Haunting Dreams

• Imogen Sykes, Grade 7
• Short Story
• 2018

I woke to the sound of humming. It never stopped. It just kept humming. I pulled myself from the cold, smooth floor. From behind me I heard a lock turning. Click, click, click, it went. Then a sudden flash of light. I looked behind me and saw a huge man. I stand to run but find I can't. My ankles and wrists are tied. I try to scream for help but again I can't. I am gagged. All you can hear is my sobs and his heavy boots creeping closer.
I woke up sweating and screaming. My Mum is sitting next to me stroking my hair. I sit up and cry into her shoulder.
"It's ok, sweetheart. Mummy's here now. It was just a nightmare." She repeated over and over again until I stopped crying. She went downstairs and filled the kettle up. Just as I heard Mum turn the kettle on, my window slid open behind me. I jerked my head to what was behind me. The thing I saw was a meaty hand curl up and hit me in the face.
I woke to the sound of humming. It never stopped. It just kept humming. I pulled myself from the cold, smooth floor. From behind me, I heard a lock turning. Click, click, click, it went. Then a sudden flash of light. I looked behind me and saw a huge silhouette standing there looking. He walks out of the light and towards me. I stand to run but find I can't. My ankles and wrists are tied. I try to scream for help but again I can't. I am gagged. All you can hear is my sobs and their heavy boots creeping closer.
"You will pay for your mistakes,” a gruff voice whispered tauntingly. I tried to ask what mistakes, but it came out in little muffles. He laughs, getting closer still walking at a steady slow pace, daring me to be scared. Then I realise this is my dream.
"This isn't a dream sweetheart," he calls mimicking my mother. I see I am holding something clenched in my fist. I open it up hoping some good will come out of it. A swiss army knife. YES! I flick it open and cut myself free from what is bounding my wrists and ankles. I close it and tuck it in my pocket. I just want to get out of here and never return.
"Time to pay!" my kidnapper screeches at me. He runs straight at me, but I am too fast and full of adrenalin for him to catch me. I reach the door and leap through. I slam it shut behind me. I will never stop running. Then I see a human being. I collapse at their feet. It's my Mum.
I have still never left my Mum's side in two years, I don't think I ever will.