Once Upon A Mind

Still Breathing

Preparations are made the next day. The woman I met before gives us enough cash to feed us for another five months, and promises free food and a place to sleep when we come back. She was sympathetic when she heard about Alex's predicament, and wished us the best luck on finding our missing pieces. 

"But be careful," she warned us, "The boys you're looking for might not be the only thing you find." Before I could ask her what she meant, she had waved us off, laughing, "Have a good time kids." 

The world disappeared in a flash. Suddenly I was in a bright white room, with a familiar face hovering above me. I couldn't quite place who it was, my vision was uncharacteristically blurry.  I knew that face though, I just couldn't. . .

My surroundings were back to normal. I was once again looking down at a carpet of leaves and twigs, mixed in with assorted trash. Rubbing my temple and wondering what just happened, I lifted my gaze. 

I jumped back in shock. Instead of eyes everyone had gaping black holes in their heads. Their dripping inky smiles fell off their faces as they opened their distorted mouths. Their garbled voices arose as a chorus, hushed and deafening at the same time. 

When  a little girl goes to sleep
Who knows if she will rise? 
A fitful sleep
Forever behind closed eyes 
Little girl, little girl, get out of bed
Little girl, little girl ignore the bleeding red
Of the lies you painted on yourself 

Can figure out my riddle, in time to save your life?
Your time here grows shorter, fading like the light
This isn't a death threat, only a promise to come true
Little girl, I'm telling you to 

Open

Your 

Eyes

The flickering creatures with the hollow eyes laughed as one, ending the warning. They began advancing toward me shakily, wobbling on their disfigured legs. My pulse sped up and for a moment I thought I would faint. A ripple spread through the crowd and they jerked to a halt. 

The hag that commanded the masses in my nightmares sweeps her hand to the side and the mutants fall away from beside her. She steps through the scattered forms and looks me in the eye. 

I wait for her to speak but she just giggles to herself. I open my mouth to yell at her, but the world flashes once more. Everyone is back to normal and looking at me with concern. 

I realize that I'm lying on the ground, and struggle to get up. My head is pounding and blood drips from a gash that no doubt came from a stray stick or twig. 

"Aria?" Alex asks cautiously, "What happened?"

"I," I mutter, "I don't know."

She gives me a look, and motions me forward to talk to her away from the group. 

"What really happened?" She whispered in my ear. 

"Another dream," I sighed.

"But you were awake," she mutters confused, "Is that even possible?"

"I don't. . .know." I reply.

She shakes her head, "I guess it doesn't really matter right now. It's time to get going."

With that, we say our good-yes and head out. I don't know where we're going but I'm going to make it worth it.