Last night, I awoke to find you staring at me, and the look in your eyes was one of cold contempt. I knew then you were almost lost to me. I tried to act as if nothing untoward was happening, but I could no longer play the part expected of me. You had changed.

When I looked into your eyes, something slithered away. Then you smiled that fake smile as if daring me to speak. What could I tell anyone without sounding absolutely crazy? That you looked the same, sounded the same, but you were no longer the man I loved?

I said," James, what's wrong? Can't you sleep? Let me make you a warm drink." I slid out of bed. An ice-cold hand grabbed my wrist. I stifled a gasp as It said, "All right, don't be long, and don't make the drink too hot."

As I walked to the kitchen, a plan began to form. While the milk was warming on the stove, I looked in my handbag. I found the tiny glass bottle that I carried everywhere with me. I was given it at my First Communion. I poured the liquid it held into a mug, followed by the milk. I stirred it well, then walked into the bedroom, my heart pounding but my resolve unwavering.

I gave It the drink, then got back into bed. The demon looked at me, handed me the mug, saying, "You look cold; try some of this." I took the mug, drank it, and then handed it back. It watched me for a minute, and that felt like an eternity, then It drank every drop. In only a few seconds, the demon felt the results of ingesting holy water.

Thick black smoke poured out of Its mouth. At that point, I realised It would be looking for someone else to hide in. I reached for the crucifix hanging around my neck and did the only thing I could think of. I put the cross on my husband's lips, then my lips on it too. I looked into his eyes as he came back to me. I said, "You must find another hobby. No more looking into the paranormal or studying Demonology."

His smile was rueful as he nodded. "I agree from the bottom of my almost lost soul. That was an experience I will carry with me for a very long time. I cannot convey the horror I felt. I was cowering in a corner of my mind, watching you, my love, treating that monster with all the sweetness and care you always do, thinking it was me. I felt sick. I only began to feel some hope when I saw a puzzled look in your eyes. What changed?" I felt a surge of relief and triumph as I realized he was back with me.
"It's hard to say exactly what started me doubting, but I think it was as simple as it wasn't you looking out of your eyes. I think Its arrogance made It careless. I only knew I had to do something that could harm It, but not you."

While I hugged the man tightly, I made a mental note to throw away the Holy Water, crucifix, and any other religious dross there might be about the house. I was lucky that he was not as sensitive or intelligent as she was, but she had been correct; I had become complacent. I was fortunate this time that her husband, deep down, did not share her beliefs.

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