The Nightmare Returns

Sheridan Lockwood sat up in bed and wiped the sweat from his face. He dreamed of her again.

It had been nearly a year since the last nightmare. As a teenager, the psychologist said that he would outgrow then, despite the traumatic experience he suffered.

Her appearance was the same as when he first met her, in the cavern, ghostly white skin, and translucent garments. Her voice was chilling and evil. Sheridan felt her hand on his face again. She touched the scar, the one she left when he was 8. He was shaking.

He sat up in bed and contemplated getting himself a drink. He thought alcohol would calm his nerves. He looked at the clock. It was close after 5 in the morning. He decided to forego the alcohol and begin his day. He reached over to put on the light but stopped when his arm touched a body.

“Oh my God,” he screamed. He jumped off and ran out of the room.

Without his glasses on, the world should have been nothing but blurry images. He clearly saw down the hallway to the bathroom. He slowed and turned back to the bedroom.

“That’s right, Sasza, you’re still dreaming,” a familiar voice spat with venom. He turned and saw the witch, the woman called Louisa Pemberton.

“I need you,” she added. She reached out with her hand, tried to touch his face, touch the scar.”



Sheridan Lockwood sat up quickly in bed. The morning light had invaded his room. He reached for his glasses and looked at the clock. It read 6:44 AM, a minute before the alarm was to sound. He felt the sweat and removed his glasses before wiping his face.

He replaced his glasses and sighed. He turned off the alarm and swung his feet. He sighed again as he stood.

He had the nightmare of her, but this time it was different. He had a dream within a dream. He would discuss this with his cousin Katherine when they met for lunch later.