The Novel Part 3
About a half an hour later Anna was napping while I cleaned up a bit. Suddenly the silence was broken by a piercing cry.
“Anna!” I yelled as I sprinted toward the guest room. She was writhing, kicking and punching in her sleep. I shook her awake, she was fighting me, screaming, “No, stop, get off me!” Beads of sweat had formed on her tiny forehead. Finally, she opened her eyes, they were wide and lost, she looked dazed and confused.
“Anna,” I said softly. She didn’t speak. She just turned away from me and laid back down curled in a ball. I was at a loss as to what to do.
“Do you want some water?” I asked gently.
“Yes, please.” She answered softly.
I got up to fetch her a glass of water. I couldn’t get that lost look out of my head. I never had to deal with a child’s nightmare before. I wondered what she could’ve been dreaming about. I brought her the water and she sat up and sipped it slowly. She was still sweating so I bathed her forehead with a damp cloth. I sat with her until she drifted off to sleep again. I hoped she wouldn’t have another nightmare.
A little while later, Victoria came to pick Anna up. She was still sleeping. “Anna had a horrific nightmare while she was napping,” I told my sister.
“Odd, she’s never had one before.” My sister said.
Since Anna was still sleeping, my sister gathered her things and I carried Anna to my sister’s car. “Thanks again, Russell,” My sister said kissing me on the cheek before she got in the car and drove off.
I walked back inside exhausted from the day. I’m not used to dealing with children. It was draining for me.
Part 1 & Part 2 are only a click away. Links below.
