Through the Ashes

I walk through a huge garden, running my hands over differently engraved stone benches that line the courtyard in the center of the garden. Willow tree branches hang low the ground and ivy branches snake along the stone pathway. The color seems muted almost, like someone turned down the saturation dial on the universe. I bend down and study the white flowers that grow prettily in a stone pot. 'Lovely,' I want to say, but my voice comes out a hoarse whisper. I rub my throat gingerly and notice something strange with my fingers. I hold my hands out towards the sky, finding they're transparent, almost invisible against the starry night sky that's lit up by the moon. Wait. I've barley seen more than 10 stars in my entire night, let alone the moon. I've only seen pictures of that. With pollution fog and clouds clogging the sky, this could never happen. A giant shadow appears overhead. I quickly stand up and take a few steps backward, attempting a glimpse at my potential attacker.

I want to scream at what I see. My voice catches in my throat and I simply stand there, my mouth hanging open. What I see is terrifying: A giant man wrapped in what appears to be many animal pelts looms above me. A giant scarf wrapped around his neck hangs loosely over the furs. The left half of his face has flesh hanging off and his bone and teeth are visible, creating a cruel smile. His hair hangs off in clumps and blood slowly drips down the side of his face. A tiny girl with pale skin in a white hat and dress sits on his shoulder. She raises her hands and her eyes glow a bright purple. A large gloved hand reaches down to me and grabs my neck and I scream-

I bolt up in bed, sweat coating my body and hair sticking to my face. Tears slowly drip down my face and onto my shaking hands. I groan and drag my hands over my face, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. The memories of a dream are practically gone and all that's left is a remnant of a terrified feeling. I swing my legs over the side of the bed and as quickly and quietly as I can, slip into the small bathroom down the hall. I slowly shut the door and reach towards the ceiling. When I feel the small switch on the lamp, I turn it. The large flame flickers to life and I squint, adjusting to the bright light.

I turn to the mirror and grimace at my image. My hazel eyes appear lifeless and my dark skin is slick with perspiration. My thick black hair has bunched together, the small tight ringlets caught in tangles. Better fix this now. I gingerly thread my fingers through my hair and wince every time is catches a tangle. I eventually give up when a tear forms in my eyes, and I grab what I came here for. Opening the cabinet, I push multiple toiletries aside before spotting my insomnia medicine in the back. I used to have night terrors pretty bad and I would stay up all night. I gradually got better after I started taking medicine but the doctor said there's always a chance it could come back. It should help me fall asleep after a dream like that. I pop into my mouth two blue and white pills, dry swallowing them. I massage my throat and walk back to my room, dragging my feet as I do. I collapse onto the bed and fold my hands over my stomach.

I toss and turn in bed but eventually, the pills do their magic and the sleepy feeling is overwhelming. I fall into the first deep, restful sleep I've had in years.

Rrrrr! Rrrrr! Rrrrr!

I flop over in bed, swinging my hand onto the desk and slapping my hand over the alarm. The ringing stops and I sit up, a frosty draft already making its way into my room. I rub my hands together and over my arms, trying to warm up while I rush to get on my clothes. I pull on leather pants, a red muslin shirt, and a leather vestlet. I'm about to pull on my arm braces when I remember, today's my day off. Finally! I eye my pistol and decide to slip it into the holster. In this world, you can never be too safe. Besides, I might go to the training center and shoot a couple rounds.

"Morning, Sammy," Ryan smiles, patting me on the back. "Were you walking around last night? Thought I heard some noise."

"Yeah, I was just getting something to drink." I hate to mislead Ryan, but I know she'll smother me if she finds out what happened.