Hi, Moon Dance.

Hey, big guy.

Big guy?

It's a term of affection, I wrote.

So you feel affection for me?

Of course I do, Fang.

I felt him probing my mind a little, small, shivery touches that let me know he was there.

He wrote: I think you love me, Moon Dance.

Friendly love, Fang.

I'll take friendly love. For now.

Good. Now, what's up?

I've got news about your son.

Talk to me.

First of all, is he still becoming stronger?

More so than ever. Tammy said he now routinely wrestles seven boys at once.

So, you could say he's seven times stronger.

Put that way, and I nearly went into a panic. I wrote: Yes, I guess. What does it mean?

I can feel you panicking, Moon Dance. Don't panic.

Please just tell me what's going on, Fang. I can't handle this. I'm seriously freaking out.

Okay, okay, hang in there. According to my sources, the vampire blood that briefly flowed through him hasn't entirely left him.

"Oh my God," I said out loud to the empty room. More panic gripped me. Nearly overwhelmed me. I wrote: But the vampirism has been reversed, Fang. The medallion...

Yes, the vampirism has been reversed. No, your son isn't a vampire. Not technically.

I found myself on my feet, reeling, staggering, pacing. Jesus, what had I done to my son?

The IM window pinged with a new message. I sat back down. Fang had written: Hang on, Moon Dance. It's not all bad. In fact, it's kind of good news, if you ask me.

Kind of? What the hell is going on, Fang? Please tell me.

Sam, your son will have all the strength of a vampire, but none of the weaknesses.

I read his words, blinking through tears. Are you sure?

Pretty sure.

He won't need to consume blood?

We don't think so.

Who's we?

My sources.

Fine, I wrote. I didn't care about Fang's sources. Not now. I wrote: What about the sunlight?

It should not affect him, Moon Dance.

And immortality?

There was a small delay, followed by: Perhaps.

Perhaps what?

There's a good chance your son might be immortal.

I don't understand. Why?

I don't think anyone really understands, Sam. The system was flawed somewhere, broke down. But, yes, we think he will retain the good qualities but none of the bad.

And being immortal is a good quality?

For some, the very best, Moon Dance.

But why did this happen?

Whoever created your kind, and whoever created the medallion, was not perfect. In essence, a mistake was made somewhere along the line. The reverse was not complete.

What do I do, Fang?

It is up to you to make the most of this, Moon Dance, and to help your son make the most of this, too. Think of this as an opportunity, Moon Dance. Not a curse. For both you and your son.

I hung my head for a minute or two, then typed: Thanks for your help, Fang.

So what will you do, Moon Dance?

I'm going to have a talk with him.

When?

I don't know. Goodnight, Fang.

Goodnight, Moon Dance.