Haunted-Prologue

I run through the woods, trying not to trip or run into a low tree branch. The footsteps behind me sound like they're getting closer, so I keep pumping my arms, urging my legs to run faster. The night sky has a few wispy clouds in it, but not enough to hide the stars or the full moon. Without noticing it until it was too late, I end up tripping on a tree root that has been uplifted. I sit, trying to push myself back with my feet, but it just gains on me. The black shadow of a creature; its mouth open to show the multiple sharp teeth it has, almost like a Great White Shark, and its red eyes. I let out a quiet whimper, not wanting my life to end like this. My mouth opens and I let out a cry for help.

Waking up, I sit up drenched in sweat, breathing heavy. I reach for my blanket to bring it around me for comfort only to realize I'm in the woods. In my pajamas and barefoot. My leg is scratched up and I see the tree root I must've tripped on. I look east and see the sun starting to rise. Forcing myself to get up to leave these woods, I can't help but wonder how much of a dream it was and how much was reality. If it was a dream, how did I end up out here? I know sleepwalking exists and is real, but I never walked in my sleep.

I open the back door that leads into the kitchen. Mom's making breakfast and my brother at the table, sleeping. It's been the three of us for almost a year now. Dad's happier now and I know Mom is too. I'd rather have it be this way than have them at each other's throats every night.

"Did you go for a run? In your pajamas?" Mom looks over as I close the door.

I wish I could lie and say that I was taking the dog out, except we don't have a dog. We used to but had to put it down due to the fact that she was sick and wouldn't eat at all. The bowl of food sat there for a few months, untouched, before Mom made the decision.

"Sorry. I'll be down in a few. Just want to shower and change," I say, inching my way towards the stairs. Once I can't see the kitchen, I make a run for the bathroom.

Looking in the mirror, I first notice my hair, which is a mess. It’s all in one knotted ponytail with pieces sticking all over the place. A few twigs somehow made their way into my hair, which must’ve happened when I tripped. Dark circles made their way under my eyes and my eyes are puffy. Did I imagine it all or did it really happen? It seems too real to be something I imagined, but if it’s real, how did I wake up in the woods and not how I even got there?

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This is my first Taylor fanfic in awhile, but second one on here. Hope you enjoyed it!