The Badlands

-Phoenix-

I’ve been here before. The details are hazy to me. But I still see it. There is something calling me. I see it in my dreams.

I saw them last night.

I was a child again. This time I was in the woods. Dead trees surrounded me. It’s so quiet. Almost too quiet. I looked around. There’s someone calling me. I turned around. There’s someone calling me. I turned around.

No one. There’s no one there. My stomach turned. I knew I wasn’t alone. My breath hitched in my throat. No. I don’t want to go back there. Don’t make me go back there.

I shut my eyes. A hand rested on my shoulder. My body tensed up. I didn’t dare turn around. Then comes the whispering. I can’t hear anything around me. But I knew what it was saying.

Don’t be afraid. Go inside. She’s waiting for you there.

I shook my head.

“No!” My voice made no sound. Another hand grabbed my shoulder.

Let me go. Please let me go.

I tried to look behind me. Nothing. There was nothing there. But I couldn’t move. I clutched my stuffed bear to my chest.

Go in. She’s waiting for you. Go in. Go in.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

No!

And then I am alone again. I opened my eyes. And then, I woke up.

This dream has been newer compared to the others I’ve had. I lay in my bed covered in sweat. I shut my eyes and cursed myself. I don’t like this. I don’t like it at all.