I never took time to think about death. Surely, I've wanted to die a couple times. But I never sat in my bed contemplating how it would feel once I got past the messy, grueling part. Is that normal? Maybe not.

But, now I'm sitting in this empty, dead diner with a cursed boy who just helped me escape only God knows what. I feel awkward. Basil looks normal though, I guess, just his eyes. They're scary. But he took the script well, trying to act laid back and chill. But I saw the tension in his hands as the tired waitress approached us.

"Hi, welcome to Vinny's, can I get you guys something to drink?" She looked at me, and then Basil. But she rolled her shoulders back and sighed. Basil held his head down, lips sealed shut.

"Can I get some hot cocoa..?" I asked, rubbing my hands together. "Sure thing honey, and you?" She turned to Basil and he melted. "Uh... I'm wearing contacts. For a student film. A project."

Both the waitress and I stared at Basil, except I couldn't help but try and dig myself a new home in the booth to hide. I didn't mean he had to say it, only if she was freaked out— Ugh. "I'm not worried baby, this is the least weird thing I've seen all night." She tried to clear the awkwardness with a soft laugh, but Basil didn't respond. He stayed stiff, begging me with his eyes for help.

"He'll have a hot cocoa too..." I cleared my throat, my cheeks burning hot. She jotted it down and started back to the kitchen, leaving us with two menus. "What precisely is that?" He furrowed his brows. I closed my eyes. My head felt as if needles were piercing new holes in my brain and decorating them with dangling jewelry.

"It's just... Hot chocolate. It's milk and chocolate powder." I leaned back, staring at the counter. Basil tried to hide his eyes, brushing his black hair over them. "I've never been this far out... I'm uncertain why I agreed to enter, I believe I was shocked." He tightened his fist in his lap, his jaw tensing as the warm lighting washed over his pale skin.

I sighed. "Basil, it's fine. Nobody is going to remember this in the morning. We just look like two alt kids sneaking out for a midnight snack..." I picked up the menu, tracing my finger alongside the pancakes.

"Alt?" He rose his brow, tugging at his red sweater. "Yeah, like different. Alternative." Sometimes, Basil felt like a child. Or maybe, an AI you teach. What would Uncle Dylan think if I brought him inside?

I looked at his pale, lifeless eyes. Tired and weak, but so full of anxiety. Music cut back in the speakers and a group of men celebrated, laughing together as they got more bacon platters. He jumped, then looked up and furrowed his brows. It was jazz, relaxing and calm.

"Basil?" I furrowed my brows. "Could you hypothetically wear contacts? Like colored ones to look..." I paused to find a word that sounded delicate and gentle, not demeaning or make him feel more inhuman. "Human?" Shit. Worst thing to say. I winced after. The waitress came to the table and set down the mugs. "Decided on any food yet?" She asked, leaning back with a calmer smile. Must be the music for everyone.

"A few more minutes please." I smiled back at her, trying to ignore Basil in the corner of my eyes contemplating everything I've said. "Sure thing."

I didn't mean to hurt his feelings, if I did. I'm not sure. But his lip tugs down for a moment and he feels again, like another teenager sitting across from me. As if we weren't just chased by something seeking to tear us limb to limb. "Hey— do you like pancakes?" I asked, trying to change the mood. "Pancakes?" He reached for the menu, holding it as if he's never touched anything like it before. His fingers, despite shaking, tapping against the laminated surface 3 times.

I snickered behind my menu, searching for something to eat. "Okay,  what do you like to eat?" I wiped under my eye, removing almost all the eyeliner on my waterline. "I don't know... I've mostly been consuming soup." He fiddled with his hands. "I like nutmeg. Nutmeg is soothing, especially when folded into bread." He smiled, a genuine one. It was cute. His cheeks pushed his eyes to squint, a dimple appearing on his right side.

"Nutmeg huh? What about nutmeg and whip cream pancakes?" I made sparkle motions with my hands by the sides of my head, breaking into my own smile. "That sounds... Delicious once I discern what a pancake is."

-

1 AM faded into 3 AM. Pancakes, eggs, and has browns cluttered the table. I had already paid, it wasn't horrible. It was worth it watching Basil's reaction to the different tastes. I held my phone, showing him different things from around the web. He stared at it like it was pure sorcery. I tried to explain modern day speech, how casual it is, and how to fit in better.

"What's up?" Basil titled his head to the side. "Yeah— you know, maybe we should watch a Netflix show. That might help you get it." I leaned back into the booth, sticking my thumbnail into my teeth. "Roxanne... If I may, how are we gonna get back?"

Ah... Oh hell. What was I thinking? We've been here for hours and I have no clue where I am or where I'm going. I looked out the window, the stars shining too bright. "You can't teleport by any chance, can you..?" I gulped. Basil paused before looking down at his hands. "I... Hm."

My eyes widened as he stood up, dusting crumbs off of his sweater. "Let's see, I suppose..."

