The Night Skies ~ Avengers

CHAPTER 8

I jolted awake, heart racing, drenched in sweat. It took a moment for the shadows of the nightmare to vanish. I glanced around my dimly lit room, disoriented and gasping for air, checking for signs of other people in my room.

The moonlight streamed through the window, casting silvery patterns on the walls and illuminating my room.

It seemed to be empty, a sigh of relief left my mouth.

With trembling hands, I pushed my hair out of my face, trying to shake off the fear that still clung to me. The nightmare replayed vividly in my mind: The man's strong grip, my helplessness, the feeling of impending doom.

"Just a dream," I whispered to myself, though the lump in my throat told me otherwise. My throat felt tight as I recalled how real it seemed, how close he had been, and how scared I had felt.

I needed to get it out of my head. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and squinted at the screen. Just after four a.m. again. Great. I had barely managed to sleep in between the nightmares.

With a heavy sigh, I climbed out of bed, the chill of the hardwood floor jolting me awake. I padded softly to the kitchen, my mind still racing.

My actions mirrored the ones in the nightmare, causing my fear to grow as I entered the kitchen. I checked every corner of the room and was relieved to find it empty.

As I brewed a cup of coffee, I tried to focus on the comforting aroma, willing the warmth to push away the fear still echoing in my chest.

I leaned against the counter, desperately attempting to calm my racing heart. I thought back on my dreams—the way they twisted reality until I felt trapped in my own mind.

I needed distraction. I grabbed a book off the shelf, its familiar cover providing a sliver of comfort. I took my coffee and a sharp knife laying on the counter, and sank into a chair at the kitchen table, trying to steady my nerves as I flipped through the pages. 

I immersed myself in the words, hoping to drown out the echoes of my panic.

Every time I heard a noise my eyes flickered to the knife beside me, reminding myself that I was safe, and that if I wasn't I could protect myself. I had used this tactic since I was a kid if I had to stay home alone.

This time I felt as if I would actually have to use it at any given moment.

Like clockwork at that exact moment I could hear faint footsteps growing louder. I looked up from my book, alert, and took a hold of the knife clenching my fist around it as I stood up from my chair.

I stood with my back against the wall next to the hall, waiting for someone to enter the kitchen. Fear caused a tremble in my hand as I raised it above me in a stabbing manner, ready to attack.

I closed my eyes for a while, concentrating on the footsteps which were heading my way. I repeated the words 'I'm okay' in my head as I awaited the arrival of the person.

A dark figure walked past me, not noticing me as they headed to the kitchen island. I tried to recognize the figure who appeared to be a tall man, but I wasn't wearing my glasses and a shadow was cast over him in the dark room.

When the man turned around I was sure that I was going to die. His head was turned towards me still hiding in the shadow. "Go away!" I screamed at the man, trying to sound intimidating as I pointed the knife at him. 

A tremble in my voice betrayed me, if the man hadn't noticed me before, he did now.

He took a few steps towards me, but I kept my ground ready to take down the intruder. With every step he took towards me, my heart beated a little faster. "Don't come closer, I will stab you." I threatened, the man took a single step before coming to a halt in front of me.