In All My Dreams

by Danielle Morris

I’ve listed some content warnings below for those who might need them. Sick parent Attempted murder Death of parent Death of child (recounted as a flashback) Mentions of infertility and pregnancy loss (no loss on page) Explicit language Open door spice

My heart is angry at me for not giving in to it and enjoying the small moment of happiness I had with him for the last few hours. My brain is high-fiving me for having the strength to walk away.

Leaving me alone with more questions than I know what to do with. And with more fear of the living people in Crane Manor than I have of the ghosts.

The cool breeze hits me, making me shudder. Ian’s jacket is wrapped around my shoulders moments later.

You make him work for that future, my littlest love, if it’s meant to be.

I’m not sure my heart knows how to unlove him.

Well, it’s terrifying to younger children and adult men who hate clowns.

“My dad is many things,” Ian says, his voice low and husky. “But he is nowhere near as important as you.” He reaches up and strokes my cheek softly. “In no world would I let him ruin our quote-unquote date.”

“I searched for you in all my dreams. You haunt my every thought. Tempt my every desire. My heart only beats for you,”

You girls can get wine drunk and watch scary movies while the kids sleep,”

The same eyes she’s always called her own galaxy. What she doesn’t know is that she’s always been my entire universe, too.