Sincerely, Tyler ▸ (Sequel to Dear, Rosemary)

3

Adrenalin was pumping through my veins. My mind was bombarded by the countless numbers of thoughts that buried their way into  my brain.

My feet were moving very quickly under me. It seemed I knew where I was heading, however, my limbs were slowly fading away, becoming numb. Especially my legs.

I gathered the courage to look behind me, and after realizing that no one was there, my eyes trailed down on my body.

Bare feet, in briefs, and a baggy Zeppelin shirt on. I'd just woken up, perhaps?

Everything around me was white, and grey, and dull. The forest had no outstanding life to it, and I began to worry where I was.

Until, a slight red snake, it's prominent skin glimmering in the light, wrapped its way across my ankle, hissing profoundly.

My breath hitched in my throat, I had grown a distinct hatred towards snakes, most likely stemming from an irrational fear of the putrid creatures that they were. It did, however, give me an obvious clue as to what this was. It was him.

Although I was prepared to scream, to frantically pry the dreaded snake away from me and run away to cover, I was frozen in place. My feet remained planted firm on the rigid ground beneath me. I was paralyzed. Only the rapid rise and fall of my chest would be the single source of movement from my body.

I watched the snake intensely, praying it would glide it's slimy, scaly skin as far away from me as it possibly could. It was menacing, it's hissing tongue showing a lack of remorse and fear.

Before finally slithering further into the abyss of the woods, he managed to pierce my shin with his once concealed fangs.

I whimpered stupidly under its grip. My hands landed onto a fallen branch, aiming it onto his head. But, suddenly, he was gone, completely out of sight before I knew it.

I began to follow his path, having trouble understanding what I had done, and what the consequences would be.

I tried my best to keep up. Every passing second I'd lose sight of him, and then regain the ability to spot his bright eyes. He was too fast for my aching feet. I could feel the rough skin underneath of them beginning to bleed, leaving my own trail of red behind.

The branches of bushes and the thorns of plants weren't kind to my torso and freezing arms either. I'd be left with punctures everywhere for sure.

My mind shut down as my feet felt the wood of a patio. An abandoned cabin was held before me, and a small object gleamed in the broken window.

My journal.

"Fuck you! Give it back!" I shrieked, pounding on the fragile door, not taking my eyes off the object.

The knob was stiff, but my legs crushed through the rotting wood, determined to get inside.

He stood before me, chuckling under his breath as I looked carelessly around for what I was brought here for.

"How's your leg doing?"

The smirk on his face belittled me, the pain exceeded my bearable limit as he stared and I began to feel lightheaded. The poignant feeling of regret engulfed me as I tumbled to the floor, throwing up my insides.

"Have your journal. See if it'll save you."

I had no energy within me to even grasp the thing, let alone look at it as it fell beside me.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," He taunted, rocking the large container of gasoline held in his hands before my eyes, "Look at poor, defenceless little Tyler."

I moaned out in pain, "Please," the tears were rolling down my cheek profusely, "Don't do this to me."

"And look, all of this effort, for a stupid little journal," He spat at the word, "Get a grip, you fucking worthless being."

The cold liquid was poured onto me harshly and the surrounding area was wet with it.

"Have fun burning, I'll see you soon, boy."

Within seconds of his disappearance, flames rose around me. I screamed out in agony and pure hatred. My life was slowly flashing before my eyes as the journal disintegrated completely.

"Tyler wake up!"

A hard, rocking motion relieved me of my despair, and I'd woken from my nightmare.

My hands clenched the side of the bed, feeling the sweat trickle down my forehead. I looked to a concerned Rosemary, before my body clung to hers in fear.

"Rose, it was so bad," I cried, drenching the baggy t-shirt she wore. My breathing quickened and I could feel myself hiccuping and sobbing.

"Shh, it was just a bad dream, Ty. It wasn't real, you're with me now. See?" Rose gestured towards herself, "I'm real, babe. I'm here."

A few more seconds passed and my shaking breathing had still yet to settle. "C'mere," She cooed softly, pulling my face in towards hers, wiping my cheeks and eyes away from the tears. I began to cool down as she held me tightly, rocking me back and forth whilst rubbing my back soothingly.

"Tyler, look and see what time it is, yeah?"

I glanced over at the digital clock, "It's four," I murmured, feeling awful for waking Rose at such a dreadful time.

"I'm sorry, Rosemary," I pulled her into me, "I'll try to get over these nightmares."

"Don't apologize, it's not like you can help them, Ty. I'll go make some chamomile tea, okay? That usually helps you sleep."

"Can I follow you, I don't want to be alone, Rose."

Immediately she reached for my hand, pulling me up onto my feet with her, "Of course, my love."

"I love you, Rose."

"Love you too, Tyler."

A knock erupted from the room next door, "Yeah we all love each other, now please shut the fuck up, I'm trying to sleep," Ryan's voice faded out from the walls as her knocks settled.

Rose held in her laugh as he looked to me, and I rolled my eyes, mimicking Ryan's voice.

"I heard that, Tyler."

And my eyes widened in regret, but I chuckled at Rose's bent over body, as she gasped for air, hopelessly trying to remain silent.

"Sorry, won't happen again, Ryan."

"It better not, you weirdo's."