Aurora Magazine 2018

him. “I am so sorry. I should have mentioned the storm. I love you Colten.” “I love you Ash.” I see his eyes widen and then I feel the wave crash over the boat. He grabs my gown and it tears up to my thigh. I frantically grab for his arm, but it is not enough. The ocean storm rips Colten from my grasp like a savaged beast. My dreams used to be good and pure; magical even. Now they are horrific. Ever since that night, I relive it every time I close my eyes. It is not just a nightmare, I am there in the rain and wind all over again. I feel my dress rip each time, the metallic smell of blood and saltwater in the air. I still sense the last kiss from Colten. You probably think I am crazy, but if you were in my shoes you’d understand. No one understands though, because I am alone with this problem. My name is Ashlynn and I am an insomniac whose nightmares come to life.

Lullabies

K A R E N H O F F M A N

The abyss yawns, loneliness awakens Feed it, soothe it Lullabies of distractions, temporary pleasures Hurt cries, nestled back in the deep Yet never gone

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