Chapter 11: Laughter

My dreams were plagued with the walls of darkness. I couldn't get the image and the sensation out of my head. I woke covered in sweat and panting. It wasn't much of a sleep, but I had to get myself together. It was still dark outside, but the sun would be coming up soon.

I peered out the window. In the alleyway below, the familiar ember faded into view.

Was I really seeing things? My mind mulled over the night before and the conversation with Anton. What he said made sense. But... there was no blood.

I pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. I needed to talk to him again. He was the only thing in my life that didn't make me feel like I was completely losing it. I jammed my socked feet into my pair of black converse shoes before I pushed down the hall. Anton's snores filled the front room from behind the curtain. I didn't flip the light on, but I did grab my tote bag turned purse. I locked the door behind me and set off to find my figment.

The alleyway below was empty. The edges of