Maura gasped, her eyes flying open. She was lying in her bed and staring up at a dim, gray ceiling. Everything was painted cobalt in the early morning light. Her head spun with a surreal feeling as if this life was the dream and she was falling asleep by awakening.

Maura checked the clock upon her bedside table. It read, "4:09 a.m.". She took a deep breath in and released it slowly. Clambering out of bed, she hurriedly got dressed and slid on some tennis shoes.

The cool air kissed her skin and the colorless sky above made her feel as if she were drowning. Maura ran. She ran and didn't stop. Her mind was empty and all she had was her unsteady breathing.

After running a full circle through the quiet neighborhood, she found herself back at the familiar leafy archway. It knawed at her resistance and begged for her entrance. And Maura could do nothing but submit to whatever force had brought her back again and again.

Adelaide was right there waiting for her. Her eyes were bohemian waters and her smile was icy, new-fallen snow.

"I have a gift for you." Adelaide told her in a voice that dripped honey.

The blonde didn't even flinch at Maura's vacant, dead eyes. She simply spun around gracefully, beckoning Maura to follow. And so she did.

Once they were in the midst of the cemetery, Adelaide spoke. "Close your eyes."

Maura obeyed and the rustling of the tree leaves in wind surrounded her. Everything grew colder and something began in the pit of her stomach, like a black lotus flower setting out to bloom.

"Open them." Adelaide whispered.

There in Adelaide's arms was a beautiful baby girl. Her hair was the color of rich molasses in the sunlight and her eyes were a lovely green, the color of maple leaves in early springtime.

But the child's skin was as pale as ivory and her eyes were empty. They should've been filled with life and wonder, but they were just a void. A void that came to be long ago.

For the first time in days, Maura felt something: pain. Her face twisted with the emotion and she turned her head to look away.

Adelaide's smile faded. "What's wrong?"

Maura said nothing.

"I brought her back for you..." Her voice filled with anger and she began screaming, "I wanted you to be happy!"

Maura took a few steps back in bewilderment. "T-thank you." She stuttered, trying her best to hide the fear in her voice.

Adelaide's face relaxed immediately. "Would you like to hold her?"

Maura nodded. Adelaide handed the child to her. Its skin was freezing.

Maura wrapped her arms tightly around her in a pitiful attempt at warming her. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"Caroline." She sobbed. "Caroline James..."

The lotus blossomed.