Don't Answer

Familiar faces

11:30

I'm huddled in the farthest corner of my bedroom, Feeling secure and safe from harms way.

The door shuts with a bang from downstairs. I gasp, terrified.

"Alice, Hun? I'm back!" I hear Bella, my mother, shout.

I smile and jog down the stairs.

"mum!" I yell, running towards her.

"Oh, my!" She grins, "missed me?"

"A lot," I answer, unwrapping my hands from her timid waist.

"Why aren't you in bed yet, anyway?" She questions taking off her shoes as I follow her to the living room.

"Wasn't tired." I smile.

"Have you been playing with the landline?" My body stiffens a little. Mum sighs, heavily.

"I don't have enough money for a new one, Alice." She says. I nod and sit down next to her. The odd feel of relaxation putting my mind at ease.

----------

"I know you can hear me, Alice."

Wake up

"You're trying to block me out, trying to ignore me, right?"

Wake up

"You're the reason I'm here. I'm dead and it's your fault!"

No it's not, no it's not, no it's not.

"You pushed me."

I'm sorry

"You thought it was funny."

I didn't want this

"You killed me."

--------------

"Alice? Alice! It's just a dream, hon. Wake up!"

I'm screaming. I can't stop. I won't stop.

Bella takes hold of my shoulders and shakes me. I'm still panting after five minutes of her stroking my hair and humming old lullabies.

"Sh, it's ok." She whispers, softly.

I ignore the kind, however pointless, gesture and sob.