Nightmares Realized

Prologue

"Dad!" Her fingers reached out to grasp at empty air.

Riley shot upright, gasping. Her short frizzy hair stuck around her face as she sat stiffly, beads of sweat dripped down her trembling chin. Her hands shook while her chest rose and fell furiously.

The room was filled with sunlight. Plants waved their leaves in greeting. Small stacks of books were sprawled across the desk in groups of three. A thin layer of dust coated the table.

Riley looked at the minute particles floating visibly under the sunlight, her eyes sunken. Her lifeless features didn't move for a few minutes. She just sat still, a woman with an empty heart and an empty mind.

About half an hour later, she slid to the edge of the bed and reluctantly got onto her feet. Her shoulders drooped, her face void of hope as she headed to prepare breakfast while she was still dressed in her worn cream pajamas.

A few dark patches surrounded her vision but Riley ignored them, just like she had done regularly for the past four days. With a frame that had lost pounds almost overnight, her cheeks sunk and she struggled to drag herself to the kitchen.

Toast, butter, lettuce and an apple, with a tall glass of sugared orange juice. The motions she had followed to prepare the same breakfast whenever she was alone. Her fingers worked stiffly while her baggy eyes remained blank.

For another half hour, the house echoed with the sounds of crunchy chews. Riley occasionally let out a yawn or two, while her cheeks gradually gained colour and her shoulders lifted slightly.

Once she was done, she washed the dishes and cleaned the living room, anticipating the warmth of her bed. Her cellphone blinked with the indication of a full battery and Riley unplugged the socket before swiping through the password. She tapped the screen a few times.

"Good morning, my love." A radiant smile lit up her face. "I love you."

"Good morning, babe," a drowsy voice replied in a sensual tone. "I love you too, babe."

"Doing good?"

The voice hesitated. "You tell me. How are you? Are you feeling alright?"

No. The word hovered at the tip of her tongue. She exhaled and smiled tightly. "Yes. Just trying my best to move on."

"Riley. Darling, I'm here if you need me. Please talk to me."

"I...will. But not right now, okay."

"Okay. I'll be right here."

"It seems that you just woke up, so call me once you have breakfast?" Her fingers twirled around the strands of her hair.

"Sure babe, I'll call you in an hour," he mumbled with a large yawn. "I love you. See you later, babe."

"I love you too; see you later, my darling!" Riley's voice softened.

The phone beeped and the sunlight immediately faded away. Riley stared at the device in her palm for a few seconds before she collapsed onto the floor.

Her breaths quickened and she shuddered, crawling to a secluded corner between two large cupboards. Her teeth chattered. Her hands hugged her body and she crouched into herself, seeking warmth and security but finding neither. Her eyes turned haunted, terrified over a fear that didn't seem to exist.

"I'm scared."

Her shoulders shook. She took a deep breath, trying desperately to calm herself down, but the breaths turned into quick gasps of air. Her sharp nails cut into her skin and the hunch on her shoulder became more profound.