Free In My Dreams by Cameo Renae Page A

swollen eyes. I walked to my jeep and waved goodbye. They waved back, and then quickly tucked back inside the warmth of their home.
    Darkness loomed and clouds concealed the moon and starlight. My body shivered tensely from the cold. It seemed much colder in my Jeep than it was outside. I sat idling for a lingering ten minutes before the heater started blowing out any signs of warmed air. As soon as it did, I headed home. I felt weak, shivery, and exhausted.
    I didn’t tell Michael’s parents about my dreams, or my encounter with Lucy Crow. Telling them that I thought their son was murdered, without any proof, would only complicate things. Thinking that his death was an accident was probably the best thing for them… for now.
    It was too quiet, aside from the sound of the heater blowing, so I turned on the radio. There was an old song playing. How odd. This station never played old songs. It was a modern station. I was just about to change it when I had an overwhelming feeling to leave it alone. Instead, I turned up the volume and listened to the words of the song.
    ………………..
    I’ll see you in my dreams,
    The truth, oh it’s there for you to see,
    Sometimes it’s painful to be on your own, on your own,
    I’ll see you in my dreams.
    There we’ll be safe tonight,
    From the lonely days of memories.
    And I’ll see you in my dreams.
    Back in my arms again,
    And no matter what tomorrow brings,
    I’ll see you in my dreams.
    ………………..
    The music faded and the DJ came on. “Yes, I know… I know. That one was an oldie…but you have to admit it was a goodie. And I must say… I was completely compelled to play this song for someone special out there. The song – I’ll See You in My Dreams – sung by Giant. Now moving on…”
    Oh my God!
    “Michael,” I gasped. This had to be a sign from him. The words… they hit me like a hammer. It couldn’t have been a coincidence, could it? I didn’t think so. I knew he must have had something to do with it. After everything that happened today, I was game to believe anything.
    “Michael... I know you’re here. I know you’re with me. Please help me to find out the truth,” I sobbed. Hot tears again poured from my eyes making it hard to see the road. “I’ll be seeing you in my dreams tonight. And, thank you, for the ring.” I hoped he heard me.
    I cried the whole way home. It was something in this one day that had become as natural to me as breathing.
    The half-hour drive home seemed endless, and I was relieved when I finally pulled into my driveway. I locked the door behind me, checked every window and closed every curtain, flicking on lights as I went. I always felt safer with the lights on.
    I pulled the precious box out of my pocket and laid it on my dresser, along with the locket and amulet around my neck. I opened the box and gently touched the delicate butterfly. It was so beautiful. So Michael.
    I grabbed my laptop from the desk and turned it on. While it booted, I gathered my clothes and turned on hot bath water. I poured strawberries and cream bath liquid into it and watched the suds form like fluffy cotton candy. A shower wouldn’t cut it tonight.
    Once the computer was up, I went to Google and searched for the song in the Jeep. I typed in - see you in my dreams, giant . On the top of the page was a video result on YouTube. I clicked on the link and it brought up a video. I clicked play, turned up the volume and carried it into the bathroom. I placed it on the floor and again listened to the words while I got ready for my bath. It was a very sad song, but the words were what hit me. I knew Michael had the DJ play this song; a message for me from him.
    I thought back to the things Emily told me, about making contact with Michael. I went around the cottage gathering every candle I owned, and placed them randomly around the bathroom. I carefully lit them and turned off the light. The candles emanated a warm and peaceful glow. I slipped into