Ronnie’s scream echoed in Jim’s room.  He grabbed his communicator.  "Ronnie?  Ronnie, are you okay?  Where are you?" 

Static crackled at him. 

Jim shook the communicator, then tried again.  Worry clawed at his belly.  Where was she?  What had she done? 

Maybe this was all a prank.  Maybe she was safe, at home, in bed, giggling at him.  Still in his pajamas, he ran to Ronnie’s house and pounded on the door. 

After a few moments, her father came to the door.  "Jim, do you know what time it is?  What’s going on?" 

"Is Ronnie here?" 

"Of course she is.  Go back to bed, Jim." 

"Could you check on her?  Please?" 

Ronnie’s dad sighed.  "Did you have a bad dream, son?" 

Jim shrugged.  "I hope so." 

Ronnie’s dad waved him into the kitchen, then disappeared down the hall.  He came back a moment later, and his face was white.  "She’s gone." 

Jim shook his communicator and tried it again.  "Ronnie?  Ronnie, please answer me."