****
“What exactly do you expect us to see?” asked Elizabeth. She stood with Johnny staring into the Cube. What they saw was a small patch of path that looked almost exactly like the path on which they stood.
“I don’t know," replied Johnny, “but this thing took my father away somehow and might be able to bring him back. His letter suggests that he might be still alive in a different world, and needs my help to come back.”
“How?" Elizabeth asked. I know as much about it as you do now, and I don’t have the foggiest idea how that thing works. But I do know it took both your father and your uncle and I don’t want it to take you.”
“I have to try to help Dad and Mort.”
“Yes Johnny, but not today. Your Mom and the Tribe need you now. Dark and the others are still out there somewhere.”
Johnny’s thoughts were swirling. Elizabeth was right, of course. He had waited this long to seek his father, surely he could wait a few more days.
For a few moments, Johnny wasn’t paying attention to the Cube or anything else. He paced about thinking of what he should be doing next, while not looking at anything in particular. Elizabeth in turn watched Johnny.
When he heard Elizabeth scream he turned to see her already being pulled into the Cube. Before he could react she was thrown roughly out of the Cube and into his arms.
“Elizabeth, are you alright?” he asked her anxiously, even as he noticed subtle changes in her appearance. Was she wearing different clothes? Was her hair suddenly longer?
Elizabeth looked at Johnny and screamed in terror.
****