Wicked Souls

16

My cries echo throughout the halls of the building as I scream out in my sleep and try to desperately wake up. In my state of slumber, I have memories returning to me and it feels like I am locked inside some sort of nightmare, one that I can't seem to escape from. The screams continue to grow louder, and at first, it's only a handful of other residents who can hear them. Suddenly more people can be heard outside of my room, they're standing outside of my door as they try to listen in on what is going on inside.

My screams get increasingly louder the more I try to wake up. It's almost as if I am stuck in a loop of nightmares, and each memory that I am having is filled with pain and suffering. My screams are so loud, that they can now be heard throughout the entire floor that I live on. People start to get concerned about what is going on inside of my room, they can't help but wonder what could be making someone scream and cry so vocally.

One of the workers hurried to Dr Harrow's office in need of his help, the workers explained to him what was happening but they were too scared to go into my room that's why they needed his help.

Harrow quickly springs from his seat as he's being informed of my situation. He hurries out of his office with a quick stride and he makes his way down the hallways. He can hear my screams echoing through the building, and he is now in a rush to get to me. The worker who came to retrieve him told him that others heard me screaming and that they were too scared to come to check on me themselves. The worker said that they would need his help to address the situation.

Once he arrives at my door, he can hear my screams echoing from inside as well, he quickly opens the door and slowly steps inside. The door creaks slowly as he makes his way inside and he can see the walls are bathed in a dim light. His eyes sweep over the room and he notices that I am lying in my bed, the light of the moon barely illuminating the room and casting some of its glow upon me. My cries continue to echo throughout the room as he quietly steps closer.

As he draws a step closer to my bed, my screams increase in both volume and intensity. It's clear that I am in some sort of distress right now, and he wants me to settle down and quieten my screams. He reaches my bed and puts a hand on my shoulder to try and get my attention. He knows that something is wrong and he wants to see what is bothering me and making me feel so much emotional pain.

My screams turn to cries as he rests his hand gently on my shoulder. I feel his touch on me as he slowly shakes my shoulders, trying to get me to respond and wake up from my nightmare. My movements are becoming increasingly erratic and my screaming only increases in intensity. I am starting to sweat and my body temperature starts to rise as a sense of panic seems to wash over me. I am trying desperately to wake up from this nightmare that I find myself in.

Harrow tries to gently shake my shoulders as he speaks to me quietly and slowly.
"Wake up, come on... wake up, open your eyes..." His gentleness and calm manner are beginning to settle me down momentarily. My cries and screams turn to quiet sobs as the nightmare starts to loosen its grip on me ever so slightly. However, it is still holding on pretty tight and he can feel my body temperature continuing to rise. He holds on to my shoulder tightly and he tries to speak to me as gently as he can.

However, he is also beginning to grow concerned and worried as he realizes the situation is not settling down as much as he hopes it would. It's almost as if something or someone else is keeping me in this nightmare that they're not willing to let go of me just yet. My screams turn to whispers as I begin to respond slowly, my body starts to loosen up and relax a little bit, and my temperature begins to return to its normal levels. As I start to slowly open my eyes.

I gasped for air, I was confused about my whereabouts. I looked around the room.

As I take a few deep breaths, I slowly awaken, my eyes focusing once again and the memories that I were having moments ago seem to slowly slip away. I am confused and disorientated as I try to pinpoint my location. When I look up I see Harrow still standing next to my bed as he watches me closely. When I see him I feel a sense of recognition and comfort as the memories of this room come back to me. I begin to feel a bit more grounded and in touch with reality as Harrow watches me slowly become calm again.

I put my arms out to him for a sense of comfort and safety before I whispered "Can you hold me please?"

Harrow's heart skips a beat as I put my arms out for him. He immediately holds me in a firm but gentle embrace, cradling me gently within the comfort of his arms. He holds me against his chest as the tension begins to melt away and a sense of comfort and familiarity washes over me. I feel his presence as he wraps his arms around me tightly, his touch and embrace feel like a warm and welcoming blanket.

The two of us stand there in silence as I cling to him, my sobbing has faded, and my cries have turned to quiet sniffles. He slowly rocks me as he rubs my back with one hand and holds me tight to his body with the other. The feel of his hand rubbing my back is soothing, it feels comforting and reassuring. My body starts to relax and I feel myself slowly coming back to reality.