Mr. Misty-Eyed | Josh Dun

dream sequence | four

The feeling was all too familiar and I sucked in a few quick breaths of air in anticipation before that cold hand gripped me from behind. My eyes shut tightly and I tried my hardest to stop my knees from shaking. I knew what was coming and just as the thought crossed my mind the same invisible water started to fill my lungs.

I gasped as I was thrown back, landing on the muddy floor below. Here I was, back in the same dark forest I could never escape. I choked down more water while the sound of fallen leaves crunching under heavy steps invaded my ears. That was a noise I had never heard before, the idea that someone else was trapped in here as well brought me the slightest bit of relief. But that relief quickly transformed to fear as I turned my head to the side to see a dark shadow pass behind a nearby tree. I was no longer alone, but the entity looming was not here to help.

My hands balled into fists as I pushed myself up into a sitting position. Even with my hands clenched tightly, I still couldn't keep them from trembling. My entire body started to shake as I felt eyes watching me through the shadows. I stood, ignoring the fact that I still couldn't fully breathe, and started to make my way through the darkness that surround me.

A branch snapped, the sound bouncing off the thousands of trees around me, and I whirled around in search of where it had come from. The sound of retreating footsteps could be heard as I squinted through the black night, but nothing was seen so I continued on.

My breath was uneven and I stopped, hunching over to cough up what water was left in my lungs. The liquid trailed down my chin and I quickly wiped it away before moving forward once again. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I was being followed and I just needed to get away. Could I get away?

I let out a surprised cry as I felt something pull at my right shoulder and I stumbled, listening to the sound of crunching leaves as the being circled around me. The steps faded out as though they disappeared for good, but in an instant the noise turned back around and grew louder and a rush of air pushed me backward as it blew by me. My heart pounded in my chest and I began to run. I didn't want to come face to face with the shadow, the thought that I may see myself in it only made my feet move faster. I was running from myself, trying to escape my own body even though it was virtually impossible.

I scrambled through the night, knocking into tree branches as I fought my way through the forest. My breath was unhinged and in a few short steps I was no longer stable on my feet. I slid down the muddy incline, my shoes and pant legs soaked as they came into contact with a body of water.

"Leave me alone!" I yelled out at the shadow that laughed from a safe distance. He was always mocking me.

My eyes widened as it moved closer and I took my chances backing further into the water. It rose from my ankles to my knees and soon the freezing water was up to my chest. Was this the only way to escape my shadow? Do I give into my biggest fear in hopes of shocking my brain into believing I was no longer afraid?

I had no choice as the shadow came closer to where the land disappeared underwater. Tears welled up in my eyes as I took another step toward what would probably end me. I was scared, terrified that this act might push me over the edge, but with one last look at the lurking shadow, my mind was made up. My eyes shut tightly and as if my dream knew exactly what I had planned, I took another step back to find that the floor beneath me had disappeared.

I plunged down, blowing out all the air in my lungs, which only caused me to sink faster. My heart pounded in my ears as my body became limp from loss of oxygen. Was this my only way of escape?

.