Amnesia

10

"FIRE!" I scream, My ears popping from the stress. The man loses focus for a moment before rushing footsteps catch our ears. He darts out the front door, leaving it open. I watched as he ran from the house, his muscular legs pumping him to push forward, his heavy torso pushed out and arms pumping too.

My dad was the first to be there, his .22 already aiming at the door. He peeked outside with the gun to see the man running away. He was long gone now, and I started to hyperventilate from the extension of my lungs. Warm, gentle hands sat me down on the bottom step and gently guided my head between my knees. I knew it had to be mom, she was the nurse.

I breathed easily by the time the front door closed and dead bolted. I was confused and scared, confused because I didn't know who that was, but I had a very well educated guess to who. He knows, I should've ended it. My mind cries. I'm frozen, the teasing itch of a memory trying to surface. I knew it would come to me in a dream, They always did. I wasn't prepared to find out why I thought about taking my own life.

I looked up once I centered myself, I looked at dad first; he was angry, his greying eye brows knitting into a frown above his eyes, his jaw clenched and face an angry red. I looked at mom, she looked worried, her eyes shimmering with so many bad thoughts I knew all too well. Nick held Cheryl by her waste, both mirroring each other's expressions. From relief to pure concentrated hatred for the burglar.

Dad walked to me first and lifted me into a hug. My body screamed from the pressure, but I bit my lip, not my wanting to make dad feel bad.

Dad let me go and brushed the stray hairs from my face, "are you ok, Lisa? He didn't hurt you did he?"

I wanted to cry, but I was still in shock. I just nodded once, my voice hiding from the screaming. Nick comforted Mom, drawing circles on her back while still holding Cheryl by her waste.

I felt so bad.

"It's ok." Dad whispered, dragging me into a more gentle hug. I buried my face in his chest and closed my eyes.

____________________§§___________________

It's dark, I can't see, where am I? I think to myself as I struggle to move. Its like the darkness is an invisible box. I can't move, I can't see.
I should've ended it! I think darkly, my voice laughing hysterically, echoing from my thoughts. "Let me out!" I scream against the darkness. I keep screaming until a bright light shines and covers me. I look around, straining my eyes against the new light, there are no doors or exits, shelves line the windowless walls, gas cans are scattered along the stairs. I look up, defeated from the lack of exits. I stare at the silhouetted figure. It's a man, his built shoulders and stocky frame illuminated from the light behind him.
"I don't like screaming." He said, his voice deep and agitated. He rushes down the stairs and comes closer to me. I flinch away and notice I'm chained against the wall. I start to panic, and scream even more. I don't know if anyone can hear me but I'm screaming just when I'm knocked unconscious.
~~~~~~~~~

I wake up, the darkness choking me and I scream. I scream and scream in the room. I'm trapped! He's still got me! I freak out, until the door swings open again. I stare and scream again at the figure, "let me go! I didn't do anything! I won't tell!"

The figure rushes over to me and holds me against his solid chest. I sob uncontrollably and take a chance. I pushed him to the floor and ran, the light blinding me as I fumble for the stairs. I run until I reach the door. I scramble for the locks and take off into the street.

I notice houses, lots of houses. They line the street, I scream at the top of my lungs, "HELP! FIRE!"

My voice is hoarse, and I started to doubt if anyone was listening. No lights came on, no one came rushing out from their homes.

"Lisa?" A voice calls. I recognise the voice, the smooth and alluring voice. I look at the source and he flinched from me. I took a step forward, running to him. I knew him, he knew me, he could help.

The mysterious man holds me and I cry, "he took me. I escaped." I cried, not making any sense. I had to warn him about the kidnapper, he was behind me, we had to go.

He held me for a second until someone walked out. I clutched his shirt, afraid to let go.

"Lisa?" Someone cooed.

I froze, immediately recognising the worried voice. I looked up at the man I was clutching and remembered where I was. Who I was clutching like a lost child.

Andrew smiled sweetly, his smile not reaching his eyes.

I let go and looked at Nick who seemed frightened and relieved at the same time. I hugged myself and sped walked to the house. I felt so dumb.

The nightmare seemed so real, it made me panic and act on instinct to get away. I didn't know what to do.

I walked through the front door to be greeted by red, worried, sleepy eyes. I didn't say anything as I walked to my bedroom. I locked the door and for the first time, since I was six, I slept with the light on.