ly morning light, the kind that slipped weakly through storm clouds and made everything look dull and distan

nging over the side. His neck ached. Outside, ra

ng to collect himself. His mind felt foggy, like he

the board. Tim sat

ctly where he had left it the night before. The p

couch, watching him with half-open eyes. For

really

could have been a dream, maybe. His mind playing tricks on him after watching too

building occasionally. The storm looked like it might stay for most of the day. Tim rubbed his face and yawned. Part

ut another part of him felt something else

visit. Something strange and mysterious had see

tayed quiet and emp

le and looked down at the board

ng me that l

ed slowly but didn't move. Tim sat

t," he

nder his fingertips. For a moment nothing happened. Outside, thunder

board remained still.

Still nothing. Tim leaned ba

it wa

ath caught. The wooden piece

.L..L

ctly still again. "You're back?" Tim asked. The piece shifted immediately. Y..E..S..

unhappy sound from the

night?" Tim asked. The

I..T..I

ing for what?" The

O..

d. "You said you were going to visit." For a m

..O.

again. He leaned closer. "When?" he asked. The

..I..G.

onight? The pie

.E.

stood up on the couch, his fur slightly puffed as he watched the board. Tim's he

..E..

dream?" The planc

.O

n ag

..A.

is spine. "Real?" he repeated.

U..T..I..

ed slightly. The

R.. Y..

storm outside rumbled again. Rain beat harder against the windows. Tim realized he was smili

Y..O..U.. S

run down his arms. "Ton

E..

d. Then it move

.. F..O..R

ted back toward the center

Outside the storm continued roaring through th

heart was still beating faster than normal

e coming night. He had no idea that somewhere far beyond the world he