'Help!'
My eyes shot open immediately, I could feel my whole body drenched in sweat, my pillow and bed sheets got damp in the process of it.
Sitting up straight I tried my best to calm my beating heart and get breath steady, I was panting afraid I was still in my dream, my room was dark. The only thing that was noticeable is the moon that shone through my curtains.
Wanting to get out of bed as I began to feel nauseous, I flinched feeling the cold floor but endured anyway.
Pushing the door to the toilet, my hair stuck to my forehead with sweat, my face slightly pale and chapped lips.
Shaking my head trying to get all those images out of my mind. Gripping the sink and looking right into my eyes through the mirror.
'This is me,'
'I'm strong...'
Sigh.
It's been awhile since I had those nightmares haunting me, I even forgot I had them when I first came here, but they just appeared again.
Splashing my face with cold water, even though I would have it turned to warm, but I knew it could refreshen me.
Stripping out of previous clothes, I had to get a new one now I would get sick if I stayed in them any longer. Also pulling a new pair of bed sheets since I did sweat a lot it was bound to get wet too.
Pulling the duvet and pillows out of bed I let them scattered on the floor. Stripping the sheets off, I could get the energy to get the new sheets neatly tucked so I just spread it everywhere, took the nearest pillow, grabbed the duvet and got back to sleep.
I wish I could, I wish there was some way to get back to sleep but my mind couldn't stop replaying the nightmare.
Sigh.
My eyes kept flickering to my nightstand where my phone was placed with my journal and pens, journaling was one way to help me, but I was exhausted to write anything.
Reaching out to the slim device it lit up automatically and my eyes had to adjust to the brightness. Going to my contacts, I searched up a name. 'Dragonslayer'. I chuckled at the name I missed dearly, but looking at the time, it would be too early for him too.
My fingers hover the number and hesitated 'Oh fuck it' I dialled the number anyways.
After a few rings, it was connected. There was a deep groan on the other side as if he had just woke up, I mean I bet he did, looking at the current time now.
"Kira?" the guy called with a raspy voice, sounding confused as why I would call him this late.
I let out a chuckle. "Hi, Aden."
"What's wrong?" he asked, sounding fully awake, knowing something was up.
"I- uh- They're back.." I started not knowing how to explain it.
"What's back- Oh."
This time I let out a shaky laugh.
"Want to talk about it?" He asked.
I shook my head, but I forgot he couldn't see me. "Maybe later."
"Alright then. Go wash up."
"I did,"
"Ok, since I'm not there, tuck yourself into bed. Now close your eyes."
"You're a strong unicorn." He added knowing it would make me smile, and I did.
Doing as I was told I snuggled close to the duvet.
And he started.
"Let's go in the garden,
You'll find something waiting,
Right there where you left it,
Laying upside down,
When you finally find it,
You'll see how it's faded,
The underside is lighter when you turn it around,
Everything stays right where you left it,
Everything stays,
But it all changes,
Ever so slightly,
Daily and nightly,
In little ways,
Where everything stays.
Go down to the ocean,
The crystal tide is rising,
The water's gotten higher as the shore washes out,
Keep your eyes wide open,
Even when the sun is blazin'
The moon controls the tide,
It can cause you to drown.
Everything stays,
Right where you left it,
Everything stays,
But it all changes,
Ever so slightly,
Daily and nightly,
In little ways,
When everything stays.
The past will stay behind.
Now, sleep tight princess."
-
Feeling a light stroke in my hair, I leaned to it. I went and blinked my eyes open, glancing at the figure next to me. Sarah had a faint smile, but the worry in her eyes told me everything. I gave her a wide grin as if nothing bad had happened. I sat up and hugged her tight. Usually, she'd be annoyed by this, but she knows I needed it right now.
She combs my hair with her slender fingers and hummed.
"Want to take the day off?" she asked softly.
"From life?" I asked her jokingly.
She flicked my head and rolled her eyes. "No you dummy, I meant from school." There was a flight flash of emotion in her eyes as if knowing I was serious.
Sarah sighs.
"Sure, that's cool too," I told her, shrugging my shoulders.
Standing up from where she sat, she patted my head for the last time like I was some puppy.
"I'm making breakfast, go take a shower." And she walked out.
After finishing, I lazily stroll to the kitchen. The familiar scent of pancakes in the air makes me smile. Sitting up on the stool I drizzled it with some chocolate sauce and began to dig in.
"I have to go to morning class, you ok being here yourself?" she asked worriedly.
I nodded as I began to stuff my face with pancakes.
"I also called your professor, he said get well soon." With a pat on my head, she went out leaving me in thoughts. 'What am I going to do today?'
