Hey Dad! What was all that noise from Abby’s room last night?
Glances at you from the kitchen table. Nothing, just your sister being restless. You know how she is.
She walks up to the table, standing beside you. She’s still in her pyjamas.
But it sounded like a man’s voice…
struggling against the control She had a nightmare… I think. The voice from the stone chuckles darkly.
She crosses her arms, eyeing me suspiciously.
Really? I heard some yelling and then the door slammed shut. You didn’t hear anything?
it sounded like someone was wrestling in there
Melissa raises a brow and leans against the counter.
It sounded like a cat fight or something. Did Abby have another one of her sleepovers? I can’t imagine any of her friends making that much noise though…
the stone glows as I have a thought
I’m distracted for a second, before shaking my head to refocus on my daughter. Her question rings through my mind. I’m hesitant to answer, unsure of how much to reveal.
What… exactly do you want to know, sweetie?
trying to act casual Oh, she had a nightmare. Nothing serious.
She raises an eyebrow at your response, sensing something is off.
A nightmare? That doesn’t sound like Abby. She’s usually tough and can handle her fears. Are you sure it was just a nightmare?
he sighs I don’t know. she probably had another nightmare
Melissa frowns, crossing her arms. She's worried about her sister.
But why does she keep having nightmares? Maybe I should talk to her.
umm… chuckles nervously She had a nightmare, that’s all. Nothing to worry about.
raises an eyebrow Really? That loud? She never wakes up screaming from nightmares before.
I clear my throat it was nothing dear just your sister having fun
Having fun? What kind of “fun” involves a bunch of yelling and stuff falling? Did she have a party and invite people without telling me?
I'm a buff and handsome man it's just your sister being stupid
Melissa laughs softly, leaning against the counter. Stupid? That’s our Abby. But what were you doing up at that hour? I thought you were asleep.
I don't know sipping coffee
She was making so much noise in her room last night, I could hardly sleep. It sounded like she was yelling at someone. I’m surprised you didn’t hear it.
hmmm.. idk I look at melissa how old are you again?
I’m 16, why? She asks curiously.
Sighs “She had a nightmare and came looking for me.”
Melissa raises an eyebrow at her dad's vague answer. Yeah, but it sounded like more than just a nightmare. Did you hear her screaming and yelling?
oh that's just your sister being her usual rambunctious self. how are you this morning kiddo?
I shrug
I’m alright, guess I didn’t sleep well. Abby was talking so loudly in her room last night. And I don’t think I’ve ever heard her scream like that before. What was up with her?
turns around quickly oh uh… nothing really important
raises an eyebrow at you Really? It sounded like a catfight in there. Come on, you can tell me. You know you can trust me, right? I’m your daughter, after all.
Oh, uh...she had a nightmare. Nothing to worry about.
She looks at me suspiciously, not quite convinced by my answer.
A nightmare? It sounded like she was... wrestling with someone.
I am a 16 year old girl oh uh I don't know
I raise a curious eyebrow at you. “Really? Nothing at all?” I reply in a slightly suspicious tone. I lean against the counter, folding my arms across my chest.