it was just an accidental cut I don't really think it could have been that bad. Oh, I'm so stupid! How can I even assume that she did on purpose? No, no that was very foolish of me; I was probably tired and read too many mystery books.

I remember I was in so much pain the next days. I couldn't help but think about what would have happened if I had found her later. The image of her lying on the floor covered in blood just wouldn't go away. For the next week or so things got back to normal and I started to get over that unfortunate accident." Mike made a pause and that gave Amy the chance to ask him a few questions.

"Did you really get over that?" she couldn't help but doubt it.

"Interesting question. I've asked myself that many times and to be honest… no, I don't think I have. Not even now after all this time."

"Aw, I'm really sorry to hear that. So… what happened next?" Amy thought that this was the most interesting story she has ever heard. It's more interesting and captivating to hear a story that's being told by one of its actual characters.

"That was just the beginning of my life's tragedy. Many horrible things happened after that. Every time I thought that things were getting back on track something wrong happened.

Christine got back to work and that was very stressing for her. She had a lot of things to do and she spent most of her time at the office. We kind of switched places, because then I used to wait for her to come home and served her dinner. I guess it was my turn to return the favor.

Because of all that stress and agitation she had a hard time falling asleep, so she didn't rest as much as she should. I was getting worried about her lack of sleep so I advised her to go to a doctor and see what he had to say. She listened and went to her personal doctor. He prescribed her some sleeping pills and also told her it would be great if she could take at least a week off from work. She didn't, she just had a few months vacation and she was needed at work. Things got better since she started taking those pills; she slept more and that helped.

It was Saturday night when the next horrible thing happened. I had to go on a meeting so I came home late."

"On Saturday? That's a bit odd." Amy said.

"Yes, I know, but the ones I had to meet were only available then, so I had to go."

"Oh… ok, go on."

"When I came home it was pretty late and I imagined Christine went to bed so I went into our bedroom and I was right. She was sleeping.

I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and I noticed her pill box thing. I then realized that I was never curious enough to see what sleeping pills she took, so I grabbed it to read what it said. To my surprise the box was very light. I opened it and I only found 3 pills left in it. After counting some days since she got that new box I realized that 13 pills should have been there instead of 3. I felt my blood pressure rising and I rushed into the bedroom.

Christine?! Love, wake up!

I assumed she took all those pills that were missing so I called 911 once more. At the hospital I was told, by the same doctor, that she took an overdose of sleeping pills. I was speechless. I waited for her to wake up and ask her what happened. She was coming around and smiled when she saw me.

What happened?

Oh my dear, I'm so sorry. I was so tired but couldn't fall asleep so I took a sleeping pill but it didn't work, so I took another and another and still nothing happened. After taking about 9 pills…

10 pills.

Probably, I don't remember exactly. So as I was saying after taking them I felt dizzy and went to bed. I don't know what happened next, I fell asleep I assume.

I don't know why but I felt she was lying. I mean all this time she took only one pill and it worked and now all of the sudden she had to take 10 pills? I found that hard to believe but I didn't say anything.

When we got home both of us acted like nothing happened. Again I felt the same pain and confusion, and maybe fear, like the time she cut herself in the kitchen accident. I was very worried about these things so I went to a shrink, an old friend of mine, his name is Charles. I made an appointment for Monday at about 5 pm.

Come in, my dear friend! we shook hands and then he told me to take a seat.

Long time no see, eh?

Yes, it's been a while, hasn't it?

So, tell me, Mike, what brings you here? I hope you're not having any problems!

Well, not me, but I think my loved one does.

Oh my! I'm so sorry to hear that. Tell me what's wrong.
I told him all about the two accidents and about my worries. There was a moment of silence. It seemed as if he was analyzing what I have told him. After about 2 minutes he said:

I can't really say anything concrete. You know what you should do? You should bring Christine here for a few sessions. I would like to hear what she has to say. I must tell you this though, somehow, I don't think these were accidents at all.

That last part didn't please me at all, but I was grateful for his honesty. I thanked him for being so kind and talking to me and then I went home. As I was driving on the freeway I couldn't keep my eye off the view. The road home was always a pleasure to me. I didn't live in town, because I thought it was too noisy and I when I went home I wanted to rest not get stressed out by the traffic noise or neighbor's loud music or irritating fights. I lived in a big house, my parent's house that was left in my possession after their tragic death. I renovated it a lot of times, but the one thing I never changed was the library. The only thing I ever changed there was the fact that I kept adding books.

When I finally got home, Christine greeted me with a sweet kiss and warm hug, as usual. I told her about Charles and she accepted to go on a few sessions.