Finishing up, I placed the plate on the sink and washed it. Going up to the fridge I looked for a certain drink. Grabbing the blueberry yoghurt drink, I stabbed the straw in and I sipped the sweet yet sour drink.
Getting back to my room I got my laptop out and went to video call someone. Searching for their contact I dialled it. Not long it was connected.
"Honey where my tie- KIRA!" The man shouted in joy.
"Papa!" I called. Guilt rushed to me reminding me I haven't called them, and the last time I did was the first day I arrived here.
Tears swelled in my eyes, sniffing my nose I tried my best not to let it show.
"Aw darling Kira don't cry, we miss you," you could almost hear the sadness in his voice.
Wiping away the tears that escaped "I'm sorry I haven't called you all back papa,"
"No worries squirrel, all we need to know is that your having fun there, yeah?"
Nodding my head as a wide grin grew on my face, "It's really nice here, I made lots of friends and well I love it,"
"That's great to hear darling!" My dad beamed.
"Kira sweetie! Is that you?" My mum appeared on the screen as she snatched the phone from dad.
Giggling at her antics, "Mama!"
Next thing I knew we spent a good hour with me telling my stories here, how I met my friends, how uni was and I got in the basket team.
It was tempting enough to speak about last night but I resisted, I didn't want them worrying more about me, I just wanted them to see me happy here enjoying everything.
"Well, we need to go Darling. Y'know doing our duties." Papa laughed.
Sighing I nodded sadly but smiled, "But I'll call you guys on the weekends!"
"Sounds great sweetie," And we bid goodbye.
Whilst I'm at it I might as well call someone else. And this time they immediately connected.
"UNICORN!" the voice called.
"MERMEN!" I squealed excitedly as his face appeared.
These nicknames sound so childish, I mean we did name each other when we were five but we never really mind the nicknames we still call each other with, it brings a lot of memories.
Studying my best friend's appearance, his blonde hair grew longer but they were merely swept back as if he ran his fingers through them.
"It's been a while, nice hair by the way" I smirked knowing that he was just darn lazy to go to the barber's.
"We'll look at you Miss I-am-now-on-my-own, how's Malay?"
"It's great really, you and Aden should come here sometimes. How's Australia?"
Jerry and I talked for a while, catching up with each other until he had to go to classes.
'It's different now, they have their own lives. Why am I still like this?' I thought.
And lastly, I called one of my older brothers, Raja.
"Raja," I called out, yearning for his warm hugs he loves to give.
"It's been a while, little rainbow."
"I'm not a kid Raj," I whined at him.
"But you still are in my eyes. So how's school?"
"You mean Uni. It's fun." I corrected him.
"Why do you grow so fast? A second ago you were still in primary, now you're in University." He groaned, not like the fact his little sis isn't little anymore.
"Now tell me has anyone bothered you? How're your classes? Did you make friends? Still taking basketball?"
"No one is bothering me, my class is alright, yes I made loads of friends, and of course I'm still taking a basket I'm already in before the try-out ends which are two days later." I boasted patting my shoulder.
"I'm so proud of you."
"Rainbow?" he called out again.
"Yea?"
"I would love to talk longer but-"
"-you have to go, I know,"
Raja had a soft smile on, a flash of emotion was in his eyes.
"I'm sorry."
"It's ok, everyone has a life now. I can't keep on bothering you guys like usual. I'm sorry I'm even a bother. I'm sorry for existing." I mumbled the last part, but it looks like Raja heard because now he's eyes showed rage but softened in an instant.
"Don't say that princess, you're never a bother to us. And I'm glad you are here in this world. How about this, for the winter break I'll be back home." He promised.
"Really? Yes, please!" my eyes twinkled in excitement. Ever since he got a promotion on his job he rarely got to go home, not that I hate it, but the fact that I rarely spend time with him is saddening.
After his promise, he had to go.
Sighing again. I thought maybe calling my closest people would get my mind off last night, it did for a while but not for long. I wanted to go away for a while, some place I can truly feel as if I'm in my own world, a getaway place.
Switching my phone to silent, I stuffed it into the pocket hoodie. After taking my headphones, I hung them on my neck.
Strolling out I reached the bus stop. The bus arrived and I hopped taking an empty seat in the middle.
I wanted to go to a place, I've researched the place before. 'It going to be a long ride.'
Slipping on the headphone as music played in my ears waiting I waited for the bus to arrive at its last destination.
After an hour ride, the location was close by, and by this far buildings weren't seen, only green grasses.
"Last stop, Hill 24." Announced the driver through the speaker.