Audrey was snapped out of her trance as her mother abruptly took the phone from her. Her mother quickly dialed Aunt Vanessa back, feigning a casual tone as she inquired about everyone's well-being and the coffee shop. However, the forced conversation did little to mask the tension that lingered in the air.
Audrey tensed as Aunt Vanessa inquired about her and the family business, sensing that something wasn't quite right.
After some perfunctory chit-chat and cheerful information-sharing, the call ended. Mrs. Naomi inquired about Audrey's well-being, sensing something amiss in her daughter's demeanor. The pallid girl with misty eyes claimed she was simply feeling dizzy, but inside she knew her mother wouldn't believe her if she shared the truth: that she had wished for her family's well-being the night before, and somehow found herself in an unfamiliar place where she encountered Aunt Vanessa.
Mrs. Naomi indulged Audrey's whims by purchasing her favorite items, but couldn't help but notice Audrey's mood becoming increasingly somber.
Concerned, Mrs. Naomi probed her daughter about what was bothering her, but Audrey remained tight-lipped, a storm of thoughts raging through her mind. She longed for a solution, but feared that her experiences would seem too outlandish to be believed.
The day at the coffee shop was a success, and everyone retreated to their homes to unwind for the evening. The hectic day behind them, Mrs. Naomi prepared the promised chocolate pancakes as Audrey eagerly waited.
As they enjoyed a cozy movie night, Audrey's mind was preoccupied, grappling with the strange dream from the night before and her desperate search for a way to heal her family's troubles.
As they both headed to bed, Audrey found herself hoping that the night would bring some answers. But as she drifted off, she was awoken with a start by a forceful gust of wind that seemed to be tearing at the window, even though it remained firmly closed.
She took a deep breath and headed downstairs for some water to calm her nerves, only to have her phone buzz, displaying the words 'RIVER MYSTERY' on the screen.
The conversation with River Mystery intensified, with the mysterious caller revealing that they had answers to the strange dream Audrey had experienced. They demanded that Audrey meet them in person to learn more, which sent chills down her spine.
As Audrey pondered her next move, she wondered if the decision she was being asked to make could have far-reaching consequences. The thought of what those consequences could be was enough to keep her up at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering if she should take the risk.