After a rather long period, Charles called me at work and told me that he got all the answers he needed and that Christine didn't have to go there anymore. He also asked me if I had some spare time that afternoon, because he wanted to tell me the result of all this. We met that same day at about 6 pm.

What Charles told me was unbelievable. He actually suggested that Christine has a suicidal tendency."

"Oh my God, that must have been awful!"

"Well… it was, but not exactly a shock."

"Really? How come?"

"Simple, my dear. What he told me was something that I expected because I, myself, thought that she has suicidal thoughts."

"Why?"

"Well, you know I told about all of my doubts. All that time I thought that she has death wishes but I couldn't understand why! I mean she had everything she wanted. I loved her, her job was going great and she even got promoted, I offered her all that she asked for.

At one point we both were on vacation, fortunately, at the same time. I wanted to ask her what was wrong. Why was she doing all those things? Because those two so called accidents weren't the only ones. So one day I gathered up some courage to talk to her about this.

My love… could you please come here for a moment? I want to talk to you about something!

Of course, dear. What's wrong?

Christine… are you happy?

Why, yes of course! Why would ask that?

Because… ah, how can I say this?... a lot of things have happened recently and these thing make me wonder if you really are happy with me.

What things? she tried to keep calm but I could sense her true feelings. She was like an outlaw caught in the act. I noticed a drop of sweat slowly sliding down her face. I found it curious though. She was always good at hiding her emotions, but not this time. I couldn't help but wonder that. I tried not to think about that so I could answer her question to which the answer she already knew. But I humored her.

I'm talking about all of these… accidents.

Oh… that… I don't see where you're aiming. for some reason that upset me, no, not upset me, it got me angry. I mean how stupid did she think I was? Did she really think I would fall for her innocent voice again? So I told her:

Stop playing games, Christine! It's not going to work this time! No more lies! Tell me the truth, right now!

My love, please, don't shout!

Well I'm sorry, but I can't take it anymore! I can't stand going to work and not being able to concentrate because I'm thinking: oh my God! Is she ok? Did she cut herself again? Will I find her lying unconscious on the floor again? Why are you doing this to me? Can't you see how much it hurts me to see you doing this to yourself? Have you no pity, if not love, for me?

Christine was staring empty at me, just like that time when I first saw her in my imagination. I knew that look too well; it haunted me for a lot of months. I was very angry but I tried to keep calm to hear what she had to say. But she didn't say anything. She kept me waiting for quite a while."

"I don't mean to sound rude, but I think she was plotting something. You know, like searching her mind for the perfect answer that would leave you speechless."

"She did." Amy's eyes opened wide with surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"After about five minutes of silence she finally answered.

Oh, my beloved Mike! she said with tears in her eyes. I'm so sorry I made you suffer all this time, it was not my intention! To be perfectly honest to you… yes you are right, I did it on purpose. I don't think I have to tell you how shocked I was when I heard that; I really didn't expect that answer. At first I strived to believe that she was honest, but what she said next made me doubt again.

I think… I think that you're seeing some other woman! and she started to cry. It was pretty obvious that she just made that up, I could sense it in her voice, but I played along. I must admit that at that point I felt…hate towards her."

"You shouldn't be ashamed of that! I think you had all the right to! I mean she just walks in your life with no warning, moves into your apartment and takes advantage of your feelings and kindness. Humph!"

"I know I must sound very naïve… but I like to believe that she did love me… at least a bit."

"Well…maybe she did… I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that! But this makes me very angry, you know I care about so much, you're my best friend ever!" Amy got off the armchair and gave Mike a big hug. She was very touched by the story and she, such as Mike, had hidden feelings for him as well as he did for her.

"Don't apologize, Amy! I understand your anger."

"Ah, please go on; tell me the rest!"

"As you assumed I was a little speechless at that statement. I didn't say anything for a few minutes. I liked to let her hanging, waiting for my reaction. I know that was rude of me, but I wanted to hurt her, or least try to.

What made you believe that?

Well… I felt that you were distant when you came home…

What?? Distant? ME? Of all the things you can come up with you just said the biggest lie I have ever heard in my entire life!

No! I'm not lying!

Yes you are! Admit it! You only want to hurt me! Admit it, damn it!

No, no, no! Please stop! she was crying like a two year old. I started to pity her, but I knew I had to be merciless if I wanted to find out the truth.

I'm not going to stop until you tell me truth! Why are you doing this to me? Why are you mocking me and my sincerest feelings for you? WHY?

She didn't answer. She just kept on crying. At one point I got really mad and walked out the house. She ran after me as I was heading towards my car.

