Nightmares

Dread

I roll over to my left expecting another body to be there but I only feel bed sheets. I open my eyes and I see that the other side of my bed is neatly made.

Was that just a dream?

I'm dazed and confused for a moment. I don't think it could have been a dream. It just all seemed so realistic but I'm not entirely sure. I notice hushed voices outside my door but can't hear them well enough to make out any words. I quietly get out of bed and walk towards my door. I stop in front of it and put my ear against the wood.

"I think that's a good idea," Mako says. "This isn't the first time it's happened."

So it was real. He came into my room to make sure I was okay and stayed with me.

I open the door and stand there looking at Mako and Tenzin. They immediately stop talking and turn their heads to meet my gaze.

"Good morning, Korra," Tenzin says.

"Um hey. What were you two just talking about?" I say.

Tenzin looks at Mako as if to say should we discuss it right now? Mako slightly nods his head and Tenzin looks back at me.

"Mako has just informed me that you've had some nightmares recently."

I lean against the door frame and cross my arms, still looking at Tenzin.

"Yeah, I have."

"I suggest that we get you to a healer if they're really as bad as Mako says they are," Tenzin says. "They can get rid of the negative energy in your head."

"I think I'll be fine. It's just a few bad dreams," I say. "I had a few nightmares during the equalist riots a long time ago but it was no big deal then, either."

I can feel Mako looking at me. He knows I'm not telling the full truth.

"Well, if you decide to change your mind just come to me and we will get the problem fixed," Tenzin says. He turns and walks down the hall.

When Tenzin is gone I look at Mako and notice he is still staring at me.

"What?," I say a little too harshly.

"You know what."

I sigh and say, "How many nights have you come into my room because of them?"

"Too many for them to be 'just a few bad dreams,'" Mako says.

"I'm completely fine. The battle with Vaatu just has me a little unraveled, that's all."

He narrows his eyes at me and his eyebrows slightly draw together.

"How do you not remember me ever coming to your room?" He questions.

"I don't know. Sometimes at night I can't tell what's real and what's not. I didn't think you would-" I stop myself as he starts to frown. I don't even have to finish my sentence for him to understand what I mean.

"You think that I wouldn't care? Of course I care; it infuriates me that you would think otherwise," Mako says.

He walks down the hall and leaves me standing there all by myself.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Nothing really happened today. I went through my normal routine of breakfast, meditating with Tenzin, lunch, training, playing games with the kids, and dinner. The last thing on my list to do is sleep. Every step is heavy as I walk through the house, toward my bedroom. I dread going to bed tonight. If sleep wasn't a vital part of life I think I would just avoid it for a few months. I wish I could get one long, good night of sleep without any nightmares. Is that too much to ask for?

I make my way down the hallway and I stop at Mako's bedroom. I know I probably shouldn't but I turn the knob and crack the door open just far enough to be able to see him.

He's sleeping already. I quietly open the door all the way and I walk leisurely towards his bed. I get close enough that I can see his chest move up and down as he breathes. I look at his dark, disheveled hair. I notice how he has one arm above his head and the other under his pillow. I realize that I'm jealous of this. I can't remember the last good night of sleep I got. I gaze at him for a few more moments and then turn to leave. I only take about three steps before I hear his voice.

"K-Korra?" I hear a groggy voice say, questionably.

I turn around. Mako is sitting up and looking at me.

"Just go back to sleep, I didn't mean to wake you up," I say.

He's still just looking at me in thought.

"Are you okay? Do you need me to come in there?" He asks.

"No, I was just heading to bed," I say.

"Oh.. Okay."

There was something different in his voice when he spoke those last two words. Disappointment? I leave his room and close the door behind me. I take a few more steps and meet my room where I lay on my bed as I just stare at the ceiling. I feel tired and my eyes are craving sleep but I'm scared of what I will have to endure tonight. I slowly close my eyes and tell myself not to fall asleep, but I know I can't fight this urge for much longer.