Hanging Doll

I knew I wasn’t on anything. Something held me by the shoulders. My skin felt so cold. My head felt like it was underwater. I think someone’s calling me.

“Hey! Hey! Hey!”

I slowly opened my eyes. It’s still dark. I don’t know where I am. My head felt fuzzy. Fingertips gently brushed my cheek.

“Aw.”

Hm? I lifted my head. Who’s there? I could barely see.

“Hey. Are you okay?”

Familiar. She seems… so familiar. Wait… she? Is it a she? It must be. I feel so cold.

There’s something else I can hear. I can’t make out what it is. It’s so far away. I wanted to reach out but I couldn’t. I can’t move. I shouldn’t be here. I have to get back!

But I can’t move.

“Shhh! Shhh! Shhh!”

Fingertips brushed my cheek. No…

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you. It’s okay. It’s okay.”

I went still. My chin was lifted. Giggling filled my ears.

“Mine!”

No!

I couldn’t move. Something held me in place. I don’t want this. Let me go. Suddenly, my spine went stiff.

“Yes. That’s it. Give yourself to me.”

I still couldn’t see who was in front of me. There was nothing there. My body felt weightless as I was held in place.

“Let her go!”

“What?”

Cuts appeared on my arms and legs. It felt like something or someone was stabbing my torso. I couldn’t scream. I felt like I was going to choke. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die!

“Let her go now!”

“No!”

“Let my sister go!”

What? Sister? I felt myself choking. The grip loosened on my body.

“No!” They tried to hold onto me. They didn’t let me go. I don’t know who they are. Why do they want me? I opened my mouth.

“I want to go home.” Did that come out of my mouth? It sounded like my voice. It felt like I moved my mouth. There came a sudden thud in my chest. I let out a deep gasp. I was dropping into the darkness as I started losing consciousness.