A being walks into his room.

In terror, Jack shuffled himself across the floor to the wall behind him.

[You need not fear me] came a thought in his mind.

The being stepped into the room. Through the blinding light, he could just make out a tall, slender body. It resembled a human, but at the same time, had an odd shape to it.

[Jack of Earth, please calm yourself] he heard inside his thoughts. Jack looked at the being, who was now holding up a hand. A hand with four normal fingers, and a nub where a pinkie finger should have been.

[As you can tell, I am not of this planet. Fear not, as I am here to assist you.]

Jack closed his eyes and turned away, wishing he'd wake up from his nightmare.

[I apologize, Jack, this is real. You have been chosen to receive a gift. We did not come across this decision lightly. We chose you for your potential - your potential to save your planet from complete destruction.]

Jack opened his eyes again. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

[You shall not fear from unnatural causes. We have seen to this. You will be imparted with a gift. You will need to learn how to use your gift on your own. In time, we will be able to return to your planet in full sight, at which time we can teach you anything you have not learned by then. Until then, we regret that you are on your own.]

The being came closer to Jack, and held it's hand in line with Jack's head.

[This is your gift. Save this world, Jack. We shall return.]

And with that, the being turned and walked into the light. The space closed, the light ceased, and the wall returned to normal. Jack sprang to his feet and ran to the window. All he saw were the lights of town coming back on as the ship veered off into the night sky.

Jack looked back to his clock. 2:00 AM. Instantly, Jack fell onto his bed, fast asleep.