The dreams are suffocating. Every night I wake from a deep slumber dripping with perspiration and gasping for air, having bolted from my comfortable bed. Who could I confess such horrors to? Surely not Jeremy or Aunt Jenna. I can see them laughing and shaking their heads, telling me I watch too many horror movies. This is far from a fictional story flitting across a big screen. It feels so REAL. My heart thuds so hard within my chest I could swear it will explode. Hours pass before I can fall asleep again, but always with the dim lamplight from my bedside table serving as false security. I've tried everything, even not eating after dinner or having caffeine late in the day. Nothing relieves the nightmares or the sickening feeling of dread each night when the red lights on my alarm clock read 11pm, and I know I have to attempt sleep.
Tonight is no different. After slamming my chemistry book shut, I amble towards the bathroom, brushing my teeth and then splashing handfuls of warm water against my cheeks to wash the day's grime away. I slip into my favorite pajamas, a navy blue tank top and matching plaid shorts, the lining of lace at the lower hem caressed between the tips of my lean fingers. My hands pick up my hairbrush, its bristles massaging my scalp until the strands shine. With one final deep breath and trembling limbs, I snake beneath the thick covers, my teddy bear instantly clutched to my chest. Sinking my head into the plush pillow, a hard swallow slides down my throat while I silently pray tonight will pass peacefully, the light from the lamp beaming down to illuminate the room. My eyelids grow heavy, and eventually caution gives way to exhaustion, sleep claiming me.
Then I see it. The black feathers that are so dark that they have a blue sheen, and beady eyes seemingly staring into my soul. The crow caws from its perch upon my open window, the oranges and pinks and purples of sunset its backdrop. Under any other circumstances, it would be a beauty to behold, but this is the signal I fear. My bare feet swing to the shag rug that lays against the floorboards adjacent to my bed, hesitant movements lifting me from my resting place. Maybe, just maybe, if I change the course of events, the outcome changes. I sneak towards the cracked bathroom door as quiet as possible, cringing at the one creaking spot on the floor I just happen to hit. An anxious glance brings some relief. I'm alone, and feeling rather silly as I resume a normal stride, the cool metal of the doorknob meeting my palm to open the barrier. Good. Jeremy's door is closed. I flick on the switch, nerves causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end, but there's nothing. I finally reach the faucet, the stream of cool water tested with wiggling fingers, prior to collecting a pool within both hands. Parting eager lips, I bend at the waist to meet elevating hands and drink heartily. One glance in the mirror after relinquishing the used cotton towel to the counter registers a fresh appearance, albeit a little hazy from sleep, but a rosy hue is dotted along my cheekbones nonetheless. The next second, however, the monster appears in the mirror, and I freeze. Glistening fangs beneath curled back lips greet my eyes, his raven strands of hair falling against his forehead in disarray while his sinister glare from darkened eyes promise malicious intent.
"No, please. I'm begging you."
My lip trembles, but he answers with a brutal tug of my brushed locks, exposing my throat, before his sharp teeth rip into the supple flesh. Whimpering in pain, my face contorts, but the beast laughs against my skin as blood seeps from his inflicted wound, soaking my shirt. Soon I become weak from his repeated bites, the excruciating pain changing to a dulled numbness as I lean back into his muscular chest for support. He wraps an arm around my petite waste to hold me steady, but the room grows grey until it fades to black, my knees giving way to slump my body to the floor. I welcome death with open arms, because I know it's my only salvation. I'll wake up, scared as hell, but alive, so I pray for darkness to take me now. And it listens, as the last puff of breath leaves my lungs and my heart thumps its last erratic song.
