Alexis

Cucciola

Photo source- *edited* Pinterest

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My forehead was hot. My chest was rapidly moving up and down. My hair stuck to the back of my neck. My eyes were wide as I stared into blackness. I was scared that if I moved, the man from my dreams would take me and hurt me.

It wasn't a dream. It was real.

My eyes started to water. I was scared. My fingers were shaking. I pulled the covers over my head so I could turn. Once I did that, I slowly removed the covers from my face. I needed to get to my dad's room. I couldn't breathe properly.

I needed to run but I didn't want to get out of bed. What if the killer was under the bed? He'd kill me!

I took a deep breath before running out of my room and down the hallway to my dad's room. I quickly opened the door, running over to my dad's bed. I crawled on top, my hand grabbing his arm.

"Daddy?" I panted, my voice uneven from my sprints. "Daddy, wake up!"

"Alexis?" Dad mumbled. "Bambina? Is that you?"

"Yes, daddy," I said.

Dad moved, turning on the lamp on top of his nightstand. "What's wrong, Bambina?"

"Daddy!" I gasped, my heart still going crazy. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"What's wrong?" dad asked, cupping my face. "Bad dream, again?" I nodded and latched onto him, my arms tight around his neck. He rubbed my back. "Same man? The killer?"

"Yes!" I nodded fast. "He– he took you and Freddie!" My eyes watered, scared that something was going to pop out of nowhere and take my family.

"Auntie wasn't in it?" dad asked.

I shook my head, blinking because my eyes were burning. "He hurt you and Freddie, daddy."

"It's just a dream," dad said. "Your brother and I are fine."

"But– but it's not! It's the third time!" I said.

"Do I need to call Dr. Williams?" dad asked. I shook my head. "Okay, then let's get you back to bed, Bambina. You need to get your sleep."

He got out of bed, keeping me in his arms. I realized he was taking me back to the scary room.

"No!" I yelped. "Dad! I don't want to sleep there!" I denied.

"Shh," dad said. "It's fine, princess. Nothing's there." He turned on my bedroom light once we walked in. "See? Nothing's here."

"Under the bed," I whispered, hugging dad tighter.

Dad sat me on the bed, crouching to look under. I moved, peering over the edge so I could see him."There's nothing. It's okay. I promise."

"Can you stay?" I asked as dad stood up. "Can we sleep in your room?"

"No, Marie. Not in my room. I'll stay with you," he said.

He grabbed me from up under my armpits to have me lay down. He pulled covers over me before sitting on the side of my bed. I turned so I was on my side, looking at him. Dad grabbed my hand. I held onto him tightly.

"It's okay. I think you need a nightlight," dad said, keeping his hand in mine. "We'll go pick out one tomorrow. After school."

"Are you picking me up?" I asked.