I tossed and turned, unable to find solace in sleep, haunted by the specter of the impending nightmare that loomed like a dark cloud over my peaceful slumber. I sighed deeply, a sound filled with both resignation and determination, whispering to myself, “Whatever comes my way, I will face it.” The night stretched on, each tick of the clock echoing in my mind, a reminder of the battle I was waging against the shadows.

  As dawn broke, I awoke at 7 a.m., the sunlight streaming through my window, painting the room in hues of gold. Yet, confusion washed over me like a tidal wave. “Where is it?” I murmured, searching the corners of my mind for the nightmare that had promised to invade my dreams. “Is the world playing tricks on me?” I felt a strange sense of betrayal, as if my own subconscious was taunting me. The relentless cycle of dread had shifted, leaving me bewildered, caught in the web of uncertainty.

  In moments of vulnerability, the nightmare had always found its way to me, consuming my spirit, leaving me gasping for breath. “Why do you come when I am weak?” I had often cried out into the darkness, my heart racing, my body feeling like a mere shell, a lifeless form wandering through the remnants of a restless night. The nightmare always succeeded in stealing my essence, leaving me with nothing but a racing heart and a mind burdened with restless thoughts. “You cannot take me,” I would whisper defiantly, even as the shadows closed in.

  Today, however, I felt a flicker of hope. “I’m still here,” I said softly, pulling myself up from the bed, a quiet victory over the chaos that often ensnared me. I moved through my morning routine, each action a testament to my resilience. “Thank you, God, for this moment of peace,” I breathed, a prayer escaping my lips as I splashed water on my face, feeling the coolness revive my spirit.

  Yet, the confusion lingered. “What does it mean that I woke up unscathed?” I pondered aloud, addressing the stillness of the room. “Is this a sign that I am stronger than I believed?” The questions swirled in my mind like leaves caught in a whirlwind, each one a reminder of the battles fought in silence.

  As I prepared to face the day, I resolved to embrace the uncertainty. “I will not let fear dictate my life,” I vowed, my voice steady and firm. The nightmare may return, but today, I stand strong, a warrior ready to confront whatever darkness may come. Each morning is a new beginning, and I will cherish the light, holding onto the hope that it brings, no matter how fleeting it may be.

  I went through my usual morning routine—brushing my teeth, taking a warm bath, and enjoying a simple breakfast. The day started peacefully, and I hoped it would carry that calmness throughout. As I made my way to college, I spotted Irene and Addie chatting animatedly by their lockers. I couldn’t help but sprint over, slinging my arms around their shoulders with a grin. "Good morning, buddies!"

  "Good morning, Noah!" they replied in unison, their voices brightening the atmosphere. But then Irene turned to me, her expression shifting to one of concern. "Did you see that nightmare again?"

  Addie's eyes widened, a mix of shock and curiosity. "Nightmare? That nightmare? Are you seeing that again? But you said you stopped seeing them for over eight months!"

  "Yeah, bro, unfortunately, it's back," I admitted, a heaviness settling in my chest. "But do you know what's more interesting? I didn't see it today."

  Irene's brow furrowed slightly. "It's a great thing, isn't it?"

  "Of course it is," I replied, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "But still, it feels like something's off."

  "What do you mean?" Addie asked, her curiosity piqued, her eyes searching mine for answers.

  "I don’t know," I said, my thoughts swirling. "It’s like a shadow lingering in the back of my mind. I just don’t feel right."

  We stood there in silence for a moment, each of us lost in our thoughts, the noise of the bustling hallway fading into the background. I could see the concern etched on their faces, and it made me feel both comforted and uneasy.

  Irene broke the silence, her voice gentle yet firm. "Noah, if it’s bothering you, you should talk about it. You know we’re always here for you, right?"

  Addie nodded in agreement, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, man. Think of it as your brain’s way of processing everything. It can’t hurt you in real life."

  "True," I said, forcing a smile, but the weight of my unease lingered. "Maybe I’m just overthinking it. Let’s focus on class for now. We’ve got that big math test coming up, and I need to be sharp for that."

  "Right! Math first, nightmares later," Addie laughed, and we all shared a chuckle, the tension easing a bit. As we began to walk towards our classroom, I felt grateful for their support. Whatever was going on in my head, I knew I wasn’t facing it alone. But deep down, the unease still gnawed at me, a persistent whisper that wouldn’t let go.

  We three sat down, the atmosphere thick with a blend of anticipation and trepidation, as Sumi and Jade came sprinting into the classroom, their laughter echoing like a melody in the otherwise tense air. Hot on their heels was our professor, a figure of authority whose presence could silence even the most boisterous of us. Their frantic dash was a testament to their late arrival, having been absent for an entire week, and the sight of our professor approaching was enough to send shivers down our spines.

