Red String Nightmares, Part 2

(This is a continuation of an earlier article: Red String Nightmares, Part 1.)

The one time my life has ever remotely mirrored Hollywood, was that night. The typical nightmare sequence.

My eyes snapped open and every muscle in my body was tense as I snapped up. It took me a moment to realize I was panting heavily and my heart beat pounded in my ears. I gripped at the sheets as, in my confusion and darkness, I tried to remember where I was. Shakily I reached out a hand to flip on my lamp and the dark blue walls of my tiny room slowly came into focus. Sweat ran down my face and made me shiver as it was cooled by frigid blasts of the air conditioning.

I started to remember. Little snapshots of a faceless man with a large laughing mouth. He came at me with fingers like putty that only tangled around me the more I struggled. Silent screams poured from my mouth with no one to feel them. Before or since. I could feel the strength of his arms. Smell his sweat. See every pore on his face. It had felt so real and I was terrified. I needed to make it go away. I needed to stop seeing him behind my eyelids. I needed to tell someone. But who would be awake at 4:41 a.m. to answer my call?

I opened my laptop frantically, groping at straws that someone would be there to help me. And I did not hope in vain for there, when I signed in, was exactly the name I’d hoped for. Sabrael D. Carroll is online.

I told him, shared the whole dream. He didn’t tell me it was a silly fear, he didn’t tell me everything would be ok, he didn’t tell me to try and go back to sleep. He distracted me.

He filled my head with pictures of Autumn Arias, he told me secrets and plans, and we geeked out over role plays and cosplay ideas. It doesn’t seem like much and even looking back on the transcription of the conversation, it wasn’t much. But it was exactly what I needed. He was there for me and he helped me forget.

Sab and I both have problems with sleep. He has a tendency for insomnia and I for nightmares. That was the first time I called on Sab but it was not the last. It gives me more courage knowing I don’t have to face the night alone.

So until next time snuggle your webcams when they have bad dreams and have a great weekend!

P.S. I had a ton of fun working on the Thanksgiving post with you last week! I always like writing with you and can’t wait til we get to do it again. Don’t feel bad about missing Monday. There were buses and pies and volcanic coffees to distract you. I’m sure you’ll write a great on next week. Also thank you for taking care of me this week in my infirmities and being patient with my random lapses in consciousness. I love you dearest and I’m looking forward to spending a nice, relaxing weekend with you. <3