I had this one dream where I was standing in the middle of a street of a suburb I didn't know. It was a nice looking one: the type you'd expect to have security system signs on the lawn and automatic curtains or something. It was deep into the night. The street lights were dimming; either that or my eyes themselves were growing dark.371Please respect copyright.PENANAZxqUuYMaq0
Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind. From my left, a hand made an iron grip over my mouth; From my right, another wrapped around and tore at my stomach. It was so vivid, and I could feel the violence in the tugging.371Please respect copyright.PENANAFyftglshz8
I broke free, though. I ran. I chose a house: this, one-storied and painted white with a gray roof. The address lamp was on, so I remember thinking it was locked and that someone was inside. I didn't care and tried the door anyway.371Please respect copyright.PENANAM7zLnaNTwC
The door opened easily. All the electric lights were off; red candles on the floor and tables lit my way. I ran through the house, passing by a messy laundry room and living room. 371Please respect copyright.PENANAXkebfIDLOz
I entered this "child room." It was arranged like a hospital nursery: rows of cribs and between them and alley. All of them were filled with babies. None of them cried or slept. They just stared at me, unblinking like dolls, as I sprinted between them, hoping to lose my pursuer. The walls were covered with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, my audience of infants appearing to be a legion. Lucky for me, there was a door at the end. 371Please respect copyright.PENANAiQ1p5QRMvl
Passing through, I figured I was in a different building. The hallway around me had a concrete floor and ceiling; copper pipes snaking the walls and giving off a hissing noise. At the end of the hallway was another door.371Please respect copyright.PENANA0Pdzyrzeq1
Now, I was in a mall. It was day, but that did nothing to soothe me. It was dead and empty, me being the only customer. The mall was one I knew in my hometown, except, in this version, it looked fancier. I was on the second floor; in the center of the wide walkway, I could see the kiosks below, void of salesmen.371Please respect copyright.PENANASuTRji1jtJ
The sun behind the skylights began to dim. This wasn't like it was sunset, and the sun was sinking as usual. No, it was bright and noon, and the sun rapidly fell. I felt my legs grow numb, and when I tried to run, it was like I was in the water (This is a common occurrence I have in my dreams. Another one driving and unable to stop the car, either the brakes or my body failing to save myself).371Please respect copyright.PENANADYGcHOzyvQ
I felt the gripping again from behind. This time, not only over my mouth and belly; hands had squeezed at my inner thigh, my ankle, and my neck. On my back, I felt fingers threatening to press through to my kidneys and between my ribs.371Please respect copyright.PENANAjKMnx9AqnM
I awoke then, but I believe I had sleep paralysis as if my pursuer had followed me into reality. I was frozen as usual in this state. I still felt the hands pulling at my face and body; the fingers digging at my back like starving zombies. 371Please respect copyright.PENANAABpWeG22u8
Eventually, they released me, and I awoke.