I awake with a start. All of my surroundings are foreign – the window, open, moonlight streaming through – is not mine. My heart pounds in my chest as an image from a mirror springs to life – I was looking in Colin’s eyes, then he made me look in the mirror, and though I could feel his breath on my cheek, his hand on my chin, his image was not there.

“Oh my God! Dear God, it’s true!” I whisper.
I realize with a start that the pillow where my head rests smells like the fresh and spicy cologne Colin always wears. This is his bed! It smells so good! Good Lord! What am I thinking?!? He’s a vampire... but he’s my friend, maybe more. He’s so kind, so very generous...
“What in the world have I got myself into?”
“Well, ma’am if I may...” comes a voice from the corner. As a figure moves in the shadows I let out a blood curdling shriek.

He crosses to a shaft of moonlight – it is Jeeves, Colin’s butler.
“For the love of everything holy, Jeeves! You scared the wits out of me!” I say, stamping my foot. “Though it’s good you’re here. I need to find Colin. Do you know where he is?”
“Yes ma’am, I do. He’s gone for a walk – to clear his head. He was quite distressed by your collapse, my dear.”
“Well, I can’t say it’s the most fun I’ve had on a dinner date myself!” I shoot back sarcastically. “You know, don’t you, Jeeves? What he is?”
“Yes, ma’am, I do. I have been in Master Colin’s service for a very long time – since he was a boy, really. There is nothing I don’t know about him.” The look in his eyes is compassionate, fatherly. I feel I can talk to him. Maybe he can answer the pressing questions I have.

I take a seat on the edge of the bed and ask, “Can you tell me about it? About when...” I look at him -- can't bring myself to say it.
“He became a vampire? Yes, I can tell you. But I warn you - this is not a happy tale.”