A warm, gentle breeze rustled the tall trees dotted around the Tracy Island as the setting sun cast a golden glow over the horizon. The sandy beach down by the north of the island looked like an orange river from where Alan stood in his room, leant against his window frame, silently observing the world around him. Casting his eyes around the island for what felt like the hundredth time that day, Alan stepped forward and out onto the small balcony. Reaching the edge, he placed his hands on the cool stone ledge, leaning towards the sun. Shutting his eyes, he allowed himself to get lost in the moment, soaking up the remaining warmth that lingered in the air.

It had been a week since he was let out of hospital and ever since he couldn't shake off an odd feeling in his chest. It felt like he was caged, his brothers and father watching his every move and smothering him in the process. He knew it was his own fault for letting himself get into that mess in the first place, but every day he grew more tired of it. Sighing, he tipped his head back and let the sunlight seep into his vision.

I don't know how much longer I can do this.

He knew they meant well, but the since the minute he had got back he had been watched like a hawk. It had inadvertently caused him become more withdrawn into himself, now less willing to talk to his over bearing family members.

After what felt like forever, Alan opened his eyes again, once more getting lost in the tranquillity he suddenly felt now he was alone again and not having to put up with constant questions and scrutiny.

Without warning a cry rang out in the air, echoing around the vast space and making him jump with fright. Attempting to control his rapidly beating heart, he glanced down just in time to see John getting thrown into the pool by Gordon and Scott. As the only other blonde Tracy emerged coughing and spluttering from the water Alan let out a loud laugh, drawing the attention of the remaining dry Tracys.

"Hey, Al!" Scott yelled from bellow, cupping his hands around his mouth as though to make his yell louder. He needn't have as all it had resulted in was a thumping beat behind Alan's eyes, his already throbbing head spiking with pain.

Sighing, he waved back to his eldest brother. Mustering up the brightest smile he could, he yelled back down to the other Tracy boys.

"Did he actually deserve it this time or do you two just like throwing him in the pool? It's the third time this week and it's only Thursday." With a frown, he looked down at them as they began to laugh. He was beginning to wonder how two people could actually be that annoying at times.

As soon as the thought had crossed his mind, he instantly felt remorseful. He had used to be the one throwing his brothers in the pool, yet he now was irritated by the popular pastime in the Tracy household.

What is wrong with me?

Pondering that question, he turned on his heels and walked back into the room. Going straight past his bed, he headed out the door and down to the infirmary. Desperately hoping he wouldn't bump into Virgil on the way, Alan wandered quietly down the hall ways leading to the medical room.

As he reached the doors, he pressed the pad slightly to the left and watched as they swished open. Stepping into the room, he headed straight for the cabinet he knew contained the Ibuprofen. Grabbing a couple of tablets from a small bottle with a bright label on, he shut the cabinet door again and padded over to the sink. He dipped his head down, turned on the cold tap and filled his mouth with the trickling, clear substance and popped the tablets into his mouth. Swallowing them with a grimace, he swiped a hand across his chin, wiping away the few beads that he head allowed to roll down his face.

Alan turned around once more and headed back out of the room, once more alert to his the possible appearance of his elder siblings. Making his way along the brightly lit corridor he paused at the end and stuck his heard around the corner to check if his coast was clear.

Suddenly, a burst of pain shot through his head, tearing a cry from his lips. Dropping to his knees, he gripped his head tightly with both hands, a white light flashing in his vision. The pain continued to grow and another yell escaped him. As soon as it had started the pain stopped, instead replaced by a voice echoing throughout his skull.

"You're mine, Tracy. Revenge will be mine soon."

Gasping for breath, Alan opened his tightly clenched eyes. He let his hands fall until they smacked against the floor loudly and winced at the dull pain that thudded up his arms. Another few seconds passed before the pain smashed into his head once more and he couldn't stop the third pain-filled cry.

Hours seemed to pass as the pain kept attacking him, but he knew it was only seconds. Suddenly the high pitched screeching that filled his senses was accompanied by thundering footsteps getting louder and louder, along with his name being called in what he could make out a worried tone. Groaning and crying out once more, the blackness surrounded him and he felt himself falling into the arms of whoever had been calling his name.