In my nightmares

In my nightmares I am pursued by an endless stream of dark things down an endless alley. The dank, musty walls seem to close in on me, threatening my very being.

_Move!_ My mind screams at me.

My lungs burn with the effort and legs ache as I run faster and faster. It is never fast enough. I'm never quite able to outrun the creatures giving chase.

_Move!_

I trip. One misstep and I am hurtling through the air, out of control. Or did I just give up? Does it matter? I hit the ground and lay there. The damp cobblestones beneath me are cold to the touch. My breath leaves a trail as it escapes my lungs.

_Move dammit!_

The temperature drops quickly. Every muscle in my body screams out against the sudden chill. The creatures catch me. Not running now. Walking slowly toward me. I accept my fate. I can't run any longer. They are an unfamiliar nightmare menagerie.

But one...one is a little girl with glowing yellow eyes. My own eyes snap open with the recognition.

I'm back in the nightmarish world of the real.