Found

Screams

I know, I know. Where have you been Laura? Simple answer: School. Long answer: The bucket loads of drama, homework, exams and anxiety. Yay? I'm glad that my Christmas holidays have started and that disastrous term has ended. I should be able to update more now, sorry for the wait, can I blame it on writer's block? Anyway, have a good day! Byee! *Clap**Clap*  

It was a pounding that began first. Thump after thump climbing over the wall I had built inside my head. It stuck it's finger into my thoughts, digging around before it pulled each piece of hope I have ever possessed, licking its finger dry. 

The screams kept coming. Everyday. But then there were more screams. 

I knew who they were. 

Josh. 

Ben. 

Will. 

Georgia. 

Diana. 

Bash. 

Aaron.

And I couldn't do anything about it. 

-.x.-

Until I screamed. I took white fabric into my hands, covering my head as I screamed. I couldn't breathe, my chest tightened with each second that passed - my head spiralling as I took in where I was. 

A door flung open and a figure raced towards me, grabbing my limbs in their hands. I screamed once more, hoping the sudden sound might make them let go. I struggled in their grip as they pulled me into their lap. 

I wanted to keep fighting back, but I was too weak. The person made a shushing noise, stroking my head as my breathing slowed. Eventually, it was back to normal but I gasped for one more lungful of air before my vision blurred with tears that had begun to prick my eyes. 

The arms around me swayed from side to side slightly, whispering into my ears. "It's okay Grace, it's okay..." 

I looked down to their veiny hands to the gold wedding band curled around their finger, and I reached to touch it, turning it on their finger. I couldn't speak. I didn't have to. "Another nightmare?" 

I nodded my head into their chest. It had been the third this week. They were so real, the nightmares, sneaking up to me when I had my back turned. "I'm sorry I woke you." 

They made me look at their face, behind them an open window framing the night sky. "It's what dads are for."

I didn't sleep again that night, the fear of having to hear those screams and be able to nothing to help barred me from sleep. It was too dangerous to sleep. But it was also too dangerous not to sleep. 

I would not sleep well for a long time.