Decay In Her Bones

CHAPTER 10

Bobby knew he was awake, but he knew that he was sleeping too. Seemingly, he was in the middle of being conscious and unconscious. His mind was enveloped with darkness, but his senses were aware of the different emotions twisting around like a tornado inside him. Under a normal circumstance, sleeping would have been a good thing, but this kind of sleep felt different. It did not feel good. Bobby struggled to wake up, but failed. His hands and his feet did not move in his command as if they were chained around the four corners of his bed. His neck elongate; his chest rose. These were his fruitless efforts to reach a state of wakefulness, but his whole body remained numb.

He thought his going to die.

This was a nightmare he could not run away from. Was this the one they call sleep paralysis? He felt suffocated, as if somebody was sitting on top of him.

It felt like forever, but in reality, it happened within the span of a few seconds. It was an endless agony, and Bobby, though half unconscious, prayed hard to be saved from this state of mind.

Bobby woke up, fully aware of the bulk of sweat covering his face. He opened his eyes and saw a dark figure looming overhead, hovering silently above him. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Bobby figured out who―what it was.

The demon.

His eyes met two red glowing eyes directly in front of his face.

A deafening scream escaped his mouth.

* * *

Dear God,

I sit in front of You, humbled, asking for forgiveness. Despite the endless shower of blessings you have bestowed upon me, my family, and love ones, I continue to sin against Your name. I ask that, for another time, my sins in words, thoughts, and actions be forgiven, through the intervention of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Dear Lord, I thank You for all the gifts of every day. For the life, and for the things that nurture life. Every time I inhale and exhale in the morning, I should be grateful, but I continue to disregard these little things and focus instead on counting the things I do not have. Let me then take this opportunity to express my gratitude... for everything.

Lord Jesus, I am guilty of a greater sin. I came here for a purpose, just as I came to You only in times of need. But this desire of my heart knows no other way to express a fear so great, it's consuming all the hope that rests in me. Guide me. Shield me against the evils that surround me. I know that with only just a word, You can save me from all these sorrows.

I glorify Your name above all else. I may seem hypocrite to stand here in front of You only when I need you most, but circumstances had left me with nothing but now.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bobby opened his eyes and noticed a wet line streaming down his cheeks. He quickly wiped his tears and rose from the pews. He sat beside Mylene, who was quietly looking at the altar in front. She remained wordless as she watched her boyfriend praying. She knew he needed that time to reunite with God. Now, of all times, God's mercy was all he needed.

"Hey," Bobby whispered, his hand wrapped around Mylene's.

She replied softly, "Hey. Tara?" Let's go?

Bobby blew his nose and did not answer.

It was Tuesday morning. Yesterday, Bobby and Mylene went to the chapel after he had picked her up at the Basic Education Department. They stayed there for almost half an hour, praying solemnly. Today, they decided to go to the chapel again to offer another prayer before they go to their respective classes.