Shadows of the Dream Realm

𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥

Samantha💫

As I stand on my front porch, arms crossed, watching as the security team unload the equipment from their van. Even though setting these cameras up around the house is important, I can't help but reflect on the last time I saw the overseer.

I was so focused on wanting to find out information about my mom, I didn't even get a chance to ask him about the flower.

I take a couple of steps towards the lead technician- a man in his early forties with a calm presence. He's holding a clip board, and his name tag reads Henderson.

"We'll start with the front perimeter," he said. "My team and I will install one camera to cover the main entrance. Then we'll make our way to the backyard and install two high-resolution cameras. One will be facing the fence line so that anyone climbing or walking through will be caught on camera."

He looks down at his clipboard reviewing his notes before continuing.

"You requested a camera to face the window in the backyard, is that correct?" He asks.

"Yes, I need a camera facing the window. I saw footprints from the dirt near it and I just want to be sure I'm safe." I say.

Henderson nodded, and motioned one of his team members to walk over. "Explain the motion sensor upgrade while I check in with the rest of the crew." He pats his shoulder and walks toward the house.

The man is nervous and stumbles over his words a little as he explains to me how the sensor works. I can tell he's new at his job, and probably doesn't want to be the person explaining this to me.

I exhaled slowly, feeling a mix of anxiety and exhaustion come over me. "I'll need access to the video footage on my phone, how do I set that up?" I ask and he gladly hands me a small card.

"Stryker cam is a great app! It's fast and easy." He says with a smile.

Henderson walks back toward me and asks, "Did you decide if you wanted the sensor installed?"

I shrug realizing I'm exhausted, "I think the cameras are enough, thank you for all your help!"

After an hour goes by, the crew finishes up the camera instillation. I sign the papers acknowledging that they did the service and pay Henderson. Watching as they drive away I yawn and walk inside the house.

I could sleep the night away, but I need to start packing.

I grab my suitcase and a small duffle bag from my closet top shelf. A layer of dust settles on my hands as I pull them down. I haven't left for a trip to go anywhere since I was nine. I start packing a couple shirts and pants for the trip, and I notice one of the zippers on my suitcase is broken.

Great!

Everything I have seems worn down, raggedy, and old. I normally don't go out and buy brand new things unless I really need them. I know I'll have to spend more money on this trip than I planned.  I reach underneath my bed and find the jar with money that I've been saving for the past year. I pull out a couple of bills and place it in my wallet.

After rummaging around looking high and low for everything I need for the trip, the exhaustion starts to kick in heavily. I reach to grab one last item, my pill bottle. My fingers close around it and before I can do anything else the room spins.

My vision quickly blurs and my head hits the floor. As I lay there drifting off into unwilling sleep, the empty tan colored bottle falls out of my hand.

When I manage to wake from my sleep, I lift my head up feeling a dull throbbing a sensation coming from my forehead. I reach my hand over my head and feel a small bump on my skin.

Perfect, just what I needed.

I pick myself up off the floor and grab my pill bottle, noticing how empty it is and throw it in the trash.

How could I forget to set an appointment?

I have to leave tonight for the airport, and I have no more medication! I'll just have to take care of it when I get back.

Stress creeps up and I wonder if I should even be doing any of this in the first place. I'm about go to a random place I've never been, looking for answers that I probably won't understand.

What if I don't even find her?

I try to shake away the doubt, and grab all of the last minute things I need before walking out of the door. Looking at my phone before I leave I see that Abby, and Henry have already left an hour ago so they're probably already there.

I twist the key in and lock the door behind me. I can't help but look up at the camera above me, and sigh. Its tiny lens catches the light, and as I stare at it, I feel sad.

I wish I didn't even need the cameras.

The world should be a safe place. You should be able to feel safe, especially in your own home. This is the one place that I wish I could just let my guard down, and not have to worry about anything.

Shifting the weight of my bag on my shoulder, i step away from the porch. I hear my footsteps on the gravel path making distance from the house.

Time to find some answers.

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Hi everyone! We're coming up to very important turning points! Can't wait wait for you guys to see what's in store. Don't forget to vote and comment, thank you guys!💗💗💗💗