Nightmares

There he was, in the familiar building yet again. The aroma of freshly-made breakfast filled the air, and the happy cries of left behind children resounded. Everest stood alone, in the midst of it all. He looked around and took in his surroundings. Soon, he realized where he was. The orphanage. Oh god, not again… Was this the same dream plaguing him once more, haunting him? Well, there’s only way to find out. Glancing down, Everest saw that he was in his younger body, small and vulnerable. After a moment’s more of this, he heard a gentle voice call out, “Come, children! The food is ready!”

All of a sudden, a wave of boys and girls alike came storming past, almost knocking him over. Everest couldn’t move, however. He was left by the others, ‘till he felt a firm tap on his shoulder. Popping out from behind him, was his older brother Abraham. For a reason he didn’t know, a surge of relief rose up from within Everest. “What’re you doin’, Ever? Everybody’s waitin’ for you. Well, Pat and Caroline are. Come on!” With that, Abraham practically dragged Everest to where they all ate. Patrick and Caroline lit up once their older siblings sat down, and shuffled closer to them. All was uncomfortably silent for a while, before Caroline finally spoke up.

“Sooo…. Ever.” Her tone was quiet, upset. Everest’s head rose at the sound of his name, and he awaited what she’d say. Well, he’s had this dream numerous times, he should know by now! But, it was like his mind was wiped of everything each time he woke up.

“You made it out, didn’t you? While we’re still here…” Caroline’s voice quickly shifted to accusing. Not knowing what she spoke of, Everest quickly shook his head. That’s when she looked up. Her eyes were flooding tears, her nose runny and face blotchy. “Don’t lie to us..” She muttered. Everest was sure his heart stopped at this point.

Patrick then chimed in, “You left us, brother.” Then all in unison, they said in broken voices,


“Why?”



The orphanage scenery instantly faded away, breaking apart one by one. It was similar to when you splash water on a painting. All the color and light disappeared slowly, then all at once. All that was left was total darkness, followed by the deafening quiet. Everest couldn’t see anything, let alone feel for anything. He was confused, and he was scared. What the hell was going on? Was this his subconscious’s way blaming him? Punishing him? He wasn’t sure. He didn’t want to find out, either. However, you can never avoid the truth. Everest, now in his present day form, was being approached by his siblings. This time, though, they appeared different. Much different. Not only were they weeping, their faces were slowly melting off. They staggered as they walked, moaning and almost screaming as they did. Everest stared in absolute horror, and wanted so much to run away. But, he couldn’t. He was frozen to the ground he couldn’t even see. When they finally reached him, they all at once grasped his shirt and pulled as much as possible.

“Why did you leave us? Why?! We need you, Everest. Come back, come baaack- You abandoned us!!” They shouted and chanted, their voices distorted and cracking. It sounded like something straight from Hell itself. Everest reached and attempted to pry their hands off, but their grip was too strong. Too tight. Eventually, under screeches of pure agony, Everest gave up. He let himself sink below the family that was tearing him straight to pieces.



Everest awoke with a start, sweating with tears streaming down his cheeks at an alarming rate. He couldn’t tell which was which, but then again he didn’t care. Everest covered his face with his hands, hiding, and mumbled over and over, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” The words he could never directly say to them. Yes, it was only a dream, but a dream that broke him more every time.