  "Good morning, girlies!" Jade exclaimed, her breathless voice laced with relief as she plopped down beside us, her hair a wild halo from the run. "Thank God we were saved from that beast!" She gestured dramatically towards the front of the class, where our professor stood, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, exuding an aura that could intimidate the bravest of souls.

  Sumi leaned in, her chin raised defiantly in the professor's direction. "Honestly, I thought we were toast when I saw him charging at us. I mean, who runs this fast to class?" Her expression was a mix of mock horror and genuine concern, and we couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the sound ringing out like a rebellion against the oppressive atmosphere.

  Our laughter was short-lived, however, as the professor shot us a side-eye, his irritation palpable. The room fell silent, the tension thickening like fog, as we exchanged nervous glances. "Focus on the class, ladies," he intoned, his voice like a whip crack, and we instantly complied, our amusement dissipating as we straightened in our seats.

  "Can you believe the nerve of him?" Jade whispered under her breath, her eyes wide with disbelief. "He acts like we’re the only ones who’ve ever been late!"

  Sumi smirked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Well, maybe if he didn’t assign a mountain of homework every week, we wouldn’t need to sprint like athletes just to make it here."

  I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at their banter, even as I felt the weight of the professor’s gaze lingering on us. "Shh, you two! We’re in enough trouble as it is," I cautioned, trying to suppress my laughter.

  The professor resumed his lecture, but I could see the fire in Sumi and Jade’s eyes, a shared defiance that was both exhilarating and reckless. As the minutes ticked by, I felt a sense of camaraderie building, the kind that only comes from shared experiences in the face of authority.

  "Let’s just survive today," I whispered, casting a furtive glance at the front of the room. "And then we can plan our escape."

  Jade grinned, her spirit unbroken. "Deal. But first, we need to get through this lecture without getting called out."

  As the professor droned on, I felt a mix of anxiety and amusement swirl within me. With Sumi and Jade back in the fold, the class had transformed from a mundane obligation into an adventure, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something unforgettable.

  We all sprang from our seats when the professor announced that a college program was taking place down the hall, urging us to attend. A collective decision formed among us to skip the event and wander the familiar grounds of our college instead. We gravitated toward our usual haunt—the college playground—where the five of us settled onto the weathered benches, enveloped in the warmth of the sun and the thrill of our impending trip.

  As we chatted animatedly about our plans, a figure caught my eye. A lady professor stood by the field, her presence striking yet oddly unrecognizable. She conversed with our P.E. coach, a man notorious for his goofy demeanor and lack of friendliness. I leaned closer, curiosity piqued. “Who’s that?” I asked, my voice laced with intrigue.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Jade, always quick to share her knowledge, replied, “Oh, Ms Celeste? That’s the English professor, she was away for almost 8 years. No wonder you haven’t seen her before; we’ve only been here for five years.” Her tone was casual, but I sensed a deeper undercurrent in her words. “My brother was here when she left, and he always spoke highly of her.”

  I nodded, letting out a soft “ooh” as I continued to observe. There was something about her—an aura that felt strangely familiar yet unsettling. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was drawn to her, as if I had encountered her in another life. My gaze lingered, captivated by her animated gestures and the way she seemed to command attention, even from the aloof coach.

  Just then, Irene’s voice broke through my reverie. “Hey! It’s lunchtime! Are we going or what?” she called, her tone light but insistent.

  Reluctantly, I tore my eyes away from the lady professor, glancing back one last time. There was an inexplicable weight in my chest, a sensation that something was amiss. “Yeah, let’s go,” I replied, trying to shake off the feeling as we made our way to the cafeteria.

  As we walked, the chatter around me faded into a dull hum. I replayed the scene in my mind, piecing together fragments of the professor’s demeanor and the way she interacted with our coach. “Do you think she’s really back for good?” I asked, breaking the silence that had settled among us.

  Jade shrugged, “I hope so. I’ve heard she’s brilliant. My brother always said she had a way with words that could make even Shakespeare sound dull.”

  I couldn’t help but smile at that, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the professor. There was something hauntingly beautiful in her presence, a depth that beckoned me to understand more. “I just feel like I’ve seen her before,” I murmured, almost to myself, as we entered the bustling cafeteria.

  The noise of laughter and conversation enveloped us, but my mind was still tangled in the threads of curiosity and unease. As we settled at our usual table, I stole another glance back toward the playground. The lady professor was gone, leaving behind only a lingering sense of mystery that I couldn’t quite shake. What was it about her that stirred something deep within me? I knew I had to find out.

  “Hey, are you even listening?” Irene’s voice pierced through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present.

  “Yeah, sorry. Just… thinking,” I replied, forcing a smile.

  Jade leaned in, her expression curious. “Thinking about what? That professor? You’re acting like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “More like a nightmare,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something about her that feels… significant. Like she holds stories untold.”

