Shadows of Darkness

Shadows of Darkness

My dreams are never actually dreams. They're always the same – a soothing white fog. Endless walking, aimless and unhurried. It's so peaceful I want to stay there forever. The shock of the alarm clock or my father’s voice would rouse me each day to instant wakefulness, fearful of his anger. Another day of pain would begin.

When my sleep is disturbed this time, however, it isn’t to the early gray of morning. The room is blanketed in the shadows of darkness. Invisible hands brush against me, pulling and tugging at my clothes. I lay still and keep my eyes squeezed shut. My heart beats in my chest so hard I can hear it in my ears. I struggle to breathe slow and even, feigning sleep.

What’s happening? Where am I? Father? Don’t touch me! Leave me alone!

The hands begin to tug harder, trying to pull me over onto my back. The familiar scent of aftershave, alcohol, and sweat threatens to gag me. I force myself to remain limp, letting my body flop uselessly. The hands become insistent, pulling harder. Tears burn behind my tightly closed eyes as my clothes are moved aside. Clammy hands touch my bare skin. I whimper and scoot away toward the edge of the bed.

No! I’m asleep… I’m asleep… I’m asleep. Don’t touch me. Oh God, please, Father, don’t touch me again.

“Shhh..” his whisper drifts through the shadows of darkness. “I won’t hurt you.”

Icicles of fear stab my insides and I begin to tremble. I make it to the edge of the bed and stand.

If I can just get away. Please, let me get away.

Keeping my eyes closed tight, I move around the end of the bed and hurry into the bathroom. I close the door and turn on the light. The mirror reflects my pale complexion, bright green eyes wide and staring. Alternating black and white tiles reflect in the mirror’s vision. I reach behind me and push the locking mechanism on the door, slowly, so it won’t click. I sink down against the cool tile, bare legs on the floor. Soon, I curl up on the floor, tears leaking from my eyes as I stare at the tile.

I doze off and on, dreamless, until I jerk awake a few minutes later, heart racing, goose bumps of fear across my arms. The doorknob rattles uselessly as I hold my breath. Hours later and shivering from having lain on the cold tile for so long, I open the bathroom door, peering out. The bed sheets are crumpled in a heap at the foot of the empty bed.

Did I dream it? Was it all a dream?

I move to the window and draw aside the curtains. Bright sunshine greets my tired eyes. For now, the shadows of darkness are banished.

Word Count: 456
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AUTHOR NOTES ▼

This is a rough draft of a contest entry for Coloring the World contest. The prompt is "Shadows of Darkness", which must be used in the title and the body of the piece. No more than 500 words. I revised this on 2/6/09 to be present tense as I feel this makes it more immediate and emotionally engaging. I would appreciate any and all comments regarding this piece, not only for the contests sake but because this is a real life experience that I've never been able to write about until this prompt. It's a personal piece, I have no problem shredding it in order to bring forth the true emotions. Thanks for your help!