Recurring Dream

That night she woke up again, soundlessly screaming in terror. Thoughts rampaged through her mind, of touching hand hurting her and tearing her body apart.

What was I dreaming about? The voice from before was there again. His words made me feel dirty, but I don't know what he said. Why am I having these dreams? I don't know of anything I should be frightened of.

Shiori curled up into a ball, shuddering at the horrible feelings inside her. She lay, shaking, for hours until finally dawn broke and she was able to leave her bed. She jumped into the body, scrubbing to try to get rid of the dirty feeling the dream had given her, but she wasn't able to completely rid herself of it.

"You look like hell," Mikai said, gazing at Shiori.

Shiori gazed blankly at her and walked into the kitchen, making a cup of tea.

"Did you use all the hot water again?" Mikai said, "Kana said you used it all yesterday."

Shiori sighed and didn't speak. She grabbed some toast and ate, trying to figure out more about the dream that plagued her.

Finally Mikai looked at her angrily and got up. "Fine, be a stupid bitch, but Kana and I don't like you, so watch out!"

Shiori looked up, her daze momentarily broken.

Why are they so angry? I was just drinking tea and eating some toast. I didn't mean to use all the hot water and usually they are up before me. Its like they wait till I shower so they can yell about it.

Shiori gazed into her tea with misery.

They are supposed to be my two closest friends, but we never do anything together anymore. Kana is always going to visit her boyfriend, who Mikai doesn't like but she pretends to. And Mikai is always out with her friends drinking and doing who knows what. She comes in half the week drunk and falling over and I really don't want to deal with that. I would get a new roommate but I don't have the money right now. I wish I could find a job, but nowhere will hire me without experience.