Grace Jones awoke from the nightmare, back in reality, the dreams leaving her weary in body and soul.
Her heart raced, and her forehead slicked with cold sweat. She looked around, realized everything was normal, just a nightmare. Yet, the dream's terror lingered.
Worried for her friend, Eva Hudson returned to Grace's apartment, finding the door shut, the silence within unsettling.
She knocked with no answer. Then she decides to seek for help, meanwhile the door creaked open a silver.
"Grace? Is that you?" Eva asked, her voice was quivering.
"Yes, it's me." Grace's face appeared, eyes hollow, complexion pale. She seemed on the brink of being consumed by inner shadows.
"My God, what happened to you?" Eva gasped, reaching for Grace, "Tell me what's wrong."
Grace hesitated, then opened the door, allowing Eva walks inside. Eva was stunned-the room was chaotic, littered with bottles and pizza boxes, a sour stench in the air.
"What have you been doing?" Eva covered her nose, surveyed the mess. She turned to see Grace curled up in bed, wrapped tightly in a blanket.
"Don't be like this, Grace." Eva approached, patting Grace's shoulder. Grace appeared slowly with eyes bloodshot.
"Eva, what should I do?" Grace inhaled deeply, sharing her dream.
Eva listened, her expression grave. She held Grace's hand, saying, "Grace, this isn't your fault. You can't let Evans control you."
Grace sobbed, "What does Evans want from me? Why does he keep harassing me?"
Eva feels wordless, she had never seen her friend got so lost. She embraced Grace, whispering, "Don't fear, he's just a madman. We should bring him to justice, not being cower."
"But." Grace whimpered, grasping Eva's sleeve, "But he controls my dad's company, if I ever angered him, he might...."
Eva watched her best friend, seeing fear and helplessness. "I understand, " She then interrupted, touching Grace's cheek, "But I believe we will walks through this. With a clear, rational mind, we'll find a way out."
Grace nodded, gripping Eva's hand.
"Be brave, don't be scared." Eva encouraged, "You've always been courageous, I believe you can defeat him, even become stronger from fighting him!"
Grace moved by Eva's conviction, felt warmth return. She thanked god for having such a good friend.
"Eva, thank you. I'll try my best." Grace Jones nodded with her spirit lifted.
"That's the Grace Jones I know!" Eva Hudson smiled, "Cheer up, we'll find a way to deal with him!"
Grace Jones breathed deeply, a smile returning.
Then, her phone vibrated-a message from Daniel: "My dear Miss Jones, ready to submit?"
Grace flung the phone away, her arms wrapping around herself. Eva held her tight, grateful to be there.
"Don't worry, don't fear." Eva patted Grace's back, "No matter what he plans to do, don't fear him. Together, we'll bolster his schemes!"
Grace nodded, hope flickering in her eyes.
Another message received, "If you don't stay with me, then I will keep harassing you. Eventually, you'll submit it willingly."
Eva furiously snatched the phone, typing swiftly.
"What are you doing?" Grace asked.
"I am beating him!" Eva showed Grace the defiant reply sent to Daniel: "Hey you! We won't be cowed by you, you're not that important. Bring it on, I will punch your face!"
Grace smiled wryly, knowing Eva's bravado, but fearing Daniel's intrusion.
Daniel Evans replied quickly: "Oh? We'll see who stands last. But be careful, my sources are everywhere!"
Eva is enraged, she smashed the phone, glass then scattering.
"Eva!" Grace exclaimed, as Eva stood, eyes blazing.
"I can't stand his provocations." Eva roared, "Grace, we must get rid of him! Otherwise, we'll never have peace!"
Grace Jones remained silent.