I slowly awoke as I felt kicking at my stomach. I looked around and noticed that Juanita had been kicking me in her sleep. Juanita quickly got up screeching after I whacked her legs with a stick I had found on the ground . Startled, I moved back, away from Juanita. She looked like she had just seen El Cucuy! I yelled at Juanita as the girls got up looking ready to run. I sighed in relief once I realized that Juanita had just had a nightmare. I mean, how could she not? After everything that's happened so far, I understand why her dreams would be haunting her. Suddenly, Pita and Delia both woke up complaining about the noise Juanita and I have been making. After a bit of yelling, we finally continued our walk to Abuelita Remedios house and exited the cave.

1 AAAAAHHHHHH! There was water and it got me! It took me away and ate me!

2 It was just a nightmare! Stop yelling before you give me a heart attack! We have to get to Abuelita's house.

3 Both of you, stop yelling my ears hurt!

4 I'm so tired!

After walking for hours, we reached a steady river. The girls were growing tired and honestly, so was I. Pita whined as Velia and Delia covered their ears with annoyed looks on their faces. To save the girls from arguing, I announced that we would be taking a break after crossing the river. I stopped in my tracks as I reached the edge of the land. We were finally going to catch a break after hours of walking. All we needed to do, was just get to the other side.

 1 When can we take a break? I'm tired!

2 Alright, fine. We'll take a break once we cross this river and catch some fish to eat. We'll need to dry up after crossing anyway. Who wants to cross first? I can't because I need to throw our things across first. I'll also carry Pita to the other side with me, so, Juanita will have to go first.

3 I don't think I can do it. I don't want to cross. I can't.

Juanita stared at the river with a horrified look as she worridly bit her nails. Worried, I gently spoke to Juanita trying to calm her down. To prove to Juanita that she was safe, I grabbed Pita in my arms and crossed as I looked at Juanita with a promising look. I noticed her worried look slowly transform into a smile. I shook my head at the twins letting them know to cross next. The twins stared me down, but after exchanging a few facial gestures, they finally agreed to cross. The twins gave me an angry huff and they’re faces seemed as if they had been painted green, but Juanita's approving look made it all worth it. Finally, Juanita entered the water to cross, but suddenly, the water was no longer steady and Juanita was now being pushed away by the river.

1 What's wrong Juanita? Is there something in the water, or does this have to do with that nightmare you had this morning? It was just a nightmare. The water's safe. It won't cause you any harm, I promise. Look, I'll cross first so you'll see it's okay.

2 See? It's safe.

3 You were right! It was just a nightma-AAAAAHHHHH!

4 Juanita! Velia, Delia, run after her!

We were beginning to lose sight of Juanita and our legs could no longer support us. I put Pita down and fell to the ground tired from all the running. I was about to break down into tears when suddenly, I heard a faint voice. I turned to the water and to my surprise, there was a small red fish looking back at me. I was both confused and skeptical about her claims, but also hopeful that the fish might be helpful to us. Honestly, I wasn't all that worried Gerbie was fibbing. I didn’t know if it was because I felt empathetic for Gerbie or because she reminded me a lot of my mother. Brave, selfless, kind, loving, and always helping others despite her own needs or situation. I decided that I could trust her.

1 Hey, over here! In the water! My name's Gerbie and I know where your sister is! The river, it's not what you think! The water, it isn't water! I mean, it is, but there's a creature who goes by the name "The possessor."  It has no real physical form. It's a spirit without a home or body. It lures young subjects to the river and it gives its victim a warning via a dream before taking over their body. Once their body is no longer of good use to it, it seeks a new victim, your sister. I can show you where it took your sister if you just follow me!

2 Really? Thank you! We would love your help!

Finally, Gerbie stopped swimming and in front of us was a small cave with water flowing through it. I was sad, but I also understood why she didn't feel safe coming with us. After all, I was not in the place to ask her to tag along. This happened because I wouldn't listen and now, I was going to fix it.