A Childhood Dream of Souls

A recurring nightmare, a childhood sweetheart who has returned, and a protection neither of us understands.

A wooden token threaded with cord when we were twelve, ten years of nightmares about the river, and on a stormy night, he came as promised.

Using dreams as a guide, he led me closer to the truth of the supernatural world. He silently fended off sinister spirits and kept me safe.

A strange illness that makes me fear sunlight, and his icy body temperature, both frighten me.

It wasn't until a pale hand climbed up my ankle that I understood: all his oddities came from an obsession with staying by my side.