SIR

Norman Sees Me Too

I'm sitting on the couch, doodling in my sketchbook as Norman, Scott, and Ollie watch a soccer game.

Wednesday is a Weekend Wednesday, so we're watching the Germany and Ireland Football Live Tournament.

I look at the clock.

12:16 AM.

I'm just about to doze off when I hear a loud bang. Like a fucking bomb.

And next thing I know, I see black.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

I don't know how many hours have passed, but I wake up, in my bed.

It's almost pitch black. The window is the only light source. I'm hungry, I think I'll make a sandwich.

Wait..

This.. this is how my nightmares always play out.

I'm dreaming.

I try to sit up, but I can't move. It's like something's pulling me.

A hand reaches out from the window and drags my leg out.

I try to scream but I feel like my mouth is sealed fucking shut.

Just before I can get a glance at the figure, I wake up, drenched in sweat.

It's morning.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

I hear Norman sobbing in the kitchen.

I look up to see him covering his eyes, his nose and cheeks dark red, while Oliver and Scott comfort him.

"Oh, Esther, you finally woke up."

"What's wrong, Ollie?"

I ask him out of confusion as I stand up.

"Norman's dad passed away in his sleep. And Norman said he had a.. strange dream."

What?

I walk over to the kitchen and sit at the counter, next to Oliver.

"Norman, I'm sorry for your loss, but I.. need to ask you something."

"Y-Yes..?"

He wipes his tears and looks at me.

"Can you describe the dream that you had...?"

He sniffs.

"I got up.. from my bed.. because I was hearing.. strange noises.. and I.. went down into.. into the basement.. and I saw a.. black figure of a man.. with my dad's heart.. my dad's heart on the floor.. and his.. blood on the wall.. he.. wrote.. with my.. dad's blood.. 'HELPLESS'.."

He broke into tears again.

"Oh shit."

"Fi- figure..?

"YEAH.."

He said in a shaky voice.