  “Dude, you’re getting way too deep,” said sumi, chuckling. “It’s just a professor. You’re not falling for her, are you?”

  I shot her a glare, she laughed at my expression, but I just couldn't shake off the feeling. “No, it’s not like that. It’s just… I feel this connection, you know? Like I need to understand her.”

  “Well, if you’re that curious, why not just ask her about it?” Jade suggested. “You could always sign up for her class.”

  “ain't no way I am attending another class,” I said raising my hands making everyone laugh.

  “Then you’ll just have to face the reality of your imagination,” Irene said

  With that, the conversation shifted, but my thoughts lingered on the professor, her enigmatic presence etched in my mind. I felt an undeniable pull, a yearning to unravel the layers of her story, to discover the depth behind her eyes that seemed to mirror my own unspoken questions. As we finished our lunch and prepared to leave.

  After classes, I found myself lingering outside the college entrance, the air thick with anticipation and a hint of nervous energy. As I caught sight of her approaching, my heart quickened, each beat echoing my resolve to seize this moment. "Ms. Celeste!" I called out, my voice cutting through the cacophony of laughter and chatter that surrounded us. She turned, her expression shifting to one of curiosity, and for a moment, the world around us faded into a blur.

  "Yes?" she replied, her tone warm, almost inviting, as if she were ready to share a secret.

  With a deep breath, I stepped forward, feeling the weight of my words pressing against my chest. "I'm Noah Ray Anderson," I introduced myself, striving to project confidence despite the fluttering in my stomach. "I just wanted to say hello. I noticed you at the football ground earlier, and I felt compelled to reach out."

  Her eyebrows arched slightly, a flicker of intrigue dancing in her eyes. "Ah, so you noticed me," she mused, a playful smile gracing her lips. "I suppose in some ways, I am new here. I’ve spent the last eight years teaching at other institutions."

  I nodded, captivated by her presence. "I wanted to meet you because I’ve heard so much about your qualifications and your unique teaching style. It’s rare to encounter someone with such a rich background. Are you going to be teaching us English for the rest of this year?"

  She shook her head gently, a hint of regret shadowing her features. "No, unfortunately, Mr. Mathew will be taking over the classes for this year. I won’t be back in the classroom until next year."

  A wave of disappointment washed over me, but I fought to maintain my composure. "Thank you for letting me know," I replied, my voice softer now, tinged with the bittersweet reality of missed opportunities. "I appreciate your time."

  As I turned to leave, I felt an inexplicable connection lingering in the air, a thread of understanding that bound us momentarily. "Noah," she called after me, her voice a melodic invitation. I turned back, meeting her gaze, which seemed to hold a universe of stories yet untold. "Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about literature or writing. I’m always here to help."

  Her words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, igniting a spark of inspiration within. "I will," I replied, a genuine smile breaking through my earlier disappointment. "Thank you, Ms. Celeste." With a final nod, I walked away, my thoughts swirling with possibilities, each one more enticing than the last. There was something about her that stirred a quiet determination within me, a yearning not just to learn about English, but to unravel the stories she carried, to dive into the depths of her experiences and perhaps, in some small way, find my own voice in the process.

  As I stood before the door, the key trembling in my hand, a sense of foreboding washed over me. The air felt thick, heavy with an unspoken dread that clung to my skin. Ms. Celeste had been sweet, her words like honey, but there was an unsettling undercurrent in her gaze, a shadow that whispered secrets I couldn’t quite grasp. I shook my head, trying to dispel the thoughts that clung to me like cobwebs, and inserted the key into the lock.

  To my dismay, the door swung open with an eerie creak, revealing the dimly lit interior of my home. My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage like a caged animal desperate to escape. Had someone invaded my sanctuary while I was away? I hesitated, the chill of fear creeping up my spine as I slowly turned the knob and stepped inside, every instinct screaming for caution.

  “Hello?” I called out, my voice barely above a whisper. Silence enveloped me, thick and suffocating. The only sound was the distant rustle of leaves outside, and the echo of my own heartbeat. I tiptoed into the living room, scanning every corner, every shadow, until a sudden crash shattered the stillness. A plastic vase, once a proud decoration, now lay shattered at my feet.

  “What was that?” I muttered under my breath, my pulse quickening as I approached my bedroom door. I turned the knob slowly, my breath hitching in my throat, and peered inside. It was then I noticed the source of the commotion—a bird, flapping its wings against the window, desperate for freedom. I released a sigh of relief, but before I could fully process the moment, a hand landed heavily on my shoulder.

  Instinct kicked in, and I spun around, adrenaline surging through me. I seized the intruder's wrist, twisting it behind their back, forcing a pained groan from their lips. In a blur of motion, I raised the vase high, ready to strike, no I striked him “Who are you?” I demanded, my voice a low growl.

