The Monster Within - Book 1

Chapter 7

I woke with a start, shooting up in my bed, wondering how the hell I got there. My hands propel to my body, feeling there way along my skin, remembering the way I was torn into. Yet there was nothing. I try to look down my body but there was no marks, no blood, no sign of what happened to me. Because something did happen to me... Didn't it? It wasn't a dream. I lived through it. I felt every claw, every fang that pierced my skin. But it it was real there would be cuts and wounds. there would be something on my body...

Pushing the duvet down my body, I look at the clean pyjama bottoms and tank top I had on. I don't remember getting dressed. I don't remember getting into bed. I don't remember anything after being attacked last night.

What happened to me?

I bring my hands to my head, holding my cheeks as I try to force myself to remember anything. The last thing was dropping down by the front door, but it didn't explain where all the blood went, or my ripped clothing, or the injuries I should have. I should be in pain. But there was nothing.

A knock on the front door, pulled me back to reality. Hesitantly, I climbed from my bed and edged to the stairs, looing down and straight through the small window of the door. An audible sigh of relief left my lips when I saw the nurse that comes to do Esters morning medications.

When I open the door for her, I look around the ground for any signs that last night wasn't a dream... Or more a nightmare.

'Are you okay?' She asks me, looking sceptical.

'Erm, yeah.' I say, looking up to meet her squinted eyes. 'I'm good. Just a bit... tired, maybe.'

'You look a little tired. Did you not sleep very well last night?'

'I don't think so. I had this horrible dream.' I tell her, because that's what it had to be right? there was no blood, no evidence. It was all in my mind. 'I dreamed I was attacked by some animal like a bear or a big wolf?'

'A wolf?' She sniggers.

'Maybe? It felt so real. It was dark and I couldn't see much. I remember the teeth tearing into me. All the blood...'

'That sounds awful.' She says, pulling a face.

'Hmm.' I hum in agreement. 'Definitely not one I want to relive. Anyways...' I say, shaking the thoughts form my head. '... Nans upstairs.'

The nurse offers me a sympathetic smile before walking to the bottom step. 

'Oh, Doctor Grant will be along soon. She like's to check up on Ester personally from time to time. I also think she's quite eager to meet you after Justin singing your praises.'

'Oh... okay.'

Not long after a slender, olive skin woman knocks at the door. Through the window I could see her short bobbed hairstyle and the glasses that balanced on the tip of her nose. She looked like Justin... Or Justin looked like her. You could tell this must of been his mother, so I quickly open to door for her.

'Hi Cassan... Cassie' she corrects herself. 'I'm Doctor Grand, but you can call me Petra.'

I open the door wide and step to the side, letting her in, although she's probably been here more then I ever have.

'It's nice to finally meet you' I tell her, closing the door behind her, scanning the tree line before it comes to a complete close.

'You too, my dear. Ester has told me a lot about you. We've all been so excited for your arrival. How are you?' She asks.

'Fine. Just a little tired.'