The Fall

The room got colder. A laugh echoed, like it came from his skull. A draft blew in.

Max smelled blood and soil.

He got up. He followed the scent. He stood at the window.

He looked out. Beyond the last row of houses, he thought he could see the cemetery.

-Come, the wind whispered. It fogged the glass.

Max didn't think. He opened the window. He stepped out.

He thought again, he fell. The ground rushed up to meet him.

Buffy stood over him. Her eyes glowed.

-Careful, my pet, she said. I’d hate to see you break before the fun begins.

Max looked around. He looked up the two stories to his window. He was dazed and confused.

-What? he asked.

She reached out. Her cold fingers curled under his chin. She forced his eyes back to her.

-The rules have changed, she said.

-Gravity listens to me now. And so will you.

She smiled.

-Stand up.