The Truth in Dreams

the quiet sound of the sea washing over the shore sand scratchy and hot against my bare feet the taste of cherry slushy sucked through my teeth the chatter of Eric's (or is it Ryan's?) voice behind me a flash of light; a scream the memory changes red door black shutters white paint a mural in place of a driveway a girl walks out soft, sweet, small flowers braided in her hair dancing across the lawn, pointed toes brushing the tips of grass blades a twist too many and she falls against the lawn a thump bright blue eyes fill with tears a flash; a sob my mother's tear-soaked face the day I walked out chilly air; blood seeping from my noise R... his face floats out of the darkness surrounding me suddenly a small hand is around my wrist my heart breaks; I push him back he does not need to follow me Mother loves him he grabs at my ankle; I run off into the darkness bare feet padding against the tar I run faster than I ever have, yet I still hear his sobs in the distance my eyes open the darkness of time loses its grip the soft light of the stars floods in the open window, illuminating my dark past I hate nightmares