The night was silent and horrendous, the breeze whispering threat, instead of calmness, the only sound in the quiet night was the running feet of a horrified woman, the sound of a racing heart that seemed to be pounding out of her chest. Then a devilish laughter filled the air, sending shivers down her spine. The crying and squeaking of women followed, danger lurked every corner. ELIZA sprinted down the dark path like her life depended on it, her face covered with fear, her hands trembling like leaves. Tears streamed down her cheek, mingling with the sweat beading on her forehead.
The crying, squeaking and laughter continued, sounding closer than ever, like it was right behind her, but there were no footsteps, only an unsettling shadow that seemed to be following her. She tripped on a stone and fell hard, cutting her knee deeply and she winced. As she struggled to get up, the shadow loomed before her, it's head twisted and horrific, the hair danced in the air like a snake, obscuring the face.She dared not look back, fearing what she might see, with a surge of adrenaline, she jumped up and ran, ignoring the pain and blood gushing from her knee. she kept running, sobbing quietly, hoping something or someone would rescue her. But her injured leg faltered, weakening her with each step. Her leg grew weaker and weaker until she could barely stand. Just when she thought she couldn't go on, the noises ceased and she thought she had finally escaped. She stopped, panting, and leaned against a tree, assessing her wound. But the calm was short-lived, the air grew eerie again, and she felt a presence behind her. The squeaking, crying and laughter resumed, and she turned slowly, to see her tormentor. A head appeared , twisted and grotesque, making her gasp.
She woke up panting and trembling, unsure if it was just a dream. The lingered fear made her scan every item in her room. As she adjusted her posture. A sharp pain shot through her knee. She looked down to see a cut, bleeding just like in her dream.
Confused and alarmed, she screamed and her roommate, Debby rushed in, sitting beside her on the bed
"What's wrong? A nightmare? Your knee , why is it bleeding so much?" Concern etched on her face.
Eliza remained silent, unsure of how to explain, finally she whispered, ignoring her questions ,"Where were you ?" She whispered
"At the balcony, studying for my test"
"Oh.Did I leave the room? Maybe sleepwalked? Eliza asked, confused.
Confused, Debby glanced at the door and chuckled" I don't think so, and you are not the type to sleepwalk. That nightmare must have been really bad. Are you okay? She asked and Eliza nodded her head slowly.
"but what about your leg?" Debby asked, concern etched on her face.
"I hit it while getting up from the nightmare" she lied, unsure herself.
Debby expression, turned skeptical. "Ouch sorry, but the cut is deep, let me help you clean it"
Eliza grasped her shoulder, holding her back. "Don't bother. Go back to studying. I don't want to disturb you"
"Are you sure" she hesitated
"yes, what time is your test?" Elisa diverted, attempting to shift focus
"8am"
"Sorry baby" she said, Debby made a face and Eliza forced a smile."Go back to studying, I will be fine" she reassured, her voice trembling
"Really?" She asked, her eyes narrowing and Eliza nodded
"Alright, make sure you pray before you sleep back, alright?"
"Hmm" she replied and Debby went back t, shutting the door behind her.
Eliza got out of the bed, careful not to excarbate her injured leg. She limped around the room, trying to wrap her head around what happened. Her mind reeling with questions. Frustration and fear overwhelmed her. Sinking on the bed's edge, she buried her face in her palm. Her heart racing, she whispered a desperate prayer.
"The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for the lord is with me, his rod and his staff, they comfort me, oh God save me from a every evil, please help me." Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed quietly.