How I Knew I Was Free

He invaded my sleep again. In a dream sequence filled with family from my past, I opened the door, and there he stood.

And he smiled that toothy grin that seemed like it should have been dripping with blood. The one that has driven me, at various points in my life, running for a glass of wine; a razor; a Bible. The one last usually makes me spring awake, heart pounding, and feeling like I need to vomit or shower.

I don't know how I knew, but it was clear to me that the newborn I wore against my chest and the little blond girl he carried were the same. They both were me.

This time I met his eye. As I reached for the door, a look of confusion crossed his face. The smile evaporated just as I shut it slowly, with a soft click. I turned away, and lowered my lips to the fuzzy head of the child in my arms.

Then, I slept until morning.