  “Stop it, Noah! It’s me! It’s me, Nate!” The voice was familiar, yet it took a moment for recognition to dawn on me. I blinked in disbelief, the vase slipping from my grasp and crashing to the floor as I processed the sight before me.

  “Nate?” I breathed, my heart still racing. “What the hell are you doing here?” My brother stood before me, a sheepish grin spreading across his face, despite the swelling bruise forming on his forehead where I had struck him.

  “I wanted to surprise you,” he said, wincing as he rubbed the spot on his head. “But I didn’t expect you to be so... jumpy.”

  “Surprise? You could’ve given me a heart attack!” I exclaimed, my irritation mixing with relief. I stepped back, allowing him to regain his composure. “You usually let me know when you’re coming over.”

  “I know, I know,” he said, rolling his eyes. “But I thought it would be fun to just show up. It’s been a while since we hung out, and I thought you could use some company. You’ve been acting weird lately.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle at his audacity, even as I felt the remnants of fear fade away. “Yeah, well, you could’ve knocked. I almost took your head off.”

  “Next time, I’ll knock louder,” he replied with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood. I turned and headed to the kitchen, my mind still swirling with thoughts of Ms. Celeste and the unsettling feeling that lingered. I grabbed an ice pack from the refrigerator and returned to Nate, placing it gently on his forehead.

  “Here,” I said, my voice softer now. “You need this more than I need a heart attack.”

  “Thanks, bro,” he said, a hint of sincerity in his tone. “But really, what’s going on with you? You seem... off. ”

  I hesitated, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. “It’s just... something feels wrong. I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s like there’s a shadow hanging over everything.”

  Nate studied me for a moment, his expression shifting from playful to serious. “You know I’m here for you, right? Whatever it is, you don’t have to face it alone.”

  I nodded, grateful for his presence. “I know. I appreciate it.” As we stood there, the tension slowly dissipating, I realized that even in the midst of uncertainty, having my brother by my side made the darkness feel a little less daunting.

  As I sank into the depths of the couch, the familiar contours molded around me like a comforting embrace, I caught a glimpse of Nate. His forehead pressed against the coolness of an ice pack, the remnants of our earlier scuffle etched into his features—a faint grimace that marred his usually cheerful demeanor. A pang of guilt surged within me, a tidal wave threatening to drown my conscience. I turned toward him, my voice barely a whisper, “I’m really sorry, Nate.”

  He let out a soft chuckle, a sound that danced lightly in the air, almost playful despite the circumstances. “You’re lucky I’m not holding a grudge,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief, the corners of his mouth twitching upward into a smile that struggled against the pain. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, though a smile crept onto my face despite myself. “Why are you back from state's? all of a sudden?” I asked, my curiosity piqued, the weight of his sudden return hanging in the air like an unspoken promise.

  His expression shifted, the lightheartedness giving way to a more serious tone. “I wanted to come back because my studies are completed,” he replied, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of concern. “I can’t just leave you alone. How could I and Mom and Dad just stay overseas while you’re here by yourself?”

  “Are you playing the big brother card on me?” I shot back, half-joking, but the sincerity in his words resonated deeply within me, striking a chord I didn’t know was there.

  He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair, revealing the depth of his feelings as the moment hung heavily between us. “You know it’s not just about being a big brother. It’s about being there for you. I’ve seen things out there—things that make me realize how fragile life can be. I couldn’t bear the thought of you facing whatever comes next without me.”

  “Come on, Nate. I can handle myself,” I retorted, though my voice lacked conviction. “I’ve managed just fine.”

  “Have you?” he challenged, his gaze piercing through the fa?ade I had hastily constructed. “You think I don’t see the way you’ve been carrying everything? The way you smile when you’re hurting? I’m not here to judge you; I’m here to help. You don’t have to bear it all alone.”

  His words sank into me like stones, each one a reminder of the weight I had been shouldering in silence. “I didn’t want you to worry about me,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I thought you’d be happier focusing on your life over there.”

  Nate shook his head, a resolute expression forming on his face. “Happiness isn’t about distance or accomplishments. It’s about the people we care about and I care about you, even if we bicker like two stubborn mules. I’d rather be here, dealing with your antics than anywhere else in the world.”

  A silence enveloped us, heavy yet comforting, as I absorbed his words. “You really mean that?” I asked, my heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.

  “Of course I do,” he replied, his voice softening. “You’re my sister, my responsibility. I’ll always come back for you, no matter where life takes me. Just promise me you’ll let me in next time. No more hiding.”

  With a nod, I felt the walls I had built around my heart begin to crumble. “I promise,” I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “Just... don’t let me beat you up again.”

  We both chuckled, the tension dissipating like mist in the morning sun, and in that moment, it felt as if the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of us—brother and sister, bound by love, laughter, and an unbreakable bond.