I love you, Laurelie -part 1-

         I'm running. From the Shadows. I'm not sure how long I have been running, but it feels like years. The Shadows loom over me, and I cant seem to ever outrun them. My lungs are tightening, struggling to get oxygen. My legs feel like twigs, threatening to snap with each step. I'm sure I'll collapse any second, then it would be over. How good that seems right now, to be freed of torture. Eternal numbness.

        Another cramp contorts my body. But the worst  pain is the taste of blood dancing on my tongue. I don't know why I have blood in my mouth, but its definitely there, spilling over on the sides. I feel like an animal. Though in all this chaos I have only one thought. Run to survive.

        So I keep running.

        Suddenly, my foot catches on an invisible object. I fall, but I never reach the ground. The air around me is tense with fear, and the air is swirling. I can hear moaning in the distance, but it is approaching rapidly. All the breath has already been blown out of me from the fall. But if I could, I'd scream. The shadows are almost on me, and then-

        "Laurelie! Wake up and come down here! Now!"

        I groan.

        "Stop moaning, you're so lazy! You'll be late for school!"

        "Fine mom!" I shout groggily. This isn't the first time I've had that nightmare. Unlike normal dreams and nightmares, this one is so vivid. I remember everything. Every time I remember the nightmare It's like a fresh band-aid is ripped off, revealing the soft, pink scar.

         Still tired after another restless night, I dress and get ready at a slow pace. I make my way to the kitchen, where I find and empty table, and an empty room. Looking out the window, I see both my parents have already rushed off to work, which means I need to bike to school. Again. Just an average morning by myself.