The Nightmare

I’m in the office, lying on the floor.

There’s a weight on top of me.

I want to scream, but I can’t.

I have no voice.

I taste blood in my mouth.

I look up and see that face laughing at me, that evil look in his eyes. He’s panting like a dog on top of me, his alcohol-scented breath filling my nostrils. I try to move, but I can’t.

I hear him unzipping his pants and telling me not to move.

I’m scared.

So scared.

I wake up screaming.

My entire body is drenched in sweat, and tears are streaming down my face. I look around frantically, but I don’t see anything. For a moment, the panic completely blinds me.

Then I hear a soft voice.

“Shhh… Calm down. It was just a nightmare. I’m here.”

The words slowly bring me back to reality.

Leonard is sitting on the floor beside the bed, while Claire is standing nearby, looking at me with anguish.

They were both here with me.

Even while I was sleeping. My eyes burn.

Claire immediately approaches, and Leonard moves aside to give her room. She wraps her arms around me like a mother comforting her child and I cling to her.

Leonard gets up.

“I’ll ask them to bring you something to eat.”

He looks at me before continuing.

“Go take a hot shower. It might help.”

Claire helps me out of bed. The moment I stand, a strong wave of dizziness overwhelms me.

“Careful.”

Claire grabs me before I can lose my balance and slowly guides me toward the bathroom. As soon as I lift my head, I take in the room around me.

The walls are burgundy, just like those in the bedroom, while the floor is covered in glossy dark-green marble.

A large, round bathtub shaped like a wine barrel sits in front of the windows, offering a view of the vineyards.

When Claire turns on the water, it pours into the tub like a cascade.

There’s also an inviting shower stall with multiple jets.

It feels like I’ve stepped into another world.

The sinks are made of a cork-like material and paired with matte-black faucets. Warm yellow ambient lighting fills the room, creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious and romantic. Claire struggles with the controls for a moment before finally figuring them out.

Soon, the bathroom is filled with the soothing sound of running water.

When the tub is finally full and steam brushes against my bare skin, I step into the water and slowly sink into it.

Claire leaves me alone, assuring me that she’ll be right outside the door if I need anything.

I stare through the windows at the magnificent view.

But I can’t appreciate it. Everything could have been so different. I might never have run into Leonard. I might never have gone to the spa. I might never have had too much to drink.

But that’s how life is.

Everything happens for a reason.

I begin washing my hair, and the pleasant scent of chamomile slowly makes my thoughts disappear.

Then I wash my body. I start at my neck, moving my fingers gently over the painful skin.

One shoulder.

Then the other.

My breasts.

My stomach.

And then I stop.

Flashes of that man forcing his way between my legs fill my mind. His hands touching me against my will. His attempts to tear off my panties.

My eyes burn with the threat of tears.

A wave of disgust and anger rises inside me.

Suddenly, I start washing my thighs and legs.

Over and over.

I scrub relentlessly, even scraping at my skin with my nails, desperate to erase the feeling of his touch.

I keep going until I finally feel pain.

When I see the scratches beginning to bleed, I feel, for the first time, like I’m at least a little clean.

That’s enough for today.

I finish my shower and dry myself with a towel.

I notice a toothbrush and toothpaste beside the sink and focus on brushing my teeth.

Then I hear voices coming from the bedroom. A soft murmur.

I slowly open the door.

Claire and Leonard are deep in conversation, completely unaware that I’m watching them and they’re talking about me. About who is going to stay here with me.

I clear my throat.

They both fall silent.