I had first seen him on the train to work.
Then again outside my office building on my lunch break.
Now he is sitting across from me. Staring at me, it’s kinda creepy. But it’s my stop nest so I should be fine.
“Hello Mercedes.” The man whispered as we were standing in front of the doors, waiting for them to open.
I spun around, “Excuse me?”
“What?” A random scraggly teenage kid replied, looking somewhat stunned.
“Oh nothing sorry.” I said as I stepped off the train. I through I saw him again in the reflection of a shop window. “I must be seeing things.” I thought to myself.
I reach my front door without a problem.
“Good evening Miss. Crawford,” My next door neighbor Mrs. Reynard, greeted me with her usual smile.
“Hey Mrs. R,” I replied, glad to see a kind face.
“What is troubling you child?” She asked, always seeming to know when something is up.
“Oh nothing. I’m fine,” I lied as I unlocked my door.
“Well you know my door is always open if you need to talk.” She said as I turned to close the door.
“Yeah I know,” I replied shutting the door, “you always are.” I muttered.
I walked to my fridge and grabbed a Tizer, I was so thirsty. I turned around to walk to my lounge room and saw an envelope on my bench, which wasn’t there before. I put my drink down carefully beside the envelope before picking it up. It was made of a thick parchment and was sealed with a red wax seal in the shape of a family crest.
“What the?” I said aloud before carefully opening the envelope, taking care not to ruin the seal completely. It read:
Dear Mercedes,
You may not remember me, but I sure do remember you, I was there when your mother left, I was there when you cried yourself to sleep all those years ago. To me it feels like only yesterday. To you, it must feel like a strong, but distant memory. I was there when you graduated university, and helped you get the job you have now. I am the hero in yo7ur dreams and have been there when times seemed hard.
But now I need you to help me. I have seen you and you, today, have seen me. I need to meet you in the flesh tomorrow night at 8 o’clock under your old oak tree. I can say no more here, but I will explain everything to you tomorrow. Please do not be scared.

Take care,
Constantine B.V



When I had finished reading the letter, I read it again and again. I had so many questions. How did he know about my mother? And how did he know all this about me?

I spent the rest of my night watching cheesy movies and eating far too much chocolate. I had the most amazing dream. I was standing on the top of the London Eye, in the middle of a stormy January night, watching the lightening strike the murky water of the Thames. Next thing I know, I’m flying. Following the river until I see a medieval castle looming up ahead in the fiery morning glow. I land softly in front of the double mahogany front doors and give two knocks on the big brass door knocker. The doors slowly opened and I stepped into the darkened foyer. When the doors close behind me, the foyer is lit by a chandelier above me and numerous pillar candles around the perimeter.
“Good morning my child.” A deep, soft voice comes from my left. A shadow emerged from a door to the left. “I see you admiring my family crest.”
He was right too. The crest, which I was sure I had seen before, was a deep red colour and was taken up by a large V surrounded by writing in a language I could not understand.
“Yes it is lovely.” I replied, my voice sounding weak after his.
“Come”. He commanded. I followed the mysterious man through the door and down a candle lit hallway, I didn’t dare ask where we were going because as we passed various doors, I heard screams of pains followed by moans of delight.
“They aren’t bad, for some, like you, this is a new experience.” He turned around and grabbed my hand, “You will be fine, and there is no need to worry said as he opened one of the doors leading out of the hall. I looked into the nicely furnished room to find my kitten Linkun, curled up on the pillow on the bed. He was awoken by the opening door and as he saw me, trotted over and jumped into my arms.
“You’ve got to wake up now mum.” He said, looking at me with his sparkling jade green eyes.
“Okay darling.” I replied looking back at him and scratching his chin.