The darkness closes in. 

Welcome, they hiss. Moriah…

I gasp and sit up. I'm in dark, inky black water. Fog is everywhere. Footsteps approach. It makes no sense. I'm in water, yet…

Miss Purity Queen

Show-Off

Guy Snatcher

Prude

I wish you were dead, a familiar voice says. Everyone would be happier. Everyone.

I'm disappointed, my favorite voice ever says. Joel. I can hear the disgust in his voice. Mo. I thought you were better than this. 

Joel, I-I'm so sorry, I cry. But the words don't come out. 

The footsteps get louder. Then a figure appears. He's holding an axe. He swings it-and then black.
                             -
I gasp and sit up. 

Moriah, Joel says. What's wrong? What happened? 

It's nothing, I say. 

Mo. 

Joel, I'm serious.

Kiss.

No, you're not. Did you have a nightmare? 

Maybe? I say, staring down at my lap. 

Moey baby, Joel says, pulling me into his arms. We lay down on the bed and cuddle together. You need to trust and talk to me. He kisses my eyelids, then my nose, then my cheek. 

I'll try, I whisper, before pecking his lips. No promises, though.