1860
I suddenly awoke, shooting straight up in my bed, drenched in a cold sweat. Just moments ago, I could see my Mother running through the lush green field, with my Aunt and her husband fleeing behind her towards the woods, back yonder from our plantation. I could hear the men yelling, and their feet thumping against the ground, as they chased us with dogs snarling in anticipation of an opportunity to tear into any one of their owners possessions. It all felt so real.
Suddenly gunshots rang out, and I woke up, stunned and disoriented. My eyes raced around the room.
No fields, no dogs, no Mom.
I dropped my head into my hands realizing I was safe, that it was all just memories in my head. My feelings erupted all at once, into a steady stream of tears, falling into a puddle into my hands.
"Maybe I should have turned around.. Gone to help her." I thought to myself.
"Maybe I would still have my Mom." I mumbled out alone in my room.
A second later, a cool breeze blew through my bedroom window, drying the remaining tear, clinging on to my cheek. I got up, pulling my window closed, before retreating back to bed.
I flopped around trying to find a comfortable spot, conceding to my back. I stared up at the roof, ready to overflow with emotions again, I could feel the guilt stirring around inside, it was really inescapable. It lived and thrived inside the very essence of me
