It was dark, extremely dark. And quiet.

It was punishment, apparently, but Coraline didn't know why. She couldn't see anything. She remembered her wish to stay with the other mother forever, but it all seemed to float away. There was no thought she could grasp - only that it was dark, and cold.

Coraline could not feel her fingers as she rubbed them together. She tried again to remember, but it didn't come. Even when her thoughts turned to her real mother, it seemed to turn to sand, fading quickly before her eyes. The promise of gifts, and love, faded quickly from her mind, while her growing fear seemed to quickly wash away, followed by a soft laugh.

Memories ran through her mind, and like a fleeting moment, they faded. Coraline tried desperately to claw onto them, the images of her younger self calling for her mother, who would always reply with a smile, and a laugh.

Her real mother.

She missed it - the warmth of her real mother. And as quickly as it passed, it disappeared, leaving her with a hollow, confused feeling, when she couldn't summon the memory. Everything seemed to be dark, and she tried to bite her lip, but couldn't feel it.

She.. She saw her mother calling her in another image, but her voice seemed to be silenced. And it was gone, like the other images.

She would have been shivering, but she couldn't feel it. She clawed for her memories, clawed for the love that the memories gave her, but to no avail. It all slipped from her grasp, and she could not help but imagine hugging herself, while she heard a resounding chuckle in the darkness. She saw blue hair flowing, but it disappeared, leaving black.

There was no more images, and she felt only hollowness, a sense of fear, and pain.

She was scared, but somehow, her heart would not allow herself to show it, but she didn't know why. Alone and in darkness, she only remembered the memory of buttons, a pair of buttons, and a doll. And a name.

Beldam.

She couldn't feel anything - simply her thoughts, lingering thoughts of ghost images that she imagined, of a certain warmth, when an older woman embraced her.

It was strange, she never did remember that older woman - who she was. She didn't even remember who herself was. All she knew was the name - Beldam, which seemed to imprint herself in her mind, as she felt colder.

She could hear herself whimpering, but it seemed to echo, and no one was answering. She cried for something, someone, but no one answered. All she heard was a soft laugh before she suddenly felt a strange sensation. Her thoughts seemed to turn colder, emptier.

Until a final thought, which as quickly as she thought of it, it disappeared.

Where's Mommy? It's too cold here.

Coraline awoke with a strangled scream, her pyjamas soaked in sweat. She fumbled for the bedside light, and it took her a moment to comprehend that she was in her bedroom. She looked out the window, saw the moon and was relieved to see that it looked perfectly normal. The girl took a moment to calm her breathing and glanced at the bedside clock. Three a.m. Yet another night of sleep disturbed.

Coraline fell back to the pillow with a sigh and tried to get comfortable. She felt that she should go to the sitting room downstairs and check on the seemingly innocuous little door in the wall - the mystical doorway that, in reality, led to the Beldam's world - and make sure that it was still closed.

But she was tired, and harboured a weary sense of déjà vu. Every time she had gone to check on the door in the dead of night, nothing had been wrong. It was still locked tight, and its key had been thrown down the Old Well, along with the pieces of a shattered metallic hand - the hand of the beldam that had followed her home four years ago.

She just needed to breathe

●○●

Thursday started off rocky. You didn't get much sleep and the whole "telling Coraline her friend is dead" thing was weighting on your mind. It sucked but it needed to be done so that Jonas could be put to rest. And Coraline deserved to know.

You sighed and headed to school with a heavy heart.

How were you going to go about this. Surely there had to be a way to help Jonas without complicating things. Of course you couldn't just go to Coraline and go "hey, your friend is dead and is haunting you." No way! That would not only freak her out, but it could also out yourself as someone who could see and talk to ghosts.

You just wished someone else could do this. Why did it have to be you?

So, how were you going to get Coraline alone under the guise of friendship without looking like a weirdo? Easy.

Coraline: My music?

You nodded. You had found her at a locker you assumed was hers. At least until you found her holding a homemade stink bomb. A plastic bag with yellowish liquid inside ready to pop as soon as she added the last ingredient. You decided not to ask.

Y/N: Yeah. You seemed pretty knowledgeable about it, so I wanted to see what you got.

Not a bad plan, huh?

