3/2/2018

Moonlight filtered in through the thin blinds, dimly illuminating the small room. I lay there in my cold bed, my eyes wide open. I knew I had to sleep...but with sleep came the dreams. It was too much. I didn't know how to handle them. It was as though another world was trying to reach out to me.

Like a world long since forgotten.

I wanted to close my eyes and rest, but I was so scared. Scared of what I might see on the backside of my eyelids. I was scared quite often these days. I wasn't sure of anything. I had no idea what I was doing, what purpose my life held. I used to have people to hold onto, who gave my life meaning, but now it felt like I was all alone.

I was terrified.

My eyes began to water. No. I demanded just one dry-eyed night. I squeezed them shut, and instantly felt an invisible hand lay on my head.

"Don't be scared."

I uttered a soft gasp. I'm not sure why. It's not like I hadn't expected to hear voices.

"I'm here for you, brother."

I froze. That voice...had I once known that voice? I wanted to open my eyes and look at whomever was speaking to me, but I couldn't. Somehow, I knew the pain would be unbearable.

My throat was constricting, but I managed to squeak out three words:

"I...miss you."

I felt arms wrap around me. I returned the embrace, squeezing tightly, not wanting to let go...but then I felt her slip away again.

I opened my eyes. The moonlight had gone. It was just me in the darkness once more.