Loving home//Parmiga

Nightmares

Past...

The night's sky was out as you laid in bed fast asleep. Your head began to sweat, and your heart rate rising. At the same time, you dreamt of terrifying stories. You tossed and turned while whispering your mother's name.

You were outside in the back garden playing in the little tent. Your parents were in the house somewhere. A man climbed over the fence around the garden as he came running towards you. He came up to you and grabbed your hand, and pulled you along. Your knees started to bruise as your dress got covered in grass stains. You shouted and screamed for your parents. Vera came running out of the door onto the porch seeing you struggling. Your Mom was trying to grab you, but she couldn't keep up with the man. Vera was screaming your name as loud as she could as you tried to break free of the man's grip. She started to scream for Patrick as it became apparent that she was struggling to breathe and keep up. Patrick was in the far distance, trying to catch up with you all. You wriggled in every possible direction to try and weaken the man's grip. After what felt like hours, Vera began to disappear into the distance as she lost speed, getting further and further away. She made one last scream as you lost sight of your parents. Finally, the man turned and smiled at you as he laughed at your pain and upset. His face was disfigured and dark. You could barely make out any of his features besides his huge white teeth that we're covering in blood. You screamed as loud as you could to try and get someone's attention.

You suddenly woke up shaking, mid-scream. You grabbed your favourite teddy and ran into your parents' room. You quietly pushed open the door, trying not to wake them suddenly. Patrick had his arm tight around Vera's waist as she rested her head against his chest. They both seemed to look so peaceful.

"Mommy, mommy" You shook Vera gently, trying not to make her jump while whispering close to her ear. Finally, she opened her eyes. She began to rub her eyes, trying to make out her surroundings a little dazed.

Vera could just about make out your small figure, "What's wrong sweetie?" Then, seeing the sweat on your forehead and still shaking slightly in your stance, she realised what had happened. "Did you have a night terror?"

"Yes. Can I sleep with you and Daddy?" You began to sob slightly, remembering that you lost your parents minutes ago. "It was horrible Mommy a man was taking me away from you and you couldn't reach me." Vera lifted up the covers and let you in at the side of her.

"It's alright baby Mommy's here. I won't let anyone take you away. It was just a dream, your safe now." Vera wrapped one arm around you. She kissed your temple and placed her other hand on your head. Patrick woke at the side of her, a little confused by his wife's voice. He looked over her shoulder, seeing you laid by your mother's side.

"Are you alright pumpkin?" He smiled at you softly.

"She just had a night terror that's all." You looked up at Vera and moved in as close as you possibly could to her chest. She bent slightly down, kissing your forehead. Patrick moved over slightly as Vera rolled over, placing you between the two of them. Patrick lent down and kissed your forehead as you tried to roll back up close to Vera. She wrapped her arm around you as she smiled over at Patrick. "You're alright now, Mommy and Daddy will look after you. Mommy and Daddy love you so much." As you began to close your eyes again, Vera kissed you multiple times to say goodnight once again. Your little teddy was up close against Vera as you laid close to her chest. "Goodnight my little princess." Patrick grinned as he broke the few minutes of silence, "I have had a night terror to, can I have a kiss?" Vera swung her other arm over, hitting him lightly. Patrick laughed as he leant over and kissed her. "Goodnight Patrick."

"Goodnight honey." Patrick gently ran his hand along your head as you smiled, leaning in closer to your mother's embrace.