Coraline tossed the last ingredient in and tossed the bag into the locker before she closed it. She pulled you away as the bag began to leak a foul odor. You pinched your nose and followed Coraline down the hall where the smell wouldn't reach you.

Coraline: I mean, I'm always happy to show people what true art is. But are you sure you wanna come over? I live in a kind of a strange place.

You tilted your head. A strange place? That was an interesting claim. You had seen some strange things before. How could it get weirder?

But in truth, Coraline was more worried about you coming because of what happened there. It wasn't her neighbors. She loved them like an extended family. But the door was still there and she didn't want anyone to end up opening it somehow.

She didn't want anyone else to end up finding out about the Beldam. Then again, you both had the same eyes. Maybe you had met something like the Beldam before. But if that was true, then would you recognize the door?

Maybe this was a chance to get to know what really happened with you. Yes, this could be it.

Coraline: I won't stop you. I have a bunch of records to show you.

Well, there was your chance.

Y/N: Yeah. So, should we meet after school?

Before Coraline could answer, the sounds of disgust echoed through the hall. You both looked over to see a blonde haired girl gagging after opening her locker. Other kids that were around also began to cough and laugh while Coraline smirked machiviously.

Jonas: What a gag.

You looked over to Coraline to find Jonas standing there with a smile himself. You looked at Coraline and faked a smile.

Y/N: Man, what a gag.

Coraline stopped smirking and eyed you suspiciously. You shrugged.

Y/N: What?

Coraline crossed her arms and went back to watching the girl gasp for clean air. You looked to Jonas who seemed surpised that you even said anything. You tucked your hands into your pockets and watched the show unfold.

The entire time, Wybie watched from around the corner. The entire interaction seemed off to him. He rubbed his chin before sliding away.

●○●

You blinked. This place was.....interesting. Coraline was not lying. This was The Pink Palace Apartments.

You had gotten off the bus and walked with Wybie and Coraline until Wybie had to split away to go home. He would come over later once he helped his grandma with something, but you were grateful that you would have some time alone with Coraline. It would be a bit odd if he was there when you told her about Jonas.

Coraline: Here we are. Home sweet home.

She began to lead the way as you followed. You both still wore your uniforms which clashed with the chipped pink paint of the house. You couldn't help but get the chills as you walked behind Coraline. Something about this place felt weird. Like there was something knocking on the surface. Trying to get out.

The energy here was troubled.

Y/N: So, this is technically an apartment, right? How many people live here?

Coraline: In total, 6 including me. And a bunch of jumping mice.

Y/N: Jumping mice?

Coraline pointed to the side of the house were what looked to be a Russian flag was gently waving in the breeze. You figured it was another apartment.

Coraline: Mr. Bobinsky runs a jumping mice circus.

Y/N: Oh. Y-Yeah. That's a...uh...normal thing to do.

Coraline: He's actually pretty cool. I think you'd like him.

You gave her a thumbs up and looked at the front door. Before Coraline could open it, however, a voice echoed from the other side of the house.

???: Oh, Coraline! Hello, dear!

Coraline looked to where one of her neighbors slowly approached the porch. April Spink, one of the two old ladies who lived in the cellar area of the Pink Palace. And fun fact, she and the other woman, Miriam, were actually lovers. Coraline found out by accident after visiting them one day.

Coraline: Hey, Ms. Spink. Were you in the garden?

The woman limped over with her walker. You always had a weak spot for old people. They were adorable and this woman was no different. Her little basket was just cute. You also noticed an old looking dog following close by.

Spink: Oh, just checking on the marigolds. Miriam asked me to. You know her vision isn't what it once was.

The woman stopped when she spotted you.

Spink: And who is this? A new friend of yours?

Coraline stepped aside to let her get a better look at you. You awkwardly waved before clearing your throat.

Y/N: Uh, my name is Y/N. Nice to meet you, Ma'am.

Spink smiled and reached into her basket, bringing out two apples. She tossed them both to Coraline who handed you one.

Spink: It's lovely to meet you, dear. Do feel free to visit if you ever want your leaves read.

You offered a friendly smile, despite not knowing what she was referring to. As Spink started off towards her apartment while Coraline unlocked the front door. You both entered the house and you closed the door behind you. After taking your shoes off to not track mud inside, you looked around. The smell of old wood hung in the air and certain boards would creak when you stepped on them.

