Time Echoes

The Illusion

     This is a nightmare. It has to be. There is a rope around my neck and I can feel the rest of me being torn apart. I'm screaming, but it's not my voice that crawls out. It claws through, climbing up and forcing its way up my throat.

    I choked and gagged, yet I screamed and shriek at the same time. It pushes me down to my knees. I can feel my whole body seizing, writhing on the floor. Everything and nothing hurts. It feels like I'm on the verge of death. It hurts so bad that I'm just ready to give in. A scream threatened to burst, but my throat closed off. So instead, it's more of a gurgling sound. Ever so slowly, a chill seeps into every nerve in my body, washing away every sensation in me, apart from one. There is only fear. Laughter echoes around me. A sound both bitter and unforgiving. It is the last thing I hear before I see hands reaching for me.

    The sound of my own scream tore me from the depths of sleep, reverberating off the walls of my bedroom. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, a dull ache spreading through my temples as I fought. I fought with everything in me. To survive.

Kaito was beside me, his face a mixture of concern and pain as he tried to shield himself from my flailing arms.

"Claire! Claire, wake up! It's just a nightmare!" he pleaded, his hands gently grasping my wrists.

    I stopped thrashing and blinked, the world slowly coming into focus. The familiar warmth of our bedroom, the soft light filtering through the curtains, Kaito's anxious eyes—everything fell into place. I let out a shaky breath, my body trembling with the remnants of fear.

"Kaito, I..." I swallowed hard, the words stuck in my throat. "It felt so real."

He pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. He rubbed my hair in a soothing motion. "You're safe now, Claire. It was just a dream, Bella."

    I nodded, burying my face in his chest, trying to find comfort in his presence. But deep down, an unsettling feeling gnawed at me. The details of the nightmare were slipping away, but the fear lingered like a dark cloud.

We stayed like that for a few moments before Kaito gently pulled away. "...its been a while since you had a nightmare. Do you want to talk about it?"

I shook my head, not wanting to relive that moment. The feeling of my throat being cut. The realization of not being able to scream. "No, I just need to get ready for the Vogue shoot."

He sighed, brushing a strand of hair away from my face and planting a soft kiss on my forehead. "Alright. But if you need anything, you know I'm here."

I forced a smile, appreciating his support. "Thank you, Kaito. I'll be fine."

      As I got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, the unease followed me like a shadow. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the lingering fear. I couldn't afford to let a nightmare shake me. Today was important—the Vogue shoot was a career-defining opportunity. No matter how many times I do one.

      I dressed quickly, opting for a sleek black ensemble that Rachel had picked out for me. As I applied my makeup, I noticed a slight tremor in my hands. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. This was just another day, another shoot. I have done this a thousand times before.

      Kaito joined me in the kitchen, already dressed in his casual yet stylish attire—dark jeans and a fitted navy shirt that complemented his lean frame. He handed me a cup of water with some headache medicine, "Thanks," I said, taking a sip and savoring the coolness. "I needed this."

      He smiled, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "You'll do great today. You always do." That is when I noticed some red scratches across his face. "Oh my god, honey...," I gently touched them, feeling sadness drip through me. He shook his head, pulling my hand away and kissed them gently. "I'm not upset. I don't want you upset. You were dreaming. I hate to see how the other guy turned out though." A soft laugh came out as a beep could be heard from outside. "Go ahead. Rachels here." He pulls me gently by my face and kisses me passionately. "I love you." I smiled, melting in the palm of this man's hands as usual. "I love you."