Haunting Nightmare

Chapter 5: Truly Alone

Colby

I get it, Sam needs time and space. But I miss him so much. I miss all of it. I need a distraction, something to do besides sit around doing nothing but stare at my phone and think of Sam. I research some places to go and settle on an Air BnB that people are saying is haunted. Apparently, someone committed suicide there. It might not be ideal but I have to do something.

Third Person

Colby wants a sign that there's something more out there, some greater meaning. He's desperate. He's not in a good place and is restless. He told Jake that's he's going and Jake tried to convince him not to go alone. Colby refused. He feels like he needs to do this. He packs his backpack and heads to the house. He arrives and explores before settling in for the night. He sets up in the attic and starts trying to communicate, asking for a sign. Almost at once, he starts hearing noises from outside the attic. He grabs his phone and a flashlight to go investigate. When he gets down, he's sees that the door to the house is open. Somewhat worried, he pulls out his phone. He searches the house. He doesn't find anything but hears voices outside. Scared, he heads back to the attic and locks the door. His finger hovers over Sam's contact before facetiming Jake.

"Colby, you alright?"

His heart breaks at that because that's what Sam would ask first.

"I'm scared. There's lots of noises."

"Why did you go alone? You should come home," Jake says.

"I can't. I need proof," Colby says.

"This isn't safe Colby."

"I'll check in later. I'm going to try to sleep."

Sam

I overheard Colby and Jake's conversation. I can't believe he would be so reckless.

"Sam?"

"Why did he go alone?" I ask, my voice breaking. "It's not safe. I need to go to him. Where is he?"

"I know Sam, but he's checking in. He wants to be alone."

"I have to go to him," I say, holding back tears.

"He'll be back soon. Try to get some sleep, you can stay here."

Jake heads to his bedroom and I lay back on the couch but I can't sleep. I'm so worried about Colby.

Finally, it gets close to the time Colby will be home and I head to the lobby. I pace, waiting for him to get home. He comes in around seven and I drag him up to my apartment.

"Never do that again! What were you thinking?" I demand.

"You don't control me!" he shouts.

"Do you know how worried I was? That wasn't safe at all! What if something happened to you?"

He mumbles, "no one would care."

"I would. I would care, Colby."

I try to hug him, but he doesn't seem to want comfort and runs upstairs to his apartment.

I wake up the next morning and head over to Colby's apartment. I knock but there is no response. Worried, I head to Jake's to get the spare key. I quickly explain and he hands me the key. I unlock his door and hope he didn't do the unthinkable. I find him in his bed, fast asleep with dried tears on his face. I'm writing a note for him when he wakes up.

"What are you doing here Sam?!"

"I... you didn't answer and I..."

"Leave," he says.

"Okay, sorry."

Note

I hope you're okay. I was so worried about you yesterday. I-

I run out, tears stinging my eyes. I head to a side stairway and break down, pulling my knees to my chest. I don't know how long I sat there before someone found me. And of course, it's Colby.

"Sam, what are you doing?"

"I'm going."

"Why were you crying?" he asks, sitting down next to me.

"Because you hate me," I say.

"I don't."

"Please don't lie to me," I say.

"I'm not. I'm just not in a good place."

"I'm sorry I bothered you," I say, sniffling.

He wraps his arms around me.

"Have you slept lately?"

"2 nights ago," I admit.

"You didn't sleep last night?"

"I was too worried," I say.

"I'm sorry. Come on," he says, offering his hand to me.

"Where?"

"Food and sleep," he says, leading me to his apartment.