The nightmares are a cross between hallucinations and dubstep. With screaming, beating music, GLaDOS attacks my sleep, and I receive sharp images flashing and constantly moving across my mind. My body shakes all over, and I know I'm asleep. Yet I don't wake. I can't wake.

I see myself running thru the facility, with the portal gun. But instead of the portals transporting me away from GLaDOS, who is chasing me, they transport me even closer. I see my mouth open to scream, but nothing comes out. "I've got a surprise for you…" she taunts me. I can't say a word. I can only jump through my portals, trying to get away. But I can't.

"YOU'RE THE MORON THEY BUILT TO MAKE ME AN IDIOT!" She shrieks at me. I try to say, "No! No!" but nothing comes out. I jump through one last portal, but I land in my relaxation vault. "I honestly didn't think you would fall for that… you monster."

I dart awake, in a cold sweat, panting.

No, no.

Chell? You're okay. You're fine.

I spin around. Companion cube? But there's no one. That's very strange.

I've never heard voices before. Nightmares… those I've had.

But this is different. I heard this. And why do I think its companion cube? I never went insane like the person who drew the pictures on the wall… not like the other test subjects. I didn't let GLaDOS get to me, not then. I guess… it's weird. It didn't affect me then. It affects me now.

I role out of bed, and stretch. I go over to my calendar, and mark off a day. Another day free.

Another day alone.

My mornings consist of a daily routine. Breakfast, shower, and then a jog. I usually spend my afternoons cooped up in my townhouse, surfing the internet, reading books, and baking cakes. Aperture Science paid me a lot of money to be a test subject.

Especially because of my parents.

But I don't know who they are. It just said on my file. "Chell J. Salary: 2,000 U.S. Dollars. Extra: 1,000,000 U.S. dollars (Parental Request)". I assume my parents had some authority in Aperture. But I don't really like to think about it.

I shower and change. I go out for a jog, always looking over my shoulder. I know I'm safe. But…

I can't believe it.

Chell, you're safe. You don't need to worry. You've got me, your companion. You're okay.

What? Who said that?! I spin around. I start to say something, but no one is there. Was it just in my head?

Was it my head?

It's never happened before. I'm sure I heard someone… it sounded like…

Right, hello, Chell! What in bloody dazes are you doing?

I turn around again, but no one's there. Wheatley?

I don't understand this.

I'm scared.

Faint memories rush back to me. Memories of mad ramblings. Scared, terrified, crazed ramblings, in secluded areas. Memories of cans of beans, drawings, and paper.

I need to go home. I need to look something up.