The Elevator

           Jackawokefromathinanduneasysleepwherehugeandill-definedshapeschasedhimthroughendlesssnowfieldstowhathefirstthoughtwasanotherdream:darkness,andinit,asuddenmechanicaljumbleofnoises-clicksandclanks,hummings,rattlings,snapsandwhooshes.

           ThenWendysatupbesidehimandheknewitwasnodream.

           "What’sthat?"Herhand,coldmarble,grippedhiswrist.Herestrainedanurgetoshakeitoff-howinthehellwashesupposedtoknowwhatitwas?Theilluminatedclockonhisnightstandsaiditwasfiveminutestotwelve.

           Thehummingsoundagain.Loudandsteady,varyingtheslightestbit.Followedbyaclankasthehummingceased.Arattlingbang.Athump.Thenthehummingresumed.

           Itwastheelevator.

           Dannywassittingup."Daddy?Daddy?"Hisvoicewassleepyandscared.

           "Righthere,doc,"Jacksaid."Comeonoverandjumpin.Yourmom’sawake,too."

           ThebedclothesrustledasDannygotonthebedbetweenthem."It’stheelevator,"hewhispered.

           "That’sright,"Jacksaid."Justtheelevator."

           "Whatdoyoumean,just?"Wendydemanded.Therewasanice-skimofhysteriaonhervoice."It’sthemiddleofthenight.Who’srunningit?"

           Hummmmmmm.Click/clank.Abovethemnow.Therattleofthegateaccordioningback,thebumpofthedoorsopeningandclosing.Thenthehumofthemotorandthecablesagain.