Mike? Where are you going? Come back!

I'm leaving!

What?? What do you mean?! You can't leave! This is our home, we belong together!

This WAS our home! Cursed be the day I met you! Cursed, I say!

No! Please don't say that! You're tearing me apart!

I am? Good!! Now you know how I felt during all those so called accidents! If you care for me at least one bit you wouldn't have done that! But since you did, and as I see you have no remorse, it means that you care less about me or my feelings or anything else!!

I walked in my car and left. She fell to her knees and kept crying. I saw her in the car's mirror, but I had to stay strong; I had to keep on driving no matter what. I went to the nearest hotel and checked in for the night. I couldn't sleep. All that happened that night kept running through my head like a self repeating and disturbing horror movie.

In the end, I think I slept, like… two, maybe three hours. It was a dreamless sleep; I considered that a good thing. I checked out of the hotel that very morning and decided to go back home. I felt sorry for leaving Christine alone.

When I got home the front door was unlocked. I walked in and the silence was overwhelming.

Christine? Christine, are you here? Please show yourself, I need to talk to you!! Christine?

No answer. The silence was deceiving; I sensed something was wrong. I walked up the stairs and into the bedroom. The bed was untouched. I figured that she didn't sleep that night or she left the house as well. I looked in the room for a note or something, but I didn't find anything.

She left… I sighted. I went to the bathroom to wash my face. I was petrified. Christine was in the bath tub drowned in her own blood. I saw a knife covered in blood on the floor. My mind was blank. I didn't know what to do."

"Oh my God!" Amy's heart started beating faster. She was shocked. She noticed Mike's teary eyes. He stopped the story for a few moments while trying to pull himself back together.

"I noticed a letter on the floor. It was her handwriting. I tried not to cry so I'll be able to read it and actually see the letters. I remember it said something like this:

My dear Mike,

Please don't feel guilty. You were the kindest person I have ever met. I was overwhelmed by your feelings towards me.

I never told you but I had a very sad life until I met you. The only thing that was going good was my job, but I had to work very hard for that and it was getting harder each day. At one point I thought that I'll be alone for the rest of my life. I never knew what true love was until I met you, my dear. You opened my eyes to this new and unknown feeling called love. I had such a good time… but I was afraid. I know, you must think I'm so silly. But I think it's normal to fear something you never felt.

I was used to having things going wrong and when everything was great I couldn't believe it. My inner self told me that this is just a dream and that I'm going to wake up soon. I couldn't stand that thought. So I did all those things on purpose. I was trying to end this faster. I know you might think this is stupid as well but it seemed right to me. I wanted to go back to my hollow life, the one I had before I met you. Why? Simple. I was used to it. Sometimes people find it hard to get out of their daily routine and try new things. I am one of them.

I know it would have been easier if I just told you that I don't want to go out with you anymore cause I'll suffer too much when we'll break up. But I was too scared. I don't know why, I just was. So I chose another way. I thought if I hurt myself like that you would get angry with me and you'll break up with me. But you didn't.

I don't know why…no matter what I did you kept loving me and didn't give up… until… until last night… I'm sorry for lying when I said that I thought you were seeing some other woman, but I was too of a coward to say the truth. I knew when you walked out that door that you weren't coming back, that I had lost you forever.

I thought that I would feel better if you let me. I didn't think that the pain cause by this… loss… would be so great and hard to bear. I couldn't take the pain… I felt as if my heart was breaking into millions of pieces. I wanted all to end, starting with my life. Yes, my life! This miserable thing I've been living, this thing called life!

I remembered that the first time I cut myself, in that so called kitchen accident, that it didn't hurt me too much. So I planned to do the same now. I filled the bath tub with hot water laid into it and cut my veins. The result of that… I'm sure you've noticed.

Forgive me… I never wanted to hurt you… forgive me for letting my childish fears interfere in our relationship. I hope that you will find someone to love you the way you deserve to be loved. You are a good person, Mike. Thank you for all the beautiful moments you offered me. Take care, my love.

Yours forever,

Christine

I was devastated. The letter was stained with blood and after a short while it was stained with my tears as well…"

"Oh my god, Mike! That's horrible!" Amy couldn't help but cry. She hugged Mike and cried on his shoulder just like she use to when she confided in him with her love problems. But this time it was different. She wasn't crying cause she was hurting, she was crying cause she felt Mike's pain. She felt that pain every time his voice softly trembled as he was telling this tragic story. But Mike didn't finish his story. There was something more.

"There is one more thing to say about this…"

"Really? What?" said Amy while wiping her tears.

