Amelia

"I never believed Noah would have so many nightmares." The words came out as a murmur as I gripped the steering wheel, frowning at Ben. Then I took one glimpse in the rear-view mirror. "Honestly, this isn't normal. I think he needs help."

Ben reached out and placed a hand on my knee. I sighed.

"Don't people just get over it? I mean, how many years has it been? Three?"

"Four," I corrected. "He always gets them at Easter. Usually."

But it's not Easter, a voice in my head reminded me.

Since returning to Burgess six months ago, it seemed to me that Noah always checked to see how we behaved around him. Now, a menacing rumble of thunder caused me to steal another glimpse in the mirror. Where I spotted ice glistening on the pavement whilst the engine of the car grumbled with motion, the houses around us disappearing from view.

"Why can't he just tell us what's upsetting him?"

"He's only ten. Give him time."

"I have. You have no idea how worried I am."

I stared back at him, then bit my lip.

"Amelia, I'm serious. Noah hasn't been himself."

Ben glanced towards the back seat where Noah was sleeping. I watched our son move uncomfortably in his seat. One day, he would open up to us. One day, we could give him the courage to vanquish his fears. A part of me was sad Noah never said anything straight away. He always tried to keep going, but I know my son was just afraid to speak. Why, I didn't know.

After fifteen minutes, I cruised towards the turnoff, exiting the highway. This time, Ben smiled as I urged the car around uneven bends in the road.

"Storm's coming," I said and made a sharp turn at the lights.

The January snow, flittering down from the sky, settled in the leaves of the trees, flaking them in white. The bending road slipped into a sparkling path. I felt as if I were flying through a winter wonderland while the last rays of gold snaked behind the clouds.

I flicked on the headlights. That was the moment a child sledded across the road, grinning at thin air.

"Was that Jamie?" Ben asked.

"I believe so."

We sped along and made another sharp turn.

"There's no need to rush."

"That's odd," I said. "How the hell…?" I stared down at the pedals. "Okay, that can't be normal."

"Maybe you should quit speeding. We not arranging to meet anyone – CRAP!"

Ben looked straight ahead.

"Amelia!"

Something had coated the road. It was too dark for me to see what it was. The wheels screeched. It stuck, it's solidness illuminated by the car's bright headlights.

"Amelia!"

We were speeding over the hardened ice.

"Mom!"

"Ben!" I screamed. "Noah!"

The ice shone. Reflected. Something black appeared right behind it. A car approached us from the top of the hill.

"Mom, stop!"

Glass exploded, and for a terrible moment, I thought it would flip and crush us inside. Instead we kept moving, and before I could react, water gushed through the crumpled, deformed metal, submerging everyone inside. The only thing I registered was a grey hand reaching for Noah's arm.

Then it seized mine.