Excerpt 13 'The Nightmare'

That morning, I woke up from a bad nightmare. I think something from the night before got to me. Why was I dreaming of a circus? Why was he playing every character in the dream? “The circus is cheaper when it rains. I’ve taken the same ride too many times. I could fall asleep in the loop. I know clowns wipe the fake, makeup smiles off their faces once the show is done. I know lions sleep in cages at night. I know tightrope walkers have blisters on their feet. I know the ringmaster doesn’t believe in what he yells anymore. I know the strongman, isn’t as strong as he once was. I know the candy floss has always been, just sugar and air. But, you were the only reason I went back there every night.” It’s a little scary that my dreams foreshadow future events. That was my dream telling me that it was all an illusion. I didn’t find him in bed so I woke up in a fright. I didn’t hear a single noise anywhere in the cabin. It was strange. “Babe?” I shouted. No answer...