“Remember that time I told you

I dreamt of a dead body

Lying in the middle of the road,

Blood everywhere,

And everyone walked past it

Like it was invisible to their eyes,

Except mine?”

“I told you to stop talking such nonsense.

What if them people hear us?”

“I had it again,

Sister.”

“I won’t have myself on the hanging tree,

Neck twisted unnaturally

For you!”

I feel the air change

Before they walk in.

Even the birds scatter,

Shivering,

Like they could feel the evil

That walked in.

“Hanging tree?”

“Neck twisted?”

The terrible twins repeat,

Their voice slithering,

Faces twist like that of a snake.

“We could make that happen,”

They smile—

The smile of wickedness.

I keep quiet,

Willing my sis to do the same.

“Nothing?”

They come closer—

Behind,

Mouth close to our necks,

Fangs on my neck,

Spit dripping with anticipation,

A tongue licking my sweat.

Suddenly, fangs withdrawn,

Pulled back

Like the soldiers they are.

I breathe,

Run to my sister.

“Breathe,” I whisper.

I hold on tight,

Wrapping my body around hers.

“We are okay.”

I breathe.

Her wariness drowned mine.

Heedlessness at the dream

Gnawed at me.

I could no longer wait—

Sister or not.

Bidding each other good night,

We lay on the bed,

Her soft snores get louder.

“Goodbye, sister,” I bade silently.

“Forgive me one day.”

I walk into my fate,

Out of the only life

I have ever dared to live.

I smile,

The air dances around me—

A sign of goodness.

I don’t look back.

If I did, I would have seen

The hands reaching out to grab,

Pulling me to the middle of the road.

Two bodies twisting around mine,

Elongated fangs first on my neck,

Bleeding me dry,

Hands tearing where their fangs

Wouldn’t touch.

The last thought that goes through my mind:

I’m the dead body.

I sought peace,

But I was brought

The reprieve of my selfishness

And abandonment.