Darrius sat in bed shivering in cold sweat. Why did this happen to him almost every night??
Ever since graduating high school the same
dark, and down right creepy nightmares
plagued his sleep. Why couldn't he get at least a few good nights? Glancing at the mirror sitting in the shadows, he felt chilled and sweat dripped from his face. The nightmare surfaced again in his mind. Darrius thought about how the nightmares always seemed unfolded.
Darrius would be looking into his mirror and
notice a strange bulge next to his temple. He
moved closer to the mirror and upon
examining the lump, brought his fingers to
his face. The fingers burn red hot on... no
into his skin. Darrius ripped his hand away,
his skin peeled back with his hand as though
glue had been applied. His stripped skin
exposed the skull underneath. The visual
scarred into his mind, a red glow escaped
the edges of his eyes and creases of his
face. Aunt Leda stood in his doorway, Leda's
eyes and mouth open in surprise stretching
ever wider until Darrius woke..
* * *
Maybe he should consider moving his mirror.
In the six months since Darrius graduated the nightmares continued night after night. Leda thought it was because he had lost his parents so young; he didn't attribute the loss to his nightmares. Instead maybe it was his own disappointments?
For reasons not fully known to Darrius, he always believed his succes would arrive quicker than others'. He was considered extremely bright for his age, and had even graduated valedictorian. However even with all the pressure to be successful, he suspected the need for a vacation... Everyone lived such boring and mundane lifestyles. Maybe getting away would be good for his mental health?
Darrius made up his mind to talk with his Aunt as soon as his morning routine was over.
* * *
Biking was a luxury for Darrius. He could cycle as hard as his body would allow him, until he was breathless, his heart pumping, and sweat running down his face. On the flip side he could also switch to a motor installation and glide effortlessly through the mountains. Today the lakes were glistening in the morning sun with all the magnificence of life and change. Darrius believed it was one of the best cures for his stress. The wind gently pressed against him and for just a moment, he thought he heard gentle singing.
Strange