02: Nightmare

 

“That was NOT something from a bedtime story,” Karima said. “It was more like something you’d read to scare the living daylights out of a child. Who would invite the reaper into their home?”

“Someone unafraid of death and dying,” Kalene smiled. “That was an ok one but I agree with Karima, I’d never read it to a child…unless they annoyed me.”

“Then I should invite you to my sister’s house sometime. It would be a great read for my niece and nephew,” Daijah laughed. 

“Hey before we continue, what are the sleeping arrangements here?” Nancy asked looking around the room. “I mean I know you said bring sleeping bags or air mattresses, but are we really sleeping on the floors?”

“Well, there are bedrooms upstairs and they do have beds. But I’d not trust sleeping on them myself. I brought tons of clean sheets, blankets and dust trappers, but the frames themselves look a bit unsteady,” Daijah replied. “If you’d like we can arrange the beds so you don’t have to sleep on the floors. The couches and chairs are in great condition though; I brought these with since we’ll be spending plenty of time in this room.”

“Does this place even have running water? I need a hot shower before bed. Just sitting here is making my skin crawl. Why did you choose this house of all places?” Leah asked.

“Because this Junker has a bit of history which we’ll learn more about as we spend time within these walls. Don’t worry though Leah, this place will grow on you, I guarantee it! And yes, we have fresh running water as well as a month’s worth of food, fun and privacy.”

“Privacy?” Nedra’s eyebrows went up. “Aren’t there neighbors or something? This island can’t be completely empty.”

“No, not completely; but I doubt you’d want to bother any of the ‘natives’. And did no one notice the ferry that brought you all over is out of commission until the 3^rd of next month? We are basically stranded here until that time…that is unless anyone feels like swimming.”

“I didn’t notice a thing!” Quiana spoke. “I was ready to turn around when I saw that boat, Jill had to take over the wheel at that point. I completely froze up, me and water aren’t friends and I hated the idea of having to cross it to get here!”

“She had her eyes closed the entire time. I swear she was about to pass out,” Jill added. “Did you know she had a fear of the water, Daijah?”

She smiled. “I did but it’s October, Halloween; what’s this season about if it’s not facing your fears or being as scared as you could ever possibly be?”

“Well I know my fear and I also know there’s no way I’d ever have to face it here. So I’m ok with any other types of scares you think you can get me with.”

“Good. It’s more fun that way right? Using your fear is just a cheap trick,” she laughed. “Ok let’s keep it going, we’ll rotate in the circle which means Kalene, you have the honor of the next tale. And make it a good one; we’ll get setup for the night after this one!”

She grabbed the book from the table and again the book flipped to a poem on its own. “How are you doing that?” she glanced over at Daijah’s grin.

“I’m not, maybe it’s the wind. Which did you get?”

“Nightmare; perfect before bed right?”

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"Beneath the shadows of your bed
Lies something dark and something dead
peek carefully above the covers dear
Or else you’ll find new reason to fear."

“Try and stay safe within your sheet
blanket wrapped around you neat
fearful dreams awaken you with a start
as horror grips tight in your heart.”

“Nothing here is what it seems
Evils lurk within your dreams
waiting for the day to escape
and your life for them to take

You sense a presence in your room
a waking terror fresh from the tomb
not a sound is made as the darkness looms
and in it dwells your certain doom.”


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