It had been 6 and a half months since Gregor had moved to Virginia and said goodbye to his love Luxa and all the Underlanders in New York City.

Since then, Gregor had become very different. He never smiled, laughed, or be social. He hardly speaks and locks himself in his room after school, homework, and chores to look at the picture of him and Luxa in the museum so long ago.

“If only I was there with you Luxa,” Gregor murmured at the picture, “I’m sorry for the pain you must feel.” A tear formed in his right eye and slowly trickled down his cheek.

“Gregor! You forgot to take out the trash!” yelled Gregor’s mom Grace. Gregor slowly got up from his bed and headed toward his door after carefully putting the picture in his pocket and wiping away the tear.

Once Gregor got to his mom, she handed him the trash and he took it outside where the trashcan was. The farm was the same as it’s been the entire time Gregor had moved here except for a headstone in the center of the ranch.

The headstone was labeled “Grandma, 1936-2008, R.I.P” and was put there about a month ago. Grandma had finally passed after 72 years and her last words to Gregor were, “Go back to the place one more time, at least, mister warrior.”

She died peacefully but her death hit everyone pretty badly, but not as bad as Lizzie. Lizzie loved Grandma very much and she was also the one who could stop Lizzie’s panic attacks easily. Lizzie confronted her with most of her problems since Grandma always seemed to be able to deal with them. She stayed quiet just like Gregor for about 3 weeks until she finally coped with the tragedy.

Gregor opened the trash can’s lid and the putrid fumes spilled out. He quickly threw the trash into the trash can and turned the house. When Gregor opened the door, he immediately went back upstairs to look at his picture and to let his mind wander. He laid his head on his soft pillow and gazed at his picture. After a while of thinking to himself, he slowly dozed off.

Gregor was in the Underland when he awoke. He nearly jumped up when he saw the marvelous stone city of Regalia. Gregor stood up slowly as he stood in front of the city, but something didn’t feel right.

He began running through the city to find Luxa, from the palace to her room. People didn’t seem to even care that he was there.

At last, Gregor found her in the Arena, but the thing that amazed him was that it was completely decorated into a beautiful scenery. There were arch’s and pillars of elegantly carved stone.

Luxa was dressed in a dazzling dress from head to toe, but there was man next to her wearing a fancy garb. He looked a little more older than Gregor and very handsome. The two took each other’s hands and looked into their eyes deeply. Luxa turned her beautiful face towards Gregor’s and her violet eyes shone on his. She smiled evilly then turned to kiss the other man.

“Man and wife!” cried a person, “The new King and Queen of Regalia!”

The man turned to Gregor and pulled out a sword.

“Sorry Overlander, but she doesn’t love you anymore,” said the man as he slashed for Gregor.

“NO!!!” screamed Gregor as he awoke and beads of sweat were falling from his head. He looked at the clock which read 1:46 A.M and then slumped back. It was another nightmare except that this time, Luxa was wed to another man. He heard footsteps at his door and he waited until the person opened the door. The doorknob turned and the door swung open, revealing Lizzie in pajamas with a worried look on her face.

“What happened?” asked Lizzie breathlessly, “Are you okay Gregor? I heard a terrible scream.”

“I’m fine, get some sleep for school tomorrow.” replied Gregor. Lizzie shook her head.

“It was another Underland dream again huh?” said Lizzie. Gregor didn’t say anything. He didn’t want to bring up more painful memories than he already has.

“I know you too much Gregor. I know you did, but you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I won’t force you.” said Lizzie before she left the room, “Goodnight Gregor.”

Gregor got up from his soft bed and shut the door. He landed on the bed exhausted and fell asleep right when his head hit the pillow. Luckily Gregor didn’t have another nightmare that night but awoke a little too late. He quickly got dressed, ate breakfast, brushed his teeth, then got ready to walk to school.

He inserted his picture of Luxa and him in his binder and walked silently to the school.