Inner Demons- ON HOLD

Chapter 1.

*Thank you guys for reading and I wanted to say that I am new to this so please be kind and excuse any mistakes! I would love for you to comment and share! And don't forget to vote!! Thank you all and enjoy :)

I watched my daughter as she ran through the grassy field in front of me, her blonde hair glistening in the sunlight as she giggled at her large bubbles being created. My eyes drifted to the opening of a trail in the tree line and my heart fluttered, the memory of the year before coming into the forefront of my mind. My life changed drastically that day, and I never even saw it coming. Now all I wanted was to hear that familiar hum from the old tree again, just to see him one more time.

--ONE YEAR AGO--

I jogged the familiar running path, cutting through the trees of Central Park. I adored the city, but loved the freedom and felt peaceful isolation in the wooded section of the park, surrounded by natural beauty. It reminded me of home, and I felt a pang of homesickness as I took another turn. My thoughts began to drift to memories of my parents, wishing more than anything I could have seen them one more time before it happened. I felt the loss rack my chest and turned once more, running deeper into the trees, aching for the love only they could provide. As I turned once more, I realized I had ventured off of the main trail. Calmly, I looked around, trying to assess my surroundings. I did not see any familiar markings, and decided to turn back to try and retrace my steps.

As I turned, I heard a strange noise and stopped, listening intently. A gentle hum seemed to be coming from behind me, causing me to turn my attention back down the path I'd begun down. Curiosity getting the best of me, I decided to continue back down the path towards the noise. As I drew closer, I heard the hum grow stronger. I came into a clearing, seeing a large hardwood towering alone in the middle. A large foreign symbol was carved into the trunk. As I came closer to investigate, the hum grew louder, vibrating through me. My hand felt a pull to touch the trunk, wishing to inspect its connection to the sound. As if out of my control, my hand reached up and gently placed itself onto the symbol, the hum coursing through my entire body and sending shivers down my spine. My brain felt as if it was clouded, and then I was overcome by darkness.

I awoke to loud booms, shaking the floor beneath me. My chest was tight and my breathing shallow as I fought to control my breathing and regain my vision clearly. I felt a burning throughout my body and could not seem to move, but finally opened my eyes, focusing on my surroundings. I was in a small room, dimly lit, and I saw a shelf of materials and clothing as well as several cots sitting against the walls and corners.

What the hell? Where am I? I was just in the park, how did I get here?

I brought myself shakily onto my feet and walked over to the door, opening it to peer out. Another loud boom sounded nearby and I trembled, holding tight to the knob as the building seemed to sway. As I opened the door wider, I saw a scene of chaos. Men and women dressed in vintage style clothing were running around barking orders as men poured in on stretchers. I was instantly hit with the smell of blood and death, seeing bloodied men with limbs dangling as they screamed. My gut wrenched as the scent and the scene ahead of me overwhelmed my senses. I shut the door, closing my eyes tight attempting to remove the horror I'd just witnessed. Steadying myself, my brain began to fly through all rational scenarios, searching for any logical explanation.

Ok, let's break this down. The last thing I remember was running through the park. Did I stumble into some type of re-enactment?

I shook my head tightly.

No, you cannot fake that kind of smell, one of blood and death enveloping a room. Ok, I must have hit my head. Maybe I am hallucinating.

My eyes flew down to my clothes and saw that I was wearing a pair of black athletic leggings and a blue racer-back top. I looked around, inventorying what was available. Seeing the shelf of clothing, I quickly crossed the room. They were clothes similar to the women outside of my door. I unfolded a vintage looking blue nurse's dress and an apron with a large cross on the chest. I quickly changed and slipped into a pair of shoes on the bottom shelf, throwing my own clothes into the back of a nearby closet.