Chereads / A Lonely Short Story Collection / Chapter 3 - Reawakened Memories

Chapter 3 - Reawakened Memories

Michael awoke in a sweat, his face pale. He had the same dream for over a year now. It was always about his missing mother or was it something else? He could not remember no matter how hard he tried.

Downstairs his father had already left. Michael was alone, he was always alone. His father was always gone or at least never spoke directly to him ever since the incident. His memory of the incident was extremely unclear almost like a fog covered his mind but one thing he could remember, one thing that stuck with him, clinging on his mind was the scream, that damn scream that always haunted him, echoing in his dreams. It was almost like he could hear it now. Wait. He was hearing it; it wasn't only in his mind anymore. He could hear it loud and clear.

Michael jumped up from his bed trying to pinpoint where it was coming from eventually he decided it was from below. Michael quickly made his way down rushing to find it, his steps though faltered slightly as he saw something he never thought was possible, a secret door in his own home. His mind raced with countless thought, just what was his father hiding?

Completely stopping he stared at the stone door seemingly intricate in design. His hand touched the cold stone, a shiver running down his spine. With a deep breath he opened the door.

A smell of iron came from within almost like blood. Michael gulped, maybe it was blood. Looking downwards he could see a trail of crimson. Hesitantly he entered the through door fear gnawing at his mind. Through the hallway he saw it, a body perfectly preserved. Its mouth was wide open screaming. Memories of that day came fresher than ever before and everything clicked. He had remembered.

He was six when he saw it, his father had killed her. His mother. She had screamed for mercy, she had screamed for help as he watched and did nothing. He watched as his father hid the body, he had watched when his father saw him and he had listened when his father told him to forget everything. Michael gripped his hands till it bled remembering his sins. He remembered that day, that terrible day perfectly. He remembered what his father had said.

"Listen son forget everything you have seen," His father had whispered.

"But, but mommy is gone now!" Michael said tears in his eyes.

"Shut the hell up!" His father yelled before softening, "just forget everything, and act like nothing happened, OK?"

Michael silently nodded, fighting his tears from falling.

The screams grew louder knocking him awake from his memories. Maybe, maybe it was for the best to forget. Yes it was for the best. Michael turned his back on the body screaming, no screeching for vengeance and ran out of the room. Running again like a coward he was. Eventually he reached his room. He would sleep again and tomorrow he would forget, yes he would forget once again. Michael slept his mind drifting away.