A Life Rewritten

Josie - The Torment

The morning came too quickly for Josie. Her alarm went off, sending her into a panic until she realized what it was. Calming her breathing, she sat up, blankets sliding down, following the curves of her body. She breathed in, letting herself take the early morning slowly. She would make it through the day, she promised herself, without breaking down. After all, she was going to have to meet with Danielle.

She still remembered the day of the funeral, clearly in her mind. Seeing the older girl appear, weeping that she didn't deserve the boy who had died, then remembering that it was not a movie, and that she had known the deceased boy intimately. Seeing the pain that someone not even related to Josh had felt brought unstoppable tears to Josie's eyes. Ever since that day, she hated seeing Danielle in pain.

That day had been the first of many painful days for Josie, but they had all led up to that day, a few months ago, when she'd married the love of her life. Maybe life wasn't all bad, but it certainly wasn't mostly good, either. She resolved to be fine today, to not let the memories break her, but she knew that she wasn't going to be able to guarantee herself no more of the pain. She'd still live on, however, no matter her situation.

She was nervous, however, and couldn't help wondering if she could just skip today. Surely Danielle wouldn't miss her, right? But Jake had told her that he was sure it would be good for her to see that girl again, so Josie would go, for him.

Sighing, Josie slid out of bed, deciding to get ready for the day to come. She changed from her pajamas, slipping into a black T-shirt and a green skirt that went well with her fiery red hair. She then walked into the kitchen to fix herself breakfast, however, upon entering, she noticed Jake had made her some biscuits and an omelette.

She smiled, and placed the food on a plate, then continued into the dining room of the house she and Jake were renting. Jake was already seated, and he immediately stood to embrace her as she moved to sit beside him. Josie then sat, and began to slowly eat her food, lost in thought.

After she'd fallen back to sleep last night, her dreams had taken a less grotesque, but still terrifying turn. Thankfully the boy did not return, but she had seen Danielle. Josie shivered, her mind forcing her to think to the dream.

She had been lost in an endless maze, trying to find her way free, but every time she felt she was almost out, her next turn would twist her sense of direction. She'd struggled, over and over, to find the way out, but she could only find dead ends. Near the dream's end, Josie had hit a wall where there had been a person waiting for her; Danielle. When Josie had asked Danielle what she was doing in the maze, she'd simply accused Josie of taking everything she loved away from her. Josie had tried to explain that she'd taken nothing, but Danielle would hear none of it. Finally, she turned to leave, but the older girl began to walk after her. The walk turned into a chase, and soon Josie had found herself running from the same monster as in her previous dream, frantically begging for life until she woke up.

Needless to say, Josie had not gone back to sleep afterwards, and now she was struggling to keep herself awake. Maybe it would be worth it to visit Danielle today simply for the coffee shop Jake had chosen. Maybe if she could stay awake, she wouldn't be tormented by the dreams.