Every few years a group goes out into the gray wastend to seal an ancient evil. The time before st, many were lost to the monsters that rise up against them every time. Last time there were fewer monsters than usual and of the twenty-two of us that went in, none were lost.

  This time only my father, my brother, and I answered the call. Just the three of us to complete the ritual. Just the two of us really, given our father’s advanced age.

  We’re spending the night at a hotel. Our st stop before heading out into the wastes tomorrow morning. I’ve been encouraged to send a st message to someone before we leave, should the worst happen.

  But who to send it to?

  My former best friend? We haven’t spoken in years, yet for some reason I find myself thinking of her more and more these days.

  A current close friend of mine? She’s the only one I might feel comfortable confessing my fears of dying tomorrow to.

  My second mother? She would be here with us if she could, but only humans can conduct the rite.

  In the end, I compose all three messages, but can’t bring myself to send any of them.