The shadow extended a tendril, a wisp of darkness that reached out and touched her arm. The coldness intensified, spreading through her veins like ice. Hazel gasped, her eyes snapping open.
She wasn't in her bed. She was standing in the dream-landscape, the skeletal tree looming behind her. The shadow was closer now, so close she could feel its breath, a gust of icy air that smelled of decay and despair.
The whisper came again, clearer this time. Just a single word, but it echoed through the desolate landscape, chilling her to the core.
"Mine."
Hazel's eyes flew open with a gasp. She was back in her bed, drenched in sweat, her heart pounding. The room was dark, the familiar shapes of her furniture barely visible in the moonlight filtering through the window.
She lay there for a long time, staring at the ceiling, listening to the frantic rhythm of her heart gradually slowing down. The image of the shadow, its burning red eyes, was seared into her mind.
She knew, deep down, that this wasn't just a bad dream. This was something more. Something darker. And it was coming for her.
She shuddered, pulling the thick cotton blanket tighter around herself. Even the pale moon light filtering through her window couldn't fully dispel the chill that had settled in her soul.
She glanced at the clock on her nightstand – 4:17 am. Too early to get up, but sleep was a distant, unreachable shore. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw them again, lurking just at the edge of her vision. She tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, but her body was wired with a restless energy, a desperate need to escape the lingering tendrils of fear.
Finally, she gave up.
She knew she couldn't stay in her room all day, paralyzed by fear. She had to do something, anything, to distract herself, to push back against the encroaching darkness.
Her throat felt dry. Water. She needed water.
she decided to go to the kitchen and get some water.
Slipping into her night gown coat, she padded silently across the room and opened the door. The hallway was dark, the only illumination coming from the faint moonlight filtering through the landing window. It cast long, distorted shadows of its own, making Hazel's heart clench momentarily before she reminded herself it was just her overactive imagination.
As she reached the top of the stairs, she heard a sound. A soft rustle, like fabric brushing against something. She froze, straining her ears. Silence. Then, another rustle, followed by a low, almost imperceptible sigh.
Hesitantly, Hazel started down the stairs, her bare feet making no sound on the carpet. The rustling continued, seeming to emanate from Mr sterns side of the . Who could be up at this hour?
she quickly went to the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of water and run as fast as she could.
Hazel ascended the stairs and was open to open her door when something caught her eyes.
A faint red glow of something in the air.
she walked closer trying to see clearly.
The air smelled of something.... like.. cigarettes.
It stayed mid air for sometime before it finally moved down indicating the owners movement.
Hazel decided to turn around to her room
when she heard a deep musky voice. one she recognized so well.
"How sneaky" he spoke suddenly.
Hazel turned slowly.
Alexander, was standing in the hallway, silhouetted against the pale light. He was dressed in his pajamas, a dark, patterned silk robe draped loosely over them.
Alex stepped into the light created by the moon.
Hazel Froze, unsure what to do. It was definitely Mr. Stern. And why was he standing in the dark, in the hallway?
She cleared her throat softly. "Mr. Stern?"
He tilted his head, His eyes silver eyes gleaming in the dim light, staring intently at her. "i.. I just came down for some water .. I was th- thirsty and couldn't sleep" hazel stammered trying explain. she tried to keep her voice light, despite the unease creeping back into her stomach.
He nodded slowly, his gaze making her more nervous.
"I will go back now sir" she said preparing to run like a scared bunny when suddenly..
"Me neither." Alex blurted out.
There was a long silence After that, Hazel looked at him with wide eyes. she never expected him to say something like that. clutching her gown tighter around her. "Is everything alright, Mr. Stern?" she asked cautiously.
He let out a small, humorless chuckle. "My sleep is being disturbed," he said, his voice low. He didn't elaborate.
Hazel didn't push. There was something about his demeanor right now, a quiet sadness. hazel looked down hesitant to say something. "speak" Alex commanded.
Hazel jolted in fear a little bit finally blurted out.
"can I... can I make you some tea Mr stern?" cinnamon tea with herbs.. my dad makes them when I can't sleep ".
There was an awkward silence after that.