I had retired to bed after refreshing myself with the hot bath prepared by Miss Curtis. I was surprised that she did the menial jobs which were in no way her duties. There were other ladies to do that I was sure, but she chose to. However, I offered my thanks before she left and tried to put myself to bed.
But despite the way the room had been transformed and made clean, each time my eyes closed all I saw was my twelve-year-old self in the manor. The memories of each of them came rushing in, and I ended up not sleeping, as all I did was turn around on the bed, till I decided to go outside the balcony.
The fresh breeze came rushing through, sending chills down my whole self, but I care less, I needed it to calm my thoughts. The moon was at its peak that night and seemed to be faced in the balcony, as I leaned on the rails.
I kept pondering until I couldn't no more, I wanted to sleep, but if only the nightmares would let me. I retired a few minutes later and forced my eyes closed.
I had no idea how much I slept but I had awakened that same night from a nightmare to find the rain pummeling on the ceilings and panes of the windows which were opened. I went ahead to close them folding the curtains and sat back.
The dream had been a familiar one I hadn't had for two years. I thought I had finally conquered the incubus but it seemed coming back to the house had awakened it again. Sweat trickled from my forehead and my heart pounded restlessly.
A knock came on my door as I was asleep. I opened my door to find him standing in the dark corridor. His usual white gown was shining more than was normal.
"Father," I called but he only turned to look at me, and just then a knock came at the main door downstairs.
"Don't!"
I shouted but he only smiled and rushed down to the stairs. I ran after him in a frenzy, shouting.
"No! Don't open the door! Father! Father! Please! No!"
But it was too late, he was already at the door while I was standing on the edge of the stairs. His hand went on the handle.
"No! Father don't!"
But as it was, I was yet late again. He smiled at me and opened the entrance door wide.
A person in a black cloak was standing by the door, and instantly, as he opened the doors he stabbed him on the chest with a blunt and shiny knife. One I remembered.
"No!".
I awoke to the stroke of thunder.
"God", I murmured. "Please help me."
There was no way I would go to sleep again.
I suddenly felt thirsty.
I threw away the duvet and made to pour water from the jug on my side table. It must have been the work of Miss Curtis. I was grateful though.
The cup was on my lips when to my dread a knock came at the door. Like almost instantly.
Impossible! How can it be? Was I still dreaming?
I dropped the cup and it broke. I wasn't dreaming.
The knock came persistent, and relentless, echoing through the manor.
I decided to stay back. No one would hear it and I wouldn't go. Everyone was fast asleep and moreover, the rain was beating harder. I could just pretend and it would pass like it never happened. But the thought of someone else going down to open it terrified me to the marrow.
My feet paced about the room thinking what could be done. This wasn't happening? The past can't repeat itself, could it?
It came harder this time and without thinking I made my way out of the room and downstairs.