Marianne’s eyes swelled with tears, as she was introduced, for the first time, to her grandparents. Their withered cheeks pulled into a wide grin, and their wrinkled hands met her smooth palms.

“I’ve always wanted to know you,” Marianne sobbed as she was held by her grandfather. He, unlike the other two, showed less signs of ageing. In fact, he was probably in his forties.

“You’re too young,” he replied, running his hands over her auburn curls. “Too young to…”

“Well, it was a road accident. Oh, Lord, is Richard here?”

“If you want him to be.”

“What? I mean, did he die with me? Oh please, tell me!”

“Only you can decide that.”

“I don’t understand.”

“We’re only here because you wanted us to… You expected us to be here.”

“Stop it! Isn’t this heaven? Where am I?” The instant she screamed the question, Marianne knew.

“So its not really you… Its what my subconscious thinks you would be like… Is no one real? Am I talking to myself?”

“You can imagine anything, anyone.”

“I’m trapped in a nightmare!”