Chapter 3: Euphoria

Happiness. What is happiness? I often asked myself this question. Laying on the warm carpet I drew a smile. Home. For once everything felt right. The warmth swallowed me whole. Visions cascaded through my troubled mind. Reminiscing of a past I yearned to be a part of once again, laughter began to trot out of my mouth as her image grew brighter.
Mother.
The wet sleeve of my sweater brushed against my cheek, I lost focus. The tears blurred my vision, gazing away at the cracked-ceiling I found myself laughing hysterically to memories I once adored.
"Its alright now, James," I whispered to myself as I began to close my tear filled eyes hoping to leave this pain behind...

Sitting underneath the majestic Willow tree I looked to the heavens, the birds chirped harmonically as cotton candy clouds drifted through the deep, blue sky. It truly was a perfect day.
Dad walked through the garden; holding an antique chest, the oddly satisfying aroma brought me joy. Mom had just finished making her famous tuna casserole for our picnic, it sizzled with perfection.
Rushing through the yard she came up to me. A hand caressed my head, I looked up; her benevolent smile broke through me, the warm sunlight brushed against her long blonde hair, it seemed unreal."James, are you okay?" she groaned whilst holding my arm in fear. "y-you're bleeding!" she exclaimed while wiping the dripping blood with a tissue.
The pungent smell of blood surged through the air. Shocked. I took a deep breath,looking at the lush, green grass oblivious to how or when I got hurt.
Tears of dismay rushed through my young, tender face. "Don't be afraid James, its probably just a cut. Please don't cry, sweetheart," she said angelically whilst nodding her head. That smile.. It kept me secure. A sharp pain struck through my heart. Everything was how it meant to be, it was surreal.

A loud bang shot through the room. The happiness I yearned for so much was now over. I opened my heavy eyelids to a silhouette hovering over me. His hazel eyes stared into my soul.
I could see him smile ever so slightly as the evenings fading light peeked through the windows.
"Alright there?" He asked me whilst tilting his head. It was then that I realized that I was shaking. My heart felt as if it could jump right out of my chest.
Almost as if he knew, he placed his hand over my chest and it was only then that I could take control of my breathing.
"Y-ye-yea.." I stammered out sitting up. I took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "Nightmares.."
"I know." He whispered.
I stared outside the window hoping the setting sun will take away all my problem with it. Alas, I was not that fortunate.
"Do you.. want to take a walk?" He asked breaking the silence.
I looked back at him and just took him in. The sandy brown hair, the hazel eyes which had never failed to trap me in them. There was always something captivating about him. Perhaps it was a feeling of comfort or perhaps simply just his tenderness. But nonetheless, I could not help but stare.
Upon realizing it, I looked down and nodded my head, hoping he did not see the color of my face.
I followed him out, both careful not to wake my father who somehow found himself sleeping out in the hall. I dared not to wake him.
The cool autumn breeze hit me as I stepped outside.
Looking towards Kyle, I stepped forward feeling a little lighter and yet so numb underneathe the now starry sky.
In my head, I heard a voice that was not my own say;
Everything will be alright.