Chapter 10: Desperation

Her mother, Lisa Chen, took her to all the major hospitals. They saw many psychiatrists, tried all kinds of medications, but nothing worked. In desperation, she turned to spiritual healers, seeking out anyone who might help. Most said Megan had attracted a toxic spirit—a ghostly lover—who wanted her life.

They performed rituals, burned candles, but Megan’s nightmares only worsened. She began sleepwalking, and gradually couldn’t tell dream from reality. Several times, she almost jumped off a balcony.

Lisa’s voice trembled as she described those nights—how she’d wake to find Megan on the balcony ledge, feet bare, eyes wide open but seeing nothing. I could see why she was desperate enough to believe in anything.

Not long ago, Megan sleepwalked again. She scribbled an address on a piece of paper: Pinehill County, Silver Creek Bridge, end of Willow Lane. Lisa checked the location on her phone and was shocked—the map showed it was Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Lisa kept that scrap of paper in her wallet, creased and worn, like it was a clue that might save her daughter’s life.