The Dream
I woke up in a cold sweat, shivering with fear. “It was just a dream. It was just a dream,” I try to reassure myself, “It wasn’t real.” I try to fall back asleep but every time I close my eyes I see that man. He is just a looming shadow with no significant features except for his glowing red eyes. I can’t help but get the feeling that he is coming. With the efforts to fall back asleep failing, I decide to get up and get ready for the day instead. I will go out for a jog and try to forget the nightmare.
I put on my black leggings, a tank top, and my tennis shoes and head outside. The sun is just barely visible at this hour giving the trees and houses a glow. I run down my normal path. I run past the houses in my neighborhood, turn right, pass the library, the grocery store, the elementary school, and an assortment of shops.
After I had determined that I had run about a mile, I headed back home. All of the shops and stores wouldn’t be open until later giving me time to take a shower and get ready for the day’s numerous tasks. I walk up to my porch, unlock my front door, and walk in, making sure to lock the door behind me. I knew that my sister was going to visit for dinner tomorrow night and I had yet to buy the groceries for it. After I took my shower, I got dressed and did my hair. I grabbed a bagel from the pantry and some regular cream cheese from the fridge. I smeared the cream cheese on the bagel and walked out the front door. I decided to take my car this time since I am planning on getting many groceries. Normally, I wouldn’t need the car. I don’t buy very much on the daily since it is only me and the grocery store is in walking distance.
I got in the car, started it up, and pulled out of the driveway. On my way to the grocery store I saw the people starting their day. I could see the children leaving their houses to go to school, the parents leaving for work or walking the dogs. I could smell all of the breakfast smells that you’d expect from all the households in the neighborhood waking up to make breakfast.
I get to the grocery store and find a parking spot. The lot was still moderately empty and the store just barely buzzing with life. I grab a shopping cart and walk in. I see the normal people working the same positions like always. I grab an assortment of food and sides. I don’t think that my sister will be bringing her family this time so it will just be us two. After grabbing everything I thought I needed, I walked over to the self-checkout area. I wasn’t in the mood for some polite conversation this early in the morning. I finish checking out and bring the groceries to my car. I put everything in the trunk and drove home.
Once I got home, I noticed that the front door was slightly ajar. However, I know that I closed it when I left. I walk cautiously to the front door and say, “Hello! Is anyone there? I am calling the police.” Once I said that, I heard a creaking noise coming from down the hall. I stood in the doorway unsure of what to do. I became frozen with fear when I saw him. The man from my dream. He stood there, red eyes staring at me. Into me. Into my soul. I could feel his gaze on me, giving me goosebumps. He was the silhouette of a man but he felt like more than a man. Not a man at all. He was something else entirely and something evil at that. As I stood there frozen under his gaze, he started walking towards me, slowly at first. His pace quickened and quickened until he was sprinting towards me. As he came closer and closer, I felt the fear rise in me like a volcano about to erupt. When he seemed almost on top of me, jumping at me, I raised my arms to my face prepared to defend myself. I found myself screaming before I had time to stop it. But my scream was cut off, it was then that I woke up once more, unsure of if I was still dreaming or not. I looked around expecting to see the figure but saw nothing, just my normal room. I only saw the white on the walls, floor, and ceiling. The same white bed frame I have slept in since I came to this institution. I hear a knock on the door and see the nurse who comes every morning to give me my medication.
My therapist says that my medication is to help with the nightmares but so far, they just make him visit me more.
