The Bright

A continuation of The Sandman

             I let my watch coast through my window, fraught with translucent reflections of a deep evergreen. How I detested its gloom, heaving my passion down as a sat facing to its clawing, sinister arms. My tresses of auburn blew twitchily through the gusts wind that made my eyelids squeeze together in concert. The blades in my hands gave off a pleasant musk of pine. Today my windowpane would be liberated of the shadows that blocked the overwhelmingly dazzling dusk from illuminating my domicile. Once I advanced towards the tree I needn’t assess where to commence. I plainly carved four branches off of the wicked umbrella in one swipe. A twisted hunger over took me. I began greedily swinging at the arms that were no longer sinister. They were pathetic. My lungs filled up with the enticing smell of winter evergreen. I then, turned to my window. It was already bursting with dazzling bright glow in which it had been starved of for so long. I turned back to what looked like a modern art monstrosity awkwardly bowing to me. That unholy insatiability swallowed me yet again. The blades, blanketed in a thin layer of sap, danced in my hands. I could feel my body falling delicately to the bed of a balmy sea of daylight. The moment I began to cackle was the moment I realized I had gone mad. I left the pile of unworthy kindling and dashed to my backdoor. The door swung open, bouncing back and colliding with my ankle. A jolt of sickening pain went through my whole body like electricity. I continued moving and ignored my open entry. I wrapped my sweaty palms around my beloved plum lighter. While running out I tossed the lighter at the excuse of a seedling. I loathed its innocence. I bounded for the garage. People passing on the suburban streets gawked. All the while I was crowing wildly. In my garage I spied two crimson gas tanks and hurried to them, sinking in my own thrill. I ripped off one of the nozzles and proceeded to drench my entire body in it. Its odour was delicious as its lukewarm contents embraced my every crevice. I peeled opened my stinging eyes and snatched the other container. I dashed outside again. The container slipped through my dripping fingers twice but I snatched it back in a fluid gesture each time. I sat nuzzled into the underbrush of the pitiable ruins of the evergreen tree, tears of ecstasy streaming down my oily cheeks. Now hugging the gas tank, I twisted my back while my eyes searched violently for my lighter. In my impatience I ripped of the nozzle of this container as well and began splashing it on the dry sprout above me, and in the area where I sat. In my peripherals I spotted the lighter in the dry grass of a lengthy drought. I picked it up and it wiggled in-between my greasy fingers. I held it firmly and looked out at the audience of seven that had gathered. The terrified looks on their faces were achingly comedic. I then saw three run to their houses, or perhaps just down the street. I then noticed that I was subconsciously mumbling a word beneath my breath. I was saying ‘brighter’ and I was content. I was content because for the first time in years I knew why. Though now, I forget to be honest. I giggled like a child with my lips sealed in a shape that was frighteningly close to the letter U. I then held my finger in position to striking the lighter. I now realized that my mumblings had evolved into a loud eerie chanting. I swiftly struck the lighters ignition, ready to feel ‘the bright,’ but first to feel the burn.

                I did feel the burn as I woke up in bed drenched in what I at first thought was gasoline but in actuality was sweat. This was the second dream I was sure I would forever recall as reality, though I would continue to try and disregard the ever so vivid recollection.

Author's Note

I didnt feel half as good about this piece, but it felt good to be writing. I think this could have a different meaning for everyone so I'd like to hear what you thought this was a metaphor for.

Reviews

[Tina Kline]

A very dramatic story. It races through to the ending at
a very fast pace which only enhances the building tension.
I at first that the person was having delusions and
was about to burn themselves to death!

But it was just a dream!
Or more like a nightmare.
Impressive write.