A Mind of Ashes

The Call

The school bells rang in my ear, screeching and howling like a stormy wind at night. The deafening roar consumed me, pulling me away from reality and the world I knew. It grew darker and darker, blurrier with every second that passed. The walls around me began to crumble, leaving nothing but ruin in its place.

Until the sound gave way. It was like I had sunken below water, and could only hear its muffled cry. I was alone, and in a place that haunted me almost daily. Sadly, I knew the feeling all too well. I had travelled into my mind, into a dark place where very few good things reside.

Ashes fell from the sky, as if the clouds were made of burning timber. It was dark, except for the feint light bouncing through the trees. I was in danger, and I was here for only one reason; something wanted me to be here. I had to get out, before it showed up.

I noticed the light starting to flicker, my only escape from this darkness, this partial shadow of my whole mind. My heart became faster, louder as I knew how futile my attempts were. I wasn't going to leave any time soon.

Then the light was snuffed out completely. He's here, I thought. What can I do?! I was doomed, and the darker side of my mind was about to take over. I saw him emerge from the charcoal ground, slowly rising until he matched my height. A second passed, and then a minute.

With no warning, his eyes burst open. A crimson red filled his sockets, and black teeth were revealed in the wide smile he gave me. Without moving a muscle, or even his mouth, he spoke to me.

Finally, his hoarse sound echoed through my skull. You've come to give me back what is mine. What I was destined for.

I couldn't move, my legs were frozen in place and my eyes wide with fear.

Give me back my life! He screamed, as he lunged at my body, going straight for my heart and soul.