Chapter 3

Sophie and I floated through the fields of our house, dancing in the warm grass-flavored air.  The sun gazed down on us, giving us the perfect amount of warmth as the wind blew warm summer air through our hair.  The day sang with delight as we flew through the field.  We didn’t care if we were hungry; we were too busy with our game.

“Come on, Kairi!” Sophie called in her singsong voice.  “Bet you can’t catch me!”  I chased her around like two butterflies playing tag.  We were a beautiful sight, but we didn’t know or care.  We were just two girls having fun.  The best part was that I didn’t care if I caught her.  It wasn’t about winning or losing.  We loved each other and we saw ourselves as equals.

A storm sped towards us, the noise like a giant coffee pot brewing some sweet coffee like mom would let us drink sometimes.  We raced the storm for shelter, laughing the entire way to the house.

Then, the dream changed.  The storm was beating us, the rain pelting us harshly.  Sophie was crying and we both became tired.  Our ages fast-forwarded to how old we really were and lightning struck all around us.  Mom came out to the porch and stood, watching us and laughing.  Sophie and I began to cry as terror overtook us.  The house didn’t come any closer and mom wouldn’t come help us.  Instead, she turned and walked inside.

“Kairi, I’m scared!” Sophie yelled over the overpowering wind and rain.  We couldn’t possibly survive this if we didn’t run faster.  The house disappeared from sight and we stopped, searching for help frantically.  There was no help.  I ran to Sophie and held her tight.  I spoke to her, letting her know I loved her and that everything would be okay.

Suddenly, a man reached out and took her away from me.  I tried to fight, but I could barely move.  Soon, they had both vanished.  All that remained were pools of blood and Sophie’s helpless shrieks.  I pleaded for it to end, and screamed to God.  “Why are you doing this to us!?”

It ended, but not the way I had hoped.

The dream spun again, and I was in our house.  I stepped around the corner of Sophie’s bedroom, and watched as she pulled the trigger of the gun.  I screamed and screamed, finally waking up.