Buffy sat outside the university, eating her lunch and staring blankly into
space. Xander was beside her talking about his relationship with Anya,
while Riley was staring intently at her face.

"What's wrong?" Riley asked suddenly, interrupting Xander and startling
Buffy.

"It's nothing, I just have a funny feeling in my gut. Like something's
wrong, you know?" Buffy sighed, trying to understand what she was feeling
nervous about.

"Hey, anyone seen Willow today? She was supposed to be here for lunch with
us." Xander looked around.

"Guys, I have a feeling that my funny feeling has something to do with
Willow not being here..." Buffy rose to her feet, "I'm gonna drop by her
house to check on her, see you later ok?"

Riley and Xander waved as she turned on her heel and strode quickly through
the crowds of students cluttering the walkways and out of sight.

"You think something's up with Wills?" Xander asked the tawny-headed man.

"I don't know, I don't know her very well but it doesn't seem like her to
just not show." Riley shrugged.

"I've known her forever and it's definitely not like her. Maybe if Buffy
finds her, Willow'll have an explanation. Like, a paper to write or spells
or something." Xander chewed on his lip, "I hope."

"This is the Hellmouth." Riley said.

"That's kinda why I have a feeling it's not just a paper or spell." Xander
looked up at the glaring sun, squinting, deep in thought.

*****

Buffy turned the corner of Willow's street, her anxiety growing with every
step she took. *I knew something was wrong, I should have gotten here
earlier, what if something's happened to her?*

Half-running up the steps of the witch's house, Buffy knocked loudly on the
door, hoping for an answer. When nothing came, she twisted the knob,
slightly surprised to find it open. She took a cautious step inside, and
when she didn't feel any dangerous presence she shut the door behind her
and continued into the house.

Wandering into the living room, Buffy saw that it was a mess. The
television was on, tuned to a daytime drama, but no one was watching.
Tissues and blankets were strewn across the room, making a rough path to
the stairs.

The whole house was silent, Buffy couldn't hear any sound of movement or
even breathing, but that didn't mean that Willow wasn't there. Silently
jogging up the staircase, Buffy noted that the bathroom lights were on, and
the mirrors were steamed, which meant that someone had just showered.
Turning down the long hallway to Willow's bedroom, she checked each room
for any sign of Willow herself, finally reaching the end door. It was open
just a crack, with no light eminating from it.

Pushing the door open on silent hinges, Buffy glanced around, her eyes
settling on the bed, where a lump huddled sleeping under the covers. Buffy
smiled slightly, and walked across the room to peer under the blankets
around what she assumed was Willow's head, since red hair peeked out from
underneath.

"Willow?" Buffy asked softly, not wanting to startle her friend.

The lump stirred, moaning. Covers were thrown back to reveal the red and
puffy face of her best friend.

"Willow? Oh my God, what happened?" Buffy had known something was wrong,
she should have been there sooner.

Willow sniffled, remembering the nightmares that had plagued her all night,
"I want to tell you something. Promise not to tell anyone unless I say it's
ok?" She asked in a small, defeated voice.

Buffy nodded, dread weighing like an iron ball in her stomach, "You know
I'll never tell, trust me Wills."

~TBC~