Part of him longed to be released from the troubles this power had caused him over the last year: embarrassment, confusion and even a strain to his friendship with James. There was also the worry for his parents and nights of lying awake, convinced he was mad. That had been his lot these many months and now he was offered the chance to leave it all behind and rebuild his life. It was tempting, and yet … and yet, there were those words of Redfeld’s:

  “Very, very few are granted these powers. Even fewer can master them: but those who can have the potential to change their world. For good, for evil, for gain and for duty ... forever. Would you turn your back on the chance of that?”

  I don’t know, thought Tom. I can’t decide, but then he recalled the people in his dreams. I’ve been these three people. I’ve lived their despair. They are not just ink on paper: names from long ago that no one cares about. I’ve experienced their fear and know how it felt when they knew they had only moments to live. How can I abandon them, knowing all that?

  Tom sighed. “How do I start?” he asked.