There didn't seem to be a lot of decoration but it still felt homey. It definitely still smelt like they were just moving in, but it was actually a pretty big place. Though you could have gone without the chill that hung in the air. A chill that Coraline didn't seem to notice. Have people died here? It seemed to be an old place so you were sure there would be at least one death. But, it wouldn't be this cold.

Suddenly there came a voice from the other room. A woman's voice to be precise.

???: Hello? Coraline? Is that you?

Coraline answered back while hanging her bag on a hat hook by the door.

Coraline: Yeah! I also brought a friend!

From the kitchen came a woman who looked to be in her mid 30's. You immediately guessed that she was Coraline's mother due to their similar features. Their nose was what really gave it away.

The woman stopped and placed a hand on her hip, smiling before greeting you.

Mel: Hello. And who might you be?

You walked over and shook her hand, looking her in the eyes as you did.

Y/N: Y/N, ma'am. I'm new here and your daughter has done a lot to help me out.

Coraline was surpised you said anything about her at all. Mel seemed to be impressed by this, seemingly enjoying having someone with manners around.

Mel: Well, it's nice to meet you, Y/N. I'm Mel, Coraline's mother. Feel free to make yourself at home.

Well, she's nice.

She turned to Coraline.

Mel: If you need me I'll be in your father's study. I need to use his computer seeing as mine has finally breathed it's last breath this morning.

Coraline nodded and Mel smiled at you one last time before leaving. Coraline directed you towards the kitchen and you followed. The kitchen was actually pretty large and everything seemed cleaned. Well, the wallpaper was as old as the rest of the house, but it didn't look hazardous.

Coraline: So, what are you drinking?

Y/N: Just water is fine.

Coraline opened the fridge and grabbed two bottles of water as well as two cans of soda. Probably for later, you assumed. It didn't take long until you were heading upstairs to where Coraline's room was. Her room was maybe twice the size of your dormroom and had enough space to really do whatever she wanted. Posters from movies and bands stuck to the walls as well as homemade art pieces. You stopped and looked at one that caught your eye.

Y/N: Huh. Not bad.

Coraline: Thanks. It took me a whole afternoon to make that one.

You looked at her and pointed at the paintings. You thought she had bought them from someone in town or something.

Y/N: Wait, you made these?

Coraline nodded. She did art on her free time when she had nothing else to do. Usually during storms or when she couldn't sleep.

Y/N: I like it.

Coraline: Thank you. Now, take a seat. It's time to show you even more art.

You walked over to a chair she had placed by the bed and sat down. Coraline grabbed her record player and moved it closer before pulling out a record, placing it on the player and starting it up. She then hopped onto the bed as the music began to play. It was some kind of alternative rock tune.

You listened as you looked around the room. She had a lot of random things, but what finally caught your eye was the picture that was mounted on what appeared to be a mantis. It was a picture of two kids standing in front of a school sign. The letters had been rearranged to spell out "Coraline Goodbye".

Looking closer, you realized that the boy about to throw a snowball at the camera was Jonas.

Corline noticed you looking at it and grabbed it. She examined it herself before smiling.

Coraline: These are my friends back home. Jonas and Matt. I haven't been able to talk to them since my phone broke last week. I would email them, but mom's laptop broke this morning and I'm not allowed on my dad's computer after last time.

So that was why no one's been able to tell her about Jonas. You looked over to the corner of the room where Jonas was sitting. He was watching, waiting. You needed to tell her.

But how?

Y/N: Jonas, what kind of guy is he?

Coraline was a bit confused by your question. Why did you care? Were you just making small talk?

Coraline: Well, he's a goof ball. Definitely an annoying older brother. But, he's a cool guy.

Jonas seemed to slump his shoulders. It must be hard to hear all of this. He was suffering. Even after death, he was suffering. You needed to end it.

You needed to let her know.

At least, someone had to.

Y/N: I have a phone you can use. You could call them.

Coraline was baffled by your offer.

Coraline: It's okay. I don't need to talk to them right no....

Y/N: Call Matt.

You held out your phone towards her, but you refused to meet her eyes. Coraline was just weirded out now. She took your phone and began to dial the number while you watched Jonas. He hugs his legs and lowered his head, already knowing what would follow.

