I close my eyes and try to shut out the world. I attempt to dream but the screams won’t leave my ears like bloodcurdling shrieks of terror. I see blood everywhere I look and I can’t rid myself of the frightful images. I thrash around; my arms flying in all directions and my fists pounding down hard. I want to run away. I want to be free.

A sound breaks through. I go rigid all over and open my eyes. I find myself staring at the white ceiling of my tiny bedroom. A slit of golden light creeps in from under my door but I shield my eyes from it. “Clara?” A raspy voice calls. It has a familiarity I have no right to own and its alluring tenor frightens me. I squeeze my eyes shut and silently I pray. I pray to be safe. I pray to be normal.

Slowly, everything comes to a halt. Silence fills the darkness and I feel completely alone. The images seem to have disappeared and the golden light has completely vanished; now it’s just me and my thoughts. Somehow I fall asleep, but it brings no comfort. I see my sanity on the back of my eyelids. It beckons me towards it. I shake my head and take a step back. It walks away and I want to follow, but I can’t bring myself to make the leap. I wave goodbye; my arm outstretched. It reaches for me as it jumps . . . leaving me forever.