Thanatophobia is a fear of ones own death or the process of dying, commonly referred to as death anxiety. Imagine that amped up by the knowledge of creatures that the normal human being can't comprehend and you'll have an inkling of the anxiety that ran through Ricardo's head that day.
It started when he woke up, no even before that, it woke him up. A cold shiver shot through his body and he practically leapt out of bed. His breath raced from his mouth and erupted into a chilly mist. A tense wave washed over his dark brown skin. He instinctively shifts into a boxer's stance, scanning the room anxiously. The room was empty. But the darkness felt heavier. He blinked his eyes and shook his head in an attempt to shake off the negative thoughts but they wouldn't go away.
Taking a deep breath, Ricardo makes his way over to the bathroom to get ready. Nothing out of the ordinary, shower, toothbrush, the usual. As he was getting ready his phone rings. Damn near leaping out of his socks he grabs the phone from his pocket.
"Get it together man," He says aloud to his self before answering. Luckily the voice on the other end brought some sort of calmness to his mind.
"Where are you? You were supposed to be here an hour ago!" Her voice was sweet to his ears despite her harsh tone.
"It's two thirty already?" He asked confused.
"Um yeah, that's how time works. Big hand on two, little hand on 6? Get your ass down here!"
"My bad, I thought..." He trails off. He couldn't tell her his perception of time was all out of whack today. He didn't know how to explain it. 5 mins turned to 3 hours with no indication. "Never mind, I'm on the way."
'Pitiful.' A voice echoes through his head.
"Huh?" He shifts around, nearly dropping his phone. He was supposed to be home alone.
'Oh please, you can see me just fine you blundering oaf.'
Ricardo sighs, taking a deep breath as he finally realizes what was going on. He closes his eyes, focusing his mind on the unseen. Letting his senses guide his consciousness. The lights start to flicker, as if the lights themselves were crying out in anquish.
When he opens his eyes again, the room looked different. The shadows were sharper, more profound. The colors on the walls were brighter. Most importantly however was the sudden appearance of a 7 foot tall pale skinned man standing in the middle of his room. He was draped in a black fancy looking robe that would drag the floor if not for the giant wearing it. He wore no shoes, sharp nails protruding where his toes should be. Atop his bald head 4 long goat horns fell down to his waist. Anyone else would be startled.
"Who are you?" His voice was calm but firm, causing the man to laugh.
'You have to ask? Are you truly that ignorant of your heritage?' He never moved his lips, the voice seemed to just drill itself into his head.
"Heritage? Your from the Other Side?"
'Even further. You can feel it shifting can't you? Tides are crashing and splintering this pathetic domain you call your home.'
Ricardo scoffs at the man. "You come here for a reason or you just wanted to read me your poetry?"
'Careful boy. You'll want allies when all is said and done.' He smiles, exposing a row of perfect white teeth. His eyes move to Ricardo's hand, a black mist swirling and building on his palm.
"Who are you talking too?!" Are you alright?!" A voice yells, catching his attention once more. When he looks back up again the "man" had disappeared. He shook his hand, the mist fading into the air as he puts the phone back up to his ear.
YOU ARE READING
The Everlasting Andersons
ParanormalOne man and his son escaped from the Shadow Realm into ours. But the door wasn't closed. The same darkness he tried to escape from has followed him. Now with him missing, it's up to his son to rally the rest of his family, find his father, and figur...