You weren't exactly excited yourself, but this needed to happen.

Coraline greeted her friend then the world went mute. You looked up and watched as her smile slowly faded. You couldn't hear what was being said, but you could see her lips tremble and her eyes start to tear up. You lowered your head as she cried. It was then that Wybie walked in. He found Coraline in tears while on the phone while you sat there.

Wybie: Uh, what did I miss? Why is she crying?

You sighed.

Jonas: Tell her. Tell her, I'm sorry. I wasn't able to take her ice skating again.

Y/N: He's sorry.

Coraline looked at you with wide eyes. Your eyes met and she finally understood what that look was. What eyes you had. What you had seen.

Y/N: He's sorry that he couldn't take you ice skating again.

Coraline wiped her eye before staring at you.

Coraline: Is he....here?

You didn't answer right away. Instead, you looked to the corner of the room where Jonas was now standing. You pointed at him which made Wybie and Coraline look. They couldn't see him, but you had no reason to lie.

Wybie: Why are we staring at a corner. What is happening?

Y/N: Jonas. He's, waiting.

Coraline: For what?

Y/N: To say goodbye.

Coraline slowly stood up and walked over. She didn't know it, but she stopped right in front of him. She reached out but felt nothing. She was expecting a chill or a touch or....something.

Jonas: I'm sorry.

Coraline: Is he talking?

You looked over to Jonas and nodded.

Jonas: I won't be visiting anymore. I'm so sorry, Jones. I guess I really was as stupid as you said.

You sighed and repeated what he said. Coraline shook her head.

Coraline: N-No way. You were a great friend. I was a jerk. I......

She choked. Wybie walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder as Jonas smiled.

Jonas: Calm down, Jones. You'll see me on the otherside. And when you do, we'll go ice skating. But try to be patient until then.

Coraline listened as you spoke. Word for word you told her what Jonas said. To your surpise, Coraline didn't cry this time. She actually smiled. You watched with wide eyes as she swallowed everything and swung her fist.

Coraline: Hurry up and pass on, you dork!

Her hand connected with Jonas, or at least it would've it it could. You watched as Jonas smiled one last time before fading away into a myriad of butterflies. You watched with wide eyes as they fluttered around the room before heading out of the open window and towards the sky. Coraline opened her eyes and found a single blue butterfly sitting on the windowsill.

Coraline: J-Jonas?

You all watched as the butterfly flew up and began to follow the others. Silence filled the room as the song came to an end, ending the record. You slowly lowered your head before sighing.

Y/N: I'm....sorry for your loss.

Coraline: Thank you.

You turned to her in surpise. She was actually smiling.

Y/N: What?

Wybie: I don't know. I'm still completely lost. What is happening?

Coraline: He can see ghosts.

The both looked at you as you stood there unmoving. Slowly, you nodded.

Y/N: Yeah. I can see ghosts. And I just saw Jonas.

Coraline: And you allowed me to say goodbye.

You shrugged.

Y/N: Everyone gets one. Only one.

You shook your head.

Y/N: Well, you know my secret. Sorry I had to lie to you to get here, but I honestly couldn't think of a better way.

Wybie: Wait, you can talk to ghosts? Cool.

You weren't sure if it was, but they were handling this news a lot better than you thought they would.

Coraline: So that's why you have that look.

You both locked eyes again. This time, however, you didn't feel that chill. You instead felt a sense of familiarity.

Coraline: Well, we know your secret, I guess we should tell you ours now.

●○●

The three of you stared at the small door that was hidden behind a trunk. You were unsure of what it was until Wybie and Coraline explained everything to you. It was hard to believe, but you saw ghosts so it wasn't too outlandish.

Y/N: So, this is a portal to another world?

Coraline: It was. I threw the key down a well.

Y/N: So that this spider lady couldn't get it?

Wybie: Supposedly it's the only place she couldn't reach.

Y/N: Right.

You all stared at the door. Coraline smacked her lips.

Coraline: Who wanted Oreos?

Y/N/Wybie: I'm down/Absolutely.

The three of you headed to the kitchen after you helped Wybie push the trunk back. You all left the room to enjoy a snack of champions, but you failed to notice the quiet scratching coming from the other side of the tiny door.

As if someone was trying to get out.