Miss

The cold woke me up before the rain did Chilly drafts from my bedroom window which was cracked upon most likely due to my oversight. I stretched my freezing limbs before stepping out of bed to shut it firmly and trudge back to bed. Then I notice the silence. Absolute. Eerie. It's never quiet in our home. The grandfather clock always ticked ominously through the still nights and the crickets chirped all the way till dawn. But tonight it was quiet. Too quiet. I realise now that the stillness must have jarred me awake, not the cold or the silent drizzle outside.  I pause on my way back to bed and slip into my loafers. I make my way downstairs quietly and think to grab some water in the kitchen after checking the clock for glitches. The loud ticking sound comforted me and has been a familiar staple throughout the 17 years of my life so the silence didn't feel quiet right with me. I almost stumble on the stairs and roll me eyes at my own clumsiness as I proceed. The cloud of sleep hadn't quiet left me and it felt as if I was feeling my way through unfamiliar halls and fighting for balance.  Downstairs, i decided to get some water after all as the dryness in my throat had become more severe. I turned on the switch even though I could easily navigate through the dark on most nights without needed any light. I just felt really dizzy and sleepy and didn't trust I could fully rely on my other senses. The glaring brightness flooded me bringing a bit of relief as I stalked through the living room but stop dead in my tracks when i reach the kitchen. There's someone in the kitchen. I could see her back bent over as she rummaged through the leftover trash and threw things around. She wore pyjamas just like mine and dragged my eyes over the figure and my silver silk bonnet which sat gracefully on her head. My heart beats once. Twice. I know who she is even if she hasn't turned to me yet. And she knows I'm right behind her. She knows everything A new chill grips me as fear slithers around my neck threatening to choke me.  I do not realize I'm shaking till my hands start beating against my thighs. A deep husky voice reaches my ears so low that I could have missed it. "I have missed you sister" She said as she stood and turned to me almost nonchalantly. "Somehow I don't think you've felt the same". She makes a low tsking sound and is right in front of me in an instant. "Almost as if you were happy I've been away" A sinister smirk spread across her lips and her flood red eyes pierce through mine.  I tried to wake myself up but I know I won't wake up.  "Tell me sister, did you wish I'll never come back home? She wispers But she isn't my sister. She is me. In the flesh. The same black and curly 4c afro hidden afro hidden underneath our bonnet. The same 5'4 chocolate skinned teenager. The same heart that beats to give life to us both. The same girl. But Not. Mother finds me at 4 am staring blankly at the chipping paint on the kitchen walls. Vacant stare, cold skin, racing heart. She wakes me with a nudge cuddles me to warmth and hold my head between her breasts as I cry silently till dawn.