Her Loving Embrace

I’ve always suffered from the most horrific lucid nightmares. Whenever I wake up in a cold sweat from a particularly terrifying nightmare that shook me from my peaceful sleep, I sit up and take several deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. In these moments, it feels as if my heart is about to explode out of my chest it’s beating so fast, and it’s not odd for my eyes to water and my hands to shake.

Then, only seconds after I perform my waking ritual as if on cue, I feel her warm arms wrap around me in a loving embrace. She takes my hand in hers and kisses me gently on my neck. Her other hand slowly rubs my arm, comforting me further. I can smell her sweet scent as her sensitive touch causes goosebumps to form on my arm.

She rests her head against mine, and I feel her long hair on my neck and shoulders. It’s equally as comforting. Her soft skin feels delicate and wonderful, and I can feel the love she has for me radiating off of her. Chasing away any darkness, demons, or reality-bending ghouls that may still reside in my head.

Anytime I’m awoken by a night terror, it's the same routine. As the panic sets in, she's right there with her calming presence. It’s nice, right? Having someone who holds such a deep love for you that they are there at a moment's notice to comfort you, even in the middle of the night? I suppose it is. Some would say that I’m a very lucky person.

However, there's only one problem with this whole situation…I live alone.