I slap and push and kick until I hear Ali hit the ground. I scream and scream until mom and dad come running in.

"What's going on?" Dad asks, turning on the light.

"Alissa tried to smother me with a pillow!" I scream. I am terrified as I crawl into my dad's arms. I sob into his neck.

Alissa is motionless on the floor.
Mom is trying to wake her up.
She is still breathing.
I am not.

"Melinda," dad says, "I think you should sleep in this room with Alissa tonight. Millie and I will go to our room."

I am still crying uncontrollably as dad carries me to my parents' bedroom.

"There's something strange going on in this house. In this town." I sob as dad sits down with me on the bed.

Dad sighs and drops his head into his hands.
"I know, okay?" He grunts.
We are silent for a long time before dad speaks again.

"I've seen it. That thing from the paintings." He turns towards me with tired eyes.