Keifer's POV
The apartment was too quiet. Plates cold in the sink. Jay beside me, breathing soft. But shadows clawed at the edges of my vision, bracelet heavy like lead.
I bolted upright, gasping. The photo — kids under the mango tree — stared back from the coffee table, but their smiles twisted wrong.
Phone buzzed. Unknown number. "Kei. Meet now. Tree."
"Mom?" I whispered, jacket on, slipping out. Jay didn't stir.
Wind howled at the lot. Empty.
Phone rang — her voice, panicked. "Don't come. It's a—"
Cut. Tires screeched. Headlights blinded. Kaizer's men — faces from nightmares.
"Boss sends regards." Fists flew. Pipe cracked ribs. Boots crushed.
"Serina Watson died years ago," leader spat. "Kaizer made sure."
Rope bit wrists against the tree. Phone buzzed — Jay: "Where are you?"
Smashed.
Darkness swallowed. Mom gone. Jay alone. Failed.
I jerked awake, soaked in sweat, heart hammering. Jay's arms around me, voice urgent. "Keifer! Nightmare?"
The room was right — her beside me, bracelet on my wrist, photo normal on the table. No shadows.
"Yeah," I choked, pulling her close. "Lost you. Lost her. Everything."
She held me tight, fingers in my hair. "Just a dream. We're here. Safe."
I buried my face in her neck, shaking. "Felt so real."
"It wasn't." She kissed my forehead. "Sleep. I've got you."
Her heartbeat steadied mine.
Just a nightmare.
But the fear lingered.
But she hugged me not letting go.