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Rude Awakenings Sandra Thompson was awake as soon as she opened her eyes. Her years as a nurse had reinforced the habit. She was on her feet, heading for the bedroom door, before she was conscious of the screams.
“Chloe! Chlo!” Her daughter’s room was across the tiny apartment. Sandra cursed as she stubbed her toe on a still unpacked moving box. However, the pain vanished as the girl screamed again. “Chloe!” Sandra caught herself on the doorframe of Chloe’s room as she tripped over yet another box. Yet, the scene in the girl’s bedroom made her freeze. There was no possible way it could be real. Ethereal human figures surrounded the bed. They appeared to be holding the girl to the mattress. “Oh, God,” Sandra breathed, but another high-pitched scream prodded her into action. “Chloe!” Her voice was now authoritative, no longer frightened. “Wake up, Chloe!” The girl’s eyes snapped open. Her jaw dropped in horror as she saw the figures around her bed. With a shaky sigh, Chloe closed her eyes and shook her head. The figures faded, then disappeared. “Mom, did I wake you?” Chloe asked, finally opening her eyes again. “Yes,” Sandra admitted, “and probably half the neighborhood.” She sat next to her daughter on the bed and hugged the girl to her. “How long have you been having the dreams?” She continued to study the comforter, avoiding the question. “I’m sorry I woke you, Mom.” “No, honey, don’t be sorry. Never be sorry. I’m always here for you. Always.” Chloe pressed closer to her mother. “I know, Mom.” Sandra stroked her daughter’s hair. After several minutes, Chloe’s breathing finally deepened. However, although the girl was finally back asleep, Sandra stayed up watching her until dawn. |
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