Dear Molly,
I'm sorry to hear about your nightmares. I wish I could say they go away but they don't. They tend to become less frequent over time but in my experience they never completely disappear. You know they're just nightmares through, right? I mean, I know they scare the crap outta you, but they can't hurt you, not really. They're just dreams, some whacked out illusion your brain decides to entertain you with. I know they hurt, and I know they're scary, but they won't last. They won't go away but eventually you'll maybe only get them once or twice a year, if that. Believe me.
I know it sucks right now. You're tired, right? So tired you could fall asleep where you stand, but you don't want to close your eyes in case they come to get you? I know the feeling. But you can't keep doing that. I know it's hard, but you've gotta let yourself sleep. I know you don't want to tell your dad and I know it's because you don't want him to worry, but remember how you felt when he didn't talk to you? How do you think he'd feel if he found out you were upset but didn't tell him? I'm happy you felt able to talk to me about it, but you need to talk to your dad too. He can help you, more than I ever can.
Everyone has nightmares Molly, you're not alone. They don't make you weak; never think that. They're a mark of how strong you are; you went through something horrible and you survived. That's what nightmares are, remember that,
I bet even the Russians from the carnival have nightmares. Nightmares about a girl who never gave in and saved herself, and a man who beat the crap out of them. I hate that they're haunting your dreams and stealing your sleep, but most likely, we're doing the same to them, and I can't pretend to be the least bit sorry about that! What do you say?!
Things will get better soon, Molly. I promise. Talk your dad; tell him about the dreams. You don't have to tell him all the details if you don't want, but let him know you're hurting. He's your dad and he'll help.
Hope you can sleep soon. If you can't, let me know and I'll send Sophie round to sing you a lullaby. That should knock you out, no problem. Not so much because of the calming sound of her soothing singing voice, but more due to the fact that within 30 seconds of her opening her mouth, you'll have knocked yourself out with your lamp to stop your ears from bleeding.
Feel better soon,
Your friend,
Eliot
PS. You think I'm exaggerating about Sophie's singing, don't you? I'm not. I told you I still have nightmares. More than one of them features Sophie singing. Seriously.
PPS. Don't tell Sophie I said that. She'll kill me, slowly, with her boots.
