Drabble One: Escape
Chihiro could feel them all around her. There were monsters here.
They were breathing at the nape of her neck, causing goose bumps to rise on her skin even though she was hot. So hot! Putrid breath made her gag.
They were going to eat her again if she did not hurry and wake up.
She could feel them, the black nothings, wrapping around her shoulders now.
Any minute now.
Warm hands cupped her back, pulling her up. Chihiro opened her eyes to see her mother's face. Gasping and crying she clung to her for comfort, while being rocked steadily back and forth. Chihiro could hear her mom whispering to her dad who lingered in the doorway.
"Honey, I think it's time we take her to see someone."
Her father huffed. "Like, what? A shrink?"
Her mother looked away, back at Chihiro. Her sobs had started to die down. Chihiro sat up, shielding her eyes from the bright hallway light.
"I'll be alright, mom," she stated quietly. Still hiccupping softly, her mother tucked her back in, stroked her brow and left.
"Night, pumpkin," her dad mumbled while closing the door with a lingering look.
Staring at the ceiling, Chihiro listened to the click of the hall light being turned off, sending the room into complete darkness. Clenching the blankets in her fist she squeezed her eyes shut.
Slow minutes went by, but the dream wouldn't leave her mind. Determinedly she whipped off the covers and rummaged in her bedside table drawer and scurried over to the electrical plug. The room filled with soft, warm light from her nightlight. Cocooning herself in the, now, cold blankets Chihiro curled in on herself, clutching her stuffed animal. Ruffling the whiskers, she drifted into sleep.
I miss you, Haku.
This was written for the LiveJournal community fanfic(underscore)bakeoff. Challenge 13: 'escape' with bonus 'childhood'. Go, Team Cake!