Thunder crashed overhead, lightning flickering in unison. I quivered, continuing along the sidewalk. Up ahead, I noticed the figure become more prominent. What were they doing out in the rain? I saw them casually leaning up against one of the brick buildings, the hood of their dark sweatshirt thrown over their head, blocking their features. Their hands were shoved in their pockets as rain harshly dripped down off of their form. Why were they out here at a time like this? It was like the weather had no effect on them what so ever. I shook my head, tossing the thought aside. I was just going to focus on getting home. I passed the strange person, taking no notice to their head lifting, watching me as I walked by.

Frustrated, I turned, starting down an alleyway, knowing this shortcut well. I had used it multiple times before, not to mention it blocked some of the rain and frigid wind. I let out a sigh of relief as I started down, no longer having to fight to keep my umbrella securely over my head. My feet padded along the ground as I stared at my bleak surroundings. Trashcans tipped over, graffiti lining the brick walls. I continued on, seeing the break up ahead. The rain was pouring down in a slant, the wind carrying it in all different directions. Mentally, I was dreading having to go out into it once more. But, I knew that I had to. I exited the alley, shifting the umbrella so it was more of a shield, blocking the pelting water. But all too suddenly, I was pulled to a stop.

My screams echoed throughout the house, hands on my shoulders shaking me awake. My screams immediately cut to a stop, my throat raw and sore. I was shaking like a leaf, sweat dripping down my face. I looked up, seeing my mother's tired eyes staring down at me. Her mouth was set in a grim, worried line. Tears miserably trickled down my cheeks, as I realized it had happened again. Every night, it was no end. It didn't just mess with my sleep, it messed with my family's as well. My brother doesn't even come to my aid any longer, but I knew he heard. I knew he heard every time.

"I'm s-sorry," I stuttered, wiping my eyes.

She sighed, shutting her eyes and laying her hand over her forehead. "Ivy, I really think it's time for a therapist," she murmured as I flinched.

She has tried multiple times to have me go. But I just don't think I could bare talking about it; reliving those memories. Especially to a random stranger. I already had to face the memories night after night. Why continue? Could it stop? Would it? I didn't know. The entire purpose of us moving was to forget. It just had to take time... right? I opened my mouth, prepared to protest before she interjected.

"I know you don't want to. But I think it would be beneficial to you... You can just give it a chance," she pleaded.

"Can we at least see how the new house goes before we jump to that?" I nearly begged. "I have only been here a night. It could help... that was the purpose," I reasoned.

She shook her head, her bags shining beneath her dull eyes. "If it doesn't stop... I'm going to take you. This can't continue, Ivy, you know that."

"I know," I whispered, fearfully.

She nodded, walking to the door of my new room. "Breakfast is on the table." I watched as she disappeared from my room, shutting the door behind her.

I hauled myself up from the bed, starting the day like every other. Take a shower, wash off the sweat from the nightmares. Get ready. Then, try to find something to occupy my time. Once done, I walked out of the room, glancing around the new house once more. Light brilliantly shone in due to the multiple windows, making it feel airy and safe. Boxes were still littered around, still unpacked from yesterday. I descended the stairs, walking about until I came across the kitchen once more. It's walls were a bright, sunshine yellow while the cabinets were a pale white. A round white table sat in the center, breakfast on it as promised. Cereal once more.

I sat down on one of the chairs, fixing my bowl of cereal. I guess Adam was still in bed; he usually beats me to the table for breakfast. But, he had a long day. Not to mention he was more than unhappy about being here. There just didn't appear to be a win for anyone. Hurriedly, I scarfed the cereal down, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand once finished. I looked around the still half empty house, my eyes falling upon one of the windows. I then remembered the glorious window that laid at the center of the wall of my room. The pond that sat behind the house, and the giant tree that laid to it's side. That's something I'd like to see...

"Mom, I'm going to the backyard," I called, my voice echoing around the walls.

I heard her yell okay in response, as I pulled myself up from the chair. Ever since the... incident, I have had to tell her exactly where I'd be going. Paranoia? No, just worry. I didn't blame her. In fact, it made me feel a bit better to have someone know where I am in case of... emergency. I opened the front door, stepping out into the sunny world. Not a cloud was in sight throughout the sky; only the sun and the tips of the many trees that surrounded the house. I stepped onto the porch, shutting the door behind me. Hurrying down the steps, I turned onto the grass, making my way around the house.

The pond laid just in sight, the large tree just at it's side. I slowed as I approached the tree, immediately loving this place. I grinned to myself, leaning against the tree's trunk, noticing how the roots provided a convenient seat by the water's edge. I shifted, sliding down against the rough bark, letting out a content sigh as I stared at the water. I leaned forward, staring down at my reflection that glared back at me. But, I couldn't help but notice how it began to morph. Twisting and changing before my eyes.

There he was. The man who plagued my dreams and haunted me each day. The blue mask. The blacked out eyes. The strange inky goo that trickled slowly down from the eyes. The black hood the covered his head, and the small amount of brown hair that stuck out. My blood turned to ice in my veins, my breaths becoming labored. No. No, no, no!

I let out a strangled yell, my hand viciously throwing out, colliding with the water. Ripples expanded as the water splashed upward, disfiguring the monster's face. I panted, watching as the water settled once more, my reflection once again. My gold eyes were wide, filled with tears and fear. My mouth was dropped, my eyebrows furrowed together. Dark bags made my eyes look as though they were both viciously punched.

I let out a cry, falling back against the tree. He was never going to stop. Even still, after it was long over, he still found a way to torment me.

Even though it was my own mind.

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