The Runaway: A Stray Souls Story, Entry #4

So it’s been a minute since I last spilled my thoughts on paper. Figured I’d scribble some stuff down now because life’s been getting pretty weird lately. The whole inSomnia deal finally cut me some slack, but now there’s this other strange thing that’s messing with my sleep. I’m actually hearing whispers, like actual whispers – it’s wild. I can’t wrap my head around it. Maybe my mind’s just decided to go rogue, wHo knows?

A couple nights back, I woke up totally drenched in sweat, thinking my insomnia was making a comeback. But here’s the kicker: I could’ve sworn I felt a prEsence slip into bed next to me. I turn – there’s nothing there. Classic. But then, from thIs dark, shadowy corner of my room, I swear I heard a voice murmur, “I know where you are…”

For real, I’ve never been this creeped out in my life. I bolted out of bed, feeling for the light switch, but no dice, just darkneSs. Sleep was out of the question, obviously. Next day, I’m off to the store, bought a lamp to stick in that dark corner, and stocked up on lightbulbs because there’s no Way I’m dealing with that darkness again.

But guess what? The saga doesn’t end there. Last night, right at 3 AM, I’m rudely awAkened. Someone’s pounding on my door like there’s no tomorrow. I’m thinking it’s some annoying neighbor, so I sneak a peek through the peephole – empty hallway. I turn away, and bam, three more deliberate knocks like they knew I was right There. I swing the door open, hoping to catch the Culprit, but no surprises here – nothing. The hallway is as silent as a graveyard. I do a full sweep, nothing again.

Whatever-the-Heck-it-is seems to be on a mission to keep me perpetually tired and freaked out. Perfect, right?

So, here I am, punching these keys at 3:30 AM, once again dragged out of dreamland. Sleep? Yeah, that’s become a joke. And get this, my TV just decides to crank up on its own, full volume, complete with this unsettling hiss. My hand races for the power button, and the screen shIfts from static to some old-school black and white movie. There’s a maN wearing a dark suit and these oversized square glasses, and it leGit feels like he’s staring right at me. He says, “They’re coming to get you…” Then bam, my TV goes out like a light.

I’m beyond lost. Exhausted and clueless about how to tackle this. Is this part of my history coMing back to haunt me? But then I’m telling myself, there’s no way. I covered my tracks like a seasoned pro.

I just want to slEep.