Azaar

Teddy bears, plush kitties and puppies sat on the bed, protecting your night comfort as you closed your eyes, ready to say goodbye to this day and meet another. Puffy duvet makes you feel warm and safe. Ah, feather pillow hugs your head ever so perfectly.

Sounds of the night grew more and more quiet. Eyelids now are too heavy to open them even if you wanted. Your chest rose and fell in a steady, slow pace. Up and down, up and down… This was the usual, peaceful sleep ritual, promising the sweetest dreams.

Though today was different.

You tossed and turned under the covers as the horrific visions chased your mind. You can’t wake up, no matter how hard the inner voice screams. Your heart races, a drop of cold sweat ran down your forehead, your hair, before gracefully spread around, now tangles on the pillow with every rapid head turn.

As if the Lord heard your silent prayers, your eyes shoot open and you sit up. You couldn’t even catch your breath, loudly breathing in and out, when you heard shuffling noises under the bed. It might be the nightmare still wearing off, right? The wood planks creaked. It must be it.