The Haunted Traveler Vol 1 Issue 2

84
“Dreams are funny creatures,” Deidre said,
returning to the table. “Breakfast time.”
Anna stood, stretched and padded to the card
table. Deidre cleared away the magazines, sketch pad
and box of crayons, stacking them neatly to one side.
Sitting, Anna eyed the meal. Oatmeal congealed in a
bowl, swimming in a pool of melted butter and brown
sugar. Dry, dark toast flanked the bowl; cut into precise
triangles and in the upper corner sat a plastic cup
of orange juice, a smaller paper cup by its side.
“I don’t want it,” Anna said, pushing the tray
across the table.
“Nonsense. Eat,” Deidre said, inching the tray
toward Anna. Crossing her arms over her chest, Deidre
loomed tall and authoritative.
Anna grimaced, lifting the spoon of oatmeal to
her mouth. It stuck cold and thick to her tongue. Swallowing,
Anna repeated until the cereal disappeared,
her belly leaden. Unbidden tears seeped from her eyes,
and glancing upwards, a spike of fear rattled through
her. Deidre smiled, her teeth flashing sharply.
“You’re a demon sent to torment me, aren’t
you?”
“Oh, no, honey. I’m here to take care of you,”
Deidre said.
Anna sobbed, cradling her head in her palms.
“I think it’s time for a nap.”
Deidre removed Anna’s hands from her face
and wiped her cheeks with a soft, scented handkerchief,
humming a lullaby. Anna gazed into Deidre’s
eyes, searching for answers, searching for hope.
“Come on. You’ll feel much better soon,”