Cain jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest. He gasped for air as if he had just escaped from drowning. His eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of danger. He was in his bed, safe and sound. He let out a shaky breath and tried to calm himself down. He racked his brain to recall his nightmare, but it was like a fading shadow in his mind. He only knew that it was terrifying and vivid and that it was not the first time he had it. These recurring dreams had plagued him for the past week, each one more complex and disturbing than the last. He felt a cold sweat on his forehead, as he wondered what they meant. Was there something wrong with him? Or was there something else at play?
He dragged himself out of bed and went through the motions of his daily routine. He then headed to his college, where he faced a grueling day of classes, assignments, and tests. He returned home feeling drained and weary, barely able to keep his eyes open. He collapsed on his bed and hoped for a peaceful sleep. But his hopes were shattered by the blaring sound of the neighbor's television. Cain yelled at the top of his lungs, cursing the neighbor and demanding silence. He buried his head under the pillow, but the noise still seeped through. He tossed and turned, trying to block it out. But sleep was elusive.