Short Stories

Nightmares

I woke up covered in sweat. My hands were wet, and my blanket was damp. Streams of sweat streaked down my face. I turned to the clock, which read around 12pm. It was difficult to read because of how dark the room was but was visible due to the small ring of yellow light circling the letters.

I sat up, scrunching my legs to my chest. I could feel my heart beating in my chest. The pace was faster than normal. Something had happened, again.

Why do I keep waking up like this? What is happening to me? I ask myself for what is probably the third time tonight. It was starting to become a daily occurrence, waking up multiple nights weekly. I don't know why.

My friend said it just happens; it's a normal thing people go through. This doesn't feel... normal though. These recurring nightmares are all too familiar, like a distant memory long forgotten. I just can't figure out why I feel like this.

I laid back down. Despite everything, there wasn't much I could do to figure this out. I've tried everything, therapy, social interaction, talking to a doctor, but nobody can find out what's wrong.

Closing my eyes, I tried to go back to sleep. I know it will take a while, fear is still fresh in my mind, but I'll need to get used to it someday.