ECHOES OF NIGHTMARES
LILA POV
“What are you trying to say, Mom?” Elara screamed.
“Noooooooo!” her scream sliced the air, more throaty and deep.
My heart started thudding. I woke up in a panic. I glanced at Elara’s bed. She wiggled her arms under the covers and her forehead was dotted with beads of sweat and she trapped tufts of hair in her cheeks.
“Elara!” I called, my voice hoarse. She didn’t move. She reached for the air with both hands as if she was pushing something away.
“No… please… don’t…” she panted breathlessly.
“Was she dreaming? I rubbed my eyes to shake away sleep but Elara’s wide-eyed panicked face snapped me fully awake.
“Elara, wake up!” I reached across and grabbed her shoulder. I shook her a little. “It’s a dream. You’re safe. Wake up!”
I told Elara to wake up an
