Dani.
The trees hang overhead, fighting to swallow me into the ground, lining a stretch of grass that leads deeper into the mountains. The forest moans in a register as deep as an incoming storm, the beckoning only growing as I gain speed, trying to escape. Somewhere a wolf howled, baying at the moon. My pace suddenly halts as my legs begin to tremble. My legs... they won't move an inch. I pant heavily, my eyes a dark grey as I feel the eerie fog envelope my body. The deafening cries grow near.
"MOVE, GODDAMNIT!" I grumble harshly to myself, my feet glued to the damp soil. My heart begins to lunge against my ribcage as I shriek in frustration. Suddenly, a large shadow appears in the mist, calling for me. Before the tears could leave my eyes, it springs, clamping it's powerful jaws shut against my face.
I wake up in a cold sweat, gasping for air that faded from my heavy lungs. I glance over to my side, the sleeping boy not startled nor awake. It was just a dream...
"How are you still alive, Brynmore..." I question, but it leaves my lips in a whisper sounding more like a statement. I lay back against the sheets, his tranquil form beside me as I pull the duvet over my chest, trying to fall back asleep but fearing the return of the nightmare. Alas, my eyes grow too heavy to keep open, and I return to the nothingness called sleep.
My eyes peek open and witness the beautiful shapes the sun peeking through the blinds cast onto the floor. The dreams subsided, thankfully. I haven't had night terrors since James died. I look to my right, where the sleeping Brynmore last was found, and to my surprise he wasn't there. I furrow my brows, looking across the room to see him sat on the floor, my old stuffed animal in his hands. I watch him look at it like it's the strangest creature he's ever seen, but in reality, you could find a zebra at most zoos in the state.
"Morning, Bryn... did you sleep okay?" My voice is cracked and deeper than usual from having just woken up. He looks up at me, and then back at the toy. He nods, not making any more eye contact.
"I've... never slept in a bed before. Was nice." Bryn replies, with a small smile peaking at his mouth.
"Yeah...? First time for everything, I suppose." I rub my eyes, checking the time to see that it was only eight o'clock. What do I care? I wake up at five for my morning shifts at the hospital. I groaned anyways, disappointed to have not slept in on my vacation. "I should probably start the shower, takes a while for it to warm up." His eyes light up as if he's never bathed with such privilege of having warm water. I laugh amusedly, sliding out of bed to get it set up for him.
After a few moments, I return from the en suite bathroom, a soft grey towel in hand, along with a matching washcloth. I motion for him to come, and he reluctantly puts the stuffed animal back on the shelf, following behind me.
"The waters already running, if its too cold you can turn this knob to the right. I'll be downstairs for a few, you can't leave my room. Understood?" I say sternly, making sure he knows the importance that he is not seen. He nods again, I'm starting to worry if he can even understand me. Either way, I let him be, shutting the door behind me as I head downstairs to make some coffee.
I can already smell a pot brewing as I reach the kitchen, meaning Dad had beat me to it. Shit. I step in, pulling the pot from the machine as I pour some into one of my mother's mugs. It was the one I had gotten her to celebrate what we thought was her last day of chemo. I add a few spoons of sugar and mix in a sweet vanilla bean creamer, stirring it slowly as I hear footsteps approach from behind.
"You're finally awake." My father huffs, pouring himself another cup of black coffee. "How many times do I have to tell you Dani, sleeping in is bad for your health." I roll my eyes, my back to him as I sip the warm liquid from my cup.
"Yeah... Because you're the poster man of well-being..." A scoff leaves my throat in annoyance as I start to walk away from the situation.
"Oh is that right? And what's that supposed to mean?" He says with clear frustration. I stop in the hall, turning around to face him.
"I think I can handle a few extra hours of sleep. As for your liver..." I start to hint at his usual habits of day drinking when his face distorts into shock. I look at him, puzzled, I know what I said wouldn't cause a reaction like that, at least I don't think so... I examine his widened eyes, turning white as if he's seen a ghost. I turn around and there before me, is Brynmore, dressed in only the shorts I had lent him. I scowl at him, my face reading a look of frustration as I had previously stressed the importance of him not showing his face around others.
"What in god's name is that...?!" Dad questions loudly, his voice causing Bryn to flinch slightly. I stand in front of the boy, shielding him from my father's harsh gaze, as I begin to speak up.
"Listen... Please don't freak out, I...." No words seem to come to mind to explain the strange figure behind me. "He needs help Dad... He- he was in the woods, bleeding... God- I don't expect you to have sympathy, but at least let him crash here with me for a few days until I can figure something out..." I plead, my hand finding its way to Bryn's as a silent attempt to ease him.
"Danielle... That, is not a man... So help me god if you've brought some sort of creature into my home." He spat, his eyes growing curious as he examines the boy's toned masculine body, and the canine-like ears that sprout from his head. "Wait a second... Those ears... They- They're real, aren't they?"
Bryn's ears pin back against his head at Father's scrutiny, his face a mix of worry and dread. I sigh loudly through my nose.
"So what if they are? The universe is a crazy, fucked up place. He's still human. He still needs my help." I shout, but deep down its really a plea. My father seems to know something that I don't, as his face turns to one of suspicion.
"Miguel lost one of those many years ago... Couldn't find it for the life of him." He speaks as if Brynmore is nothing but a beast. He steps closer. "You've brought him to me... Dr. Walsh's subject... I never in a million years would have thought this day would come, Danielle." He comes face to face with the strange canine, his eyes lighting up as if this were his lucky day. "We have to return it, Dani... If Miguel knew I had his prized toy right under my roof... He might just give me that promotion I've been after." He chugs the rest of his coffee, setting it down on the kitchen table. He grabs Bryn by the wrist, tugging him forward as my voice rings down the hall.
"LET HIM GO." The words send my Dad back a step in his plan, as he releases his grasp.
"Danielle, you have no idea what you've done... For me, for your mother..."
I entwine my fingers with Bryn's, his claws scraping my cracked skin as I quickly shove him down the hall.
"He's not your test subject, Dad... Why can't you see? Why can't you have some compassion for once?" The last part booms into the air, as I start to feel tears brimming my eyes. I slide into some boots, glancing back at him, as he lunges forward and grabs hold of Brynmore once more.
"I WILL NOT HAVE YOU RUIN THIS, DANIELLE!" Father's loud words ring through my head. "This is bigger than you could ever realize, honey..." I shove my father against the wall, but am immediately met with a stinging slap, jolting my head sideways as he releases the boy.
"Run, Brynmore."
YOU ARE READING
BRYNMORE
Tajemnica / Thriller"Madison... There's something I should... tell you, honey." Paul speaks vacantly, a tinge of remorse in his words. The mother looks up carefully from her trance. "I fucked up, Maddy. I told them I was having doubts but-" "But what, Paul...? What di...