Oh shit.

I followed him out of the door, the darkness of outside engulfing as. Most the town had went in, preparing to start up again at 6. Basil glanced at the sign before stretching out each one of his fingers. Then, in the same beat, extended a hand to me.

I took it, closing my eyes. If this works, I won't feel real for a week. I leaned back on and forth on my shoes. Snow made the town feel hollow. It lit up things, sure, but snow in the darkness felt like a mountain with no way up or down.

Flurries fell on my nose. I tried to ignore the burn in my nostrils as I breathed in deep, the sting in my eyes as I tried to relax and loosen my shoulders.

It's alright.

"Basil?" I opened one eye, looking to him. His eyes fluttered open in response, lips pursed into a thin line. "It appears I'm unable to do it..." He gulped. "At least, right now— maybe we'll be surprised?" He tried to lighten the blow, but my shoulders fell. How the hell am I going to get out of here now?

If we walk, that creature might come back and if it does, we may not have luck getting back. The thought brought shaking back to my chest. Ugh. I thought I got rid of it.

I lifted my phone and opened uber. I can't imagine any drivers even being around here. My thumb trembled over the closest and cheapest ride I could request. "Are you upset?" Basil asked, still clenching my hand in his. His fingers weren't hot or ashy anymore, they were soft and familiar. Like sun after rain...

"Uh..." I bit my cheek. I can't get him in an uber. I'm out of options... I'm going to get stranded here, I...

Uncle Dylan?

My stomach flipped. Oh gosh. I don't want to call him. I don't. But what option do I have? I glanced over at Basil. "Can I explain something new to you? You can't react with fear when you see it." I turned around to face him in full. He winced before forcing his form to soften. "Okay..."

"So basically.." I began trying, which was hell, to explain a vehicle and Uncle Dylan. I know Basil knows of him, seen him grieve, but not much more than that. I don't know how this is going to go. Basil seemed to take the knowledge okay. He said he'd stay calm, act like a tired, scared teenager, and just be quiet.

I lifted my phone to my ear as I tapped Uncle Dylan's number.

This is horrible.

His voice cut through after a few rings.

"Roxanne..?" He didn't sound awake, instead like he rolled over, phone smooshed between pillow and ear, and tried to act awake. Nevertheless, I swallowed the rising lump in my throat.

"Hey... Please don't freak out, but I need you to come get me." My voice shook, despite the way it clawed at my throat to stable. "I'm sorry— I really am, I'm so sorry."

"Uh... Shit. Where are you?" Dylan's bed creaked as he leaned up. "Are you alone? Why are you so shaken up?"

"I... It's been a weird night. I'm with someone trying to film a school project..." When the hell am I going to give that lie up? I haven't even attended in person yet, they were still processing my papers so I have to do online for a week.

"School project..? Is it Lune?" Uncle Dylan questioned. My throat went dry, as if all water had evaporated and made clouds. I forgot. I'm supposed to be at Lune's. "I know... They gave us one early, so I was with Lune and a friend— it's like..." I stared at Basil, motioning him to give me an excuse. He only furrowed his brows. I should've known...

"A get... Get to know us?" I sputtered out. Oh I'm going to be grounded here too. And I am here because I was grounded so bad I saw hell. "Uh... I'll be there. Where are you guys?" I could hear him struggling to put on pants as he balanced the phone. Something fell over and clinked with a glass.

"Vinny's diner..?" I gulped. "Vinny's? I thought you were at Lune's. That's 30 minutes out by drive. I.. I'll be there." He took a deep breath, still not hanging up. "I'm not mad. I don't know what's wrong or what you're not saying but... I can hear you sound shaken."

"Thanks..."

-

We stood under the neon sign, I scrolled on my phone trying to ignore the dread building houses in my stomach. I shouldn't have called him. I can't believe I did, because how will Basil react? I explained, I did, but he just seemed tired. I can't blame him though. We've been across the town by foot, at least that's what my feet are screaming.

He didn't say much now. Instead, just fiddled with his fingers and glanced around as if to say 'are we ever getting home?'

Maybe I should feel guilt. Maybe it should make me feel like a dirty sponge that's never been wrung out. But it's not my fault. I don't know what's going on. I just need some sleep, so I can sit and think about whatever happened.

Headlights shined off of the snow as yellow casted over us both. Basil's shoulders lifted, his demeanor shifting like a mouse in front of a snake. "Act like a teenager.... Like— mortal." I relaxed my shoulders, brushing my hair back and taking a deep breath. "Alright?"

Basil nodded as the truck door swung open. Uncle Dylan stepped out in a pair of torn, red plaid pants, a plain black sweater, and his boots. "Are you guys okay?" He asked, running a hand through his greying hair. "Yeah." I nodded, Basil holding his head down. Uncle Dylan's eyes ran over him, taking in every aspect.

