Wake Me When It's Over

“Catherine?” The familiar voice cuts through the haze of confusion. I snap my head up, blinking against the light as I search the crowd.

“Dad?”

My father emerges from the throng of people surrounding me. I squint my eyes, attempting to see whether I am just dreaming or is it reality.

“Catherine,” he says as he takes my arms and pulls me up. My legs tremble beneath me, but I manage to find my footing. I stare at him, my mind racing. What is he doing here? Is he a hunter?

“What is going on?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper My father nods to the crowd, a silent command that sends most of them retreating a few paces. All but one—a short man with a massive beard—remains.

“Ah, Catherine.” The bearded man steps forward, his grin wide and unsettling. “So nice to see you again. I was just about to give up on you.” He extends his hand, waiting for me to shake it. I glance at my father before slowly reaching out and clasping his hand in a limp handshake.

“I’m… sorry, but I’m confused,” I