"Many years passed since then. And ever since I kept wondering… why did I see her, that time, while reading the book? That was still a mystery to me. Until one day, after five or maybe six years, I went to the same bookstore I met Christine. This time I went to check out the philosophy section. I was hoping to find a book that would solve this mystery to me. I don't know why but I thought I wasn't the only one looking for an answer to that mystery. After spending 30 minutes looking through all kinds of books, I finally found something that got my attention. It was rather thick book with white covers and its title was "What happens when people watch you when you read? Written by psychiatrist James Yortsed".

When I took the book I noticed a man watching me. He was an old man, that was obvious, his gray hair gave him away. He approached me slowly and said:

Good day, sir! Pardon me intruding, but I have a question to ask you, if I may.

Sure, go ahead!

Why does this book interest you?

I hesitated for a moment, but I answered:

I have a few questions for some time and I think this book will give some answers. I don't mean to sound rude, but who are you anyway?

Oh how perfectly impolite of me! Allow me to introduce myself. I am James Yortsed!

Right…

The man raised an eye brown, probably amazed by my reaction, but he got back together and pulled out his identity card out of his chest pocket. He handed it to me. To my surprise he wasn't lying! He really was who he claimed to be.

Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Yortsed!

It's ok old champ! I wouldn't believe myself if I were you either.

I want to help you. I know that everybody who buys this book buys it for the reason that they had that vision; a vision of a person they saw while reading a book and then had the chance the meet that person in their daily life. I know how confusing that can be. I've been there. After many years of research I found out that that happens to a lot of people, but few accept to talk about it. I always wanted to help these people. So I wrote this book. All that is written there is 100 true and I can prove everything I said.

And what do you want from me?

I want to help you as well. I would greatly appreciate it we could discus this over lunch or maybe dinner, which ever suites you right.

Well, I'm free now if you want.

Perfect!

So we went to the same restaurant I went to with Christine. We talked for hours and I told him the whole story. He listened to everything I had to say and then took a few moments to analyze the situation.

They're called the Undead.

Huh?

These so called people that stare at you when you read. I know it might seem stupid to you, but all I'm saying is the truth. Believe me or not that is your choice.

Well, I believe you but… it seems strange.

I know. Strange and confusing.

Exactly!

That discussion helped me a lot. My mind was getting clearer by the minute."

"And what did he tell you about the Undead?"

"The Undead, as their name suggests, are the restless souls that wander on earth even after their physical death, looking for answers or looking for something they never had, something they needed so they could finally rest. Christine was one of them. That something she looked for was love. Once she had that her soul could finally rest."

"There's something I don't understand…" said Amy while frowning with concentration.

"What?"

"Why did she have to make you suffer so much? Couldn't she just… I don't know… enjoy your love? And then die happy or something?"

"Ah… that's what I asked James too."

"What did he say?"

"He said that these souls wander for two reasons, one which I've already told you and the second one… is that they seek revenge. They want to make others suffer just like they did. That's why you only meet them while reading evil books and by that I mean horror books or any other book that includes violence and battles between good and evil."

"All of the books are about that never ending fight between good and evil."

"Yes, I know, that was my point" he smiled. "No book can save you from this sort of speak. I mean no matter what book you read this might happen to you. But there are also lucky people. Someone who knows about the Undead will know what to expect after having this vision and they'll know to avoid it, but there is also something else. If you remember what book you read when that happened, you have nothing to fear… well… almost nothing."

"What is that?"

"These spirits will do the things you read about. And I've noticed that. Christine made me suffer just like that writer from the book I read. Only the difference was that that guy was tortured physically while I was tortured mentally and that made it worse. Ah, if I only knew…

The unfortunate thing is that few know and few care about this. Most of them think it's just something James made up to sell his book. But it's not… it's the naked truth."

"Wow… I'm… speechless."

"You know… now I have a question. If I may."

"Sure."

"Now that I told you all about this… I wonder… why did you want to know?" Amy hesitated for a moment. Mike felt that she had that vision as well. It was somewhat logic.

"There were only two ways you could have found out about this. It's either you read the book but then I don't get why you asked me about this cause the book would have answered all of your questions or… you've had this vision too. So… which one is it?"

"I… I had this vision too…" after Amy said that the window suddenly opened and the winter wind invaded the room freezing everything. They saw a black shadow approaching them. It was death himself, but his face looked familiar to Amy.

"Oh my God!" shouted Amy.

"What? What is this?" Mike was frightened as well.

"It's… it's… the guy I saw in my vision!"

"Oh my… Amy?... I'm afraid to ask… but… what were you reading?"

"I… I… was reading…Sacrifice of the Undead…"