Probably both the weird and good. His bags were dark, heavy with grief and nightmares. But something seemed to wake him as he took in Basil.

He blinked once, and then another.

"Where are your eyes..?"

"I'm wearing contacts for a student film..." He straightened as he spoke, a strand of hair falling across his forehead. Jeez. Still quoting me word for word. Uncle Dylan furrowed his brows and glanced to me. He's scrambling for explanations. Well, I'm right there with him scrambling for excuses.

"I know this isn't exactly what I am supposed to be doing but... Lune left." I lied through my teeth. "She had to, pet emergency." I scratched the back of my head. He could call my bullshit, I know that. But instead, he just took it like it was all we had for breakfast and motioned us into the truck.

Basil's brows tugged down and his boots scuffed as he stepped back. "Hey." I grabbed his wrist, feeling heat. "It's safe. Don't panic. It's just like we discussed." I could feel the piercing reflection of his eyes into mine. He gave me a single nod before giving me all power to drag him to the truck.

I got into the seat close to my uncle and Basil sat on the right. It was an older truck, the kind where all 3 of us fit up front, uncomfortable as is. The heat blew into my face, melting the ice I swear grew in my nostrils.

"You'll have to show me that film later..." Uncle Dylan smirked, putting the truck in reverse. I might as well die in this hole I've dug. "Sure will. Just gotta finish filming and editing..." I stared at Basil through the side of my eye. He wasn't even on the planet, to enthralled with how fast things went by through the window.

"Hey bud, what's your name? Do you have somewhere safe I can drop you off?" Uncle Dylan's kindness seeped through again, when I expected aggravation from having to come get us, instead he just met us on our level. Scared and confused. Basil traced his finger along the window, examining every rigid bump in the seal. Each word phased through him, not even a glint of recognition passed through him.

"Uh... Sorry he's tired. His name is Basil and he can't go home till morning... Can he crash on the couch?" I felt like despite how casual my tone was, I still came off begging. As if I was gripping at my Uncle's pants legs screaming, don't leave him outside tonight he's just a cursed boy I found in the woods!

It's a bit pathetic. "Yeah, no one's going to sleep outside tonight..." He whispered. I could see the speculation. He's too tired to argue, to question, to even try and figure out how to parent me close to my dad. And even if he buried it, acted kind and teased, his knuckles were white on the steering wheel.

Basil is scaring him.

-

"Isn't this bizarre..?" Basil asked, curled into the couch with a blanket tucked up to his chin.

Uncle Dylan was getting us both a glass of water before bed. I could read his face. His lips firm, his eyebrows drawn. Either he was gonna call my dad or sit me down with that tone that's I'm not mad just disappointed. That made me feel like my stomach was eating a hole in my gut.

He stared at the walls, taking in each and every photo of my aunt, uncle, and Ricky. Even some of me and my dad remained. I hadn't noticed that.

"There's no shadows here." He smiled, just for a moment. "Just normal ones...0 He leaned back into the couch. I clenched my black jeans in my hand, furrowing my brows. "What do you mean..?" I don't like how that sounds, especially not after all I've seen tonight.

Dylan came around the corner, carrying two glasses of water. "We do also have some old tea in the cabinet. Don't know if you're a tea person." He said, but he didn't make eye contact with Basil. Instead he kept glancing at me.

"Thank you." Basil replied, lowering his head. Their interactions were slim to none yet every single one made my heart race.

"I'm going to bed. You should too, Roxanne." Dylan patted my shoulder and headed back up the stairs. He glanced back twice before leaving Basil and I alone.

As soon as his door shut, I looked over to Basil again. "This house feels so peaceful." He laid back into the pillows. "I never thought I'd feel that again..."

"What do you mean?" I wish he'd stop the cryptic conversation and give me something that makes sense. but instead he shook his head and laid down.

I should just go to bed. But I'm afraid of what Dylan will say in the morning . Still, I pried myself from the couch. "Come get me if you need me." I pressed a hand to Basil's shoulder, staring at him. He just closed his eyes and seemed to try and sleep. I didn't even know he could sleep.

-

I laid in bed as the clock ticked to 4 AM. I can't seem to understand so many things. Why didn't Dylan snap? I should be grounded. He's freaked out by Basil, but he didn't do much yet. What if I told him the truth? My fingers tousled into my hair, tugging strands of black and purple up.

That would be disastrous. He wouldn't believe it. Who would? Haunted, cursed boys from the woods, it sounds like a fairy tale. I rolled over onto my side and grabbed my phone.

What should I do..? Nobody has texted back. I tried Briar and Sophia again. It still stung. But at least I befriended Lune and Basil. Basil feels like the kind I can be around any time. Always there. If I'm not grounded. But even then, he walks so light, he's slipped past Uncle Dylan a thousand times. Could he still now that they've met?

I should sleep. And figure out how I'm going to create a fake student film to fill this hole I've dug.

-
-
-