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The words were true, yet horrifying. Seeing Katie here, not pregnant, without Travis seemed wrong.

“You’re not Katie,” Jenni whispered. “You’re someone else. Something else. ”

“I’m here to tell you the truth,” the form said, now merely a shadow.

“No!” She awoke with a start, gasping, her head feeling like a bobble head. Looking over at the cot next to her, she saw a little girl tucked in with an oversized teddy bear.

Her heart was thudding so hard she could barely stand it. Tears flowed freely as she covered her face with both hands and wept in silence.

She hated the mall. Hated it! It made her feel helpless and it made her think of that horrible day. She should have found a way to save her son.

But she hadn’t. She had been terrified and had run. She had not once turned back to see if he was behind her.

“It’s about second chances,” a soft voice said. “Do you understand?”

She looked up to see Lydia sitting at the end of the bed.

“It’s about choices made and not made. It’s about what we do with our life and the impact we have on others. ”

“I…ran…”

Lydia nodded. “I know. ”

“Wasn’t Mikey the one who was supposed to survive? Didn’t I steal his life from him?”

“Right or wrong, you made a choice that day and because of it you had a second chance to find happiness. To save others. To fight to survive with those who love you. To live a new life. ”

“With Juan,” Jenni whispered.

“To love and be loved,” Lydia agreed.

“But why are you here telling me this?” Jenni asked.

“Because very soon, Jenni, you are going to have to make that same choice again. ”

Jenni shivered so violently, her teeth chattered. She looked up at Lydia.

“I know. I have been feeling it. ”

Lydia nodded. “It’s going to be okay. I believe you will make the right choice. ”

Jenni smiled with relief, crossing herself. “Thank you for telling me that. ”

Lydia gave her a sweet smile. “Jenni, sleep. You need to rest and heal. The wheels are turning faster. Events are moving quickly toward the moment of decision. ”

Lying back down, Jenni reached out toward the ghostly woman. “Lydia?”

“Yes, dear. ”

“Will I make it back to the fort? To see Juan?”

Lydia gently smiled. “Yes, you will. ”

“Then I am not afraid now. ”

The ghost’s expression became tinged with sadness. “I know, honey. But you will be. ”

Jenni woke up with a start. She was startled to realize she had been dreaming. The mall was full of light and voices drifted around her. The smell of weak coffee and maybe something close to oatmeal wafted in the air. Sitting up slowly, she looked across the store at all the people gathering in line for breakfast.