House of Skin

THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY (2)

After Fenn left the hospital, he had a terrible headache. He went straight back to his apartment and collapsed on the bed. He had more questions now than before. It seemed that happened every time he spoke with Soames. Questions and more questions.

Cherry Hill?

Now who the fuck was she and how was she mixed up in this?

Fenn closed his eyes and sleep came fairly quickly. As always when his headaches struck, sleep was the only true cure.

Moments later, he began to dream.

Help me, a voice was saying in the dream.

He didn’t know whose voice it was. It could’ve been his own. Everything was alien in this dark little place.

Another voice was talking.

Constant, endless.

Eyes were watching.

Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? Do you know who you are or where you are going? Answer me.

Fenn wanted to scream… but no, his mouth was open and he wasn’t screaming. He was crying. He was curled up in the fetal position, sucking his thumb and not knowing why.

Mommy, that voice…

He heard a terrible wailing, a rushing sound. Was it the blood surging through his veins? It was so warm here now. Warm and wet and dark. He had everything he needed here. He was happy, content.

Sounds, voices.

Not the bad voice… or was it?

He felt himself being pushed down, down, being squeezed, manipulated by hot warmth.

Light, blinding light and fierce cold.

Metal instruments.

A cry of pain.

His own?

Drawn into the light, into the light…

So cold… mommy…

He woke up screaming.