Returning to You

The light starts to fade as the wailing sirens grow louder. You’re not there. With effort I turn around, chase the light. It sizzles me with electricity again, but this time I welcome the pain. It grows stronger and stronger and stronger, and then it’s gone. The cemetery is gone, as is the wailing and the pull back to the curled-up, despairing body.

Instead, I’m back on the escalators at the station. Descending deep into the ground. Clutching my bleeding arm. I can hear the train coming in, and I start running… or at least stagger toward it.

Once on the platform, my feet turn heavy, frozen in place. No one else is here. Just like last time.  The sound of the incoming train sounds just like a flood of rushing water.

Pink water in the tub. Red blood on white tiles. Red blood on pale skin.

The clock on the wall shows 11.57. The train appears in a gust of wind. My feet can move again, so I run. Leaving a trail of blood drops behind me.

I’m coming, Bunny. I’ll save you. And we’ll be together forever. And ever. And ever. 

The train comes to a stop, the doors open with a soft swoosh, and I throw myself inside. The clock shifts to 11.58. The overhead lights flicker. Crackle. The thing in the hoodie turns my way, grin widening. Pointy teeth glistening as it licks the dark scratches on its hand.

The doors close behind me, and the train picks up speed. Pink water splatters against the windows. Giant tentacles move in the wind. Shadows dance around me in the flickering light. 

This time, I remain standing, holding on to one of the metal poles. It’s cold, but my arm doesn’t hurt anymore. The bleeding stopped. I feel strong. Stronger than in a long time. I tighten my grip. almost expecting the metal to bend. My fingernails are black from caked blood. As if I dipped them in ink.

If it can bleed, it can hurt. If it can hurt, it can die.

When it dies, you’ll be free.

My hand sneaks inside my bag, closes around the wooden handle of the knife. It’s sharp. Very sharp. My grin widens to match that of the monster.

I’ll get you back. I’ll carve you out if I have to.

More blood means more power. Black blood holds more power than red... It must. I'm sure of it. I laugh as I step closer to the thing, the thief.  My head is spinning, dizzy from happiness. Giddy with resolve. Everything is clear now. I’m not afraid. Because finally, finally, I’ve succeeded. You’re here. 

I take another step, moving with the lurching train. My eyes meet deep spiralling darkness, trying to suck me in. Let it try. Soon the darkness will give way to pretty blue… 

Everything will be okay. Everything will be fine. Because…

…you’re here.

You’re here!

You’re finally here…