Nightmares

Chapter 1

I can't explain the fear. The terror rushing through my veins; the chill going down my spine; the shock leaving me paralysed.

Everything was calm and normal. I was talking to my mother in the kitchen. We sat at the table. As I was going to respond to her , I saw him.

On the other side of the sliding door, I saw a man running towards us in the darkness of our garden. I could only stare as zillions of thoughts raced through my mind.

Then, I heard my aunt. She was only a few metres away from us when we heard her scream. Her gaze, locked on the man across from her. He blocked the garage doorway and pointed the gun straight at her.

I can't explain the panic. I can't explain the horror. Completely paralysed. I was going to die. Or worse, I'd witness my family's death.

My eyes opened wide in shock. I stared into the darkness. I could make out the lamp on my bedside table in the corner of my eye but I couldn't bring myself to switch it on. I was too afraid that it wasn't a dream. He could've been standing right there.

After a while, I finally switched on the light. There was nothing there. After a heavy sigh of relief, I grabbed my phone next to me. "1 am. Lovely." I said sarcastically.

I knew I would struggle to fall asleep. I'd be wondering if the alarm was on, or if there was someone outside, or if what I dreamt would actually happen. Mosquitos would tease me as they buzzed above my ear. I was anxious.

Exams started in a week and I was incredibly nervous. I felt sick to my stomach and nightmares didn't help. "It's just a dream... It's just a dream..."

It took a lot of courage to switch off the light and close my eyes again. I'm surprised I didn't call my mother!

I hate anxiety. It's caused me so many problems. Especially nightmares. Almost every night I have one! They usually focus on failing tests or losing something.

Tonight was different, though. I've never had such a terrifying dream before! Let's see, I haven't seen anything like it on TV, or read it in a book, or experienced it...

Weird. UGH! I'm thinking too much again!

My older sister, Lily, walked into my bedroom with her green face mask.

"MAL! WOULD YOU STOP TOSSING AND TURNING!" she screamed.

"Sorry. I just had a bad dream."

"You always have bad dreams." Lily leaned against the door frame.

"This one was... different."

She looked around nervously; her black eyes wide. Lily always had that creepy look. With her black, wide (yet gorgeous) eyes and black, gothic clothing, anyone would say she was into some creepy stuff.

"Well, it's just a dream." she said quickly.

Lily was weird, but I knew she cared about me.

"Yes, right. Okay, I'll try to sleep. Sorry, Lily."

"It's okay, Mal. Just... good night. I love you." Her eyes held this guilt as she left.

"Love you too." I said.