It hurts.

I t  h u r t s  s o  m u c h.

I feel like my head is being split in two; as if tiny little bugs are biting into my brain.

My body feels sick, odd. My skin doesn't feel like it belongs, it itches, and my bones creak unnaturally.

This is not me.

I am not this.

Something is weird, off.

I don't understand.

I t  h u r t s.

It hurts so much, and I still can't bring myself to cry.

I can't breathe.

I c-can't...

Why?

Why me?

Why won't anyone help me?

Ask for help,  the voice inside Jamie's head mocked.

That almost makes me laugh.

XXX

"Mom, there's something in my room, it keeps staring at me."

Staring down at the 4 year old pulling on her skirt, Jamie's mother sighed, "You're such a weird, creepy, child. Just my luck, to give birth to a defect."

Almost absent-mindedly she added, "Your dad should have taken you with him, it's always me. Just my luck."

XXX

Those eyes of utter disgust and complete annoyance, still haunt me. More than the monsters under my bed ever will.

You're all alone, poor child, who will save you, the shrill voice said.

Better alone than with horrible people that beat you down.

Who will save me?

I will save me.

As I always have so far.

I don't need that fake warmth humans so often use; as they show you kindness they steal it away right after and you're left with nothing, just...empty.

Y o u  w i l l  d i e  a n d  n o  o n e  w i l l  e v e r  n o t i c e.

That's not true. You'll notice. And who knows, maybe you'll even mourn me after I'm gone. 'Cause I'll die for sure, but you won't. Who knows when someone else that can see you will show up?

You're the one all alone, right?

I get it. I don't blame you. I'm not even angry, even though it freaking burns so damn much.

Jamie was sprawled on her bed, breathing slowly, just trying to push through the hurt.

It hurts me because you're the one in pain.

It's not even the first time I get possessed, but it definitely never felt like this before.

If you could let me go, I'd appreciate it.

As the monster seeped out from Jamie's body, it formed in front of her. It was at least 8 feet tall, with its head almost hitting the ceiling the monster curved down and stared at Jamie with its white, wide, eyes. It was almost ethereal in its beauty, long and sleek. 

It wasn't often, but once in a while a pretty monster would show up; most were weird or creepy, but not all. Some were a sight to see, and Jamie felt sadness at the thought she was the only one to ever appreciate it.

"I'm not going anywhere soon, and you're always welcome here. I'll keep you company. Promise."

The monster looked pensive, and with his long black finger he tapped Jamie's forehead twice and smiled.

"I must be going now, human child, but I leave you with this: in the future you shall see that feelings change. You shall know, not everything is what was, nor will be. Keeping your heart closed will not protect you as you wish it to."

As the monster left through her window, she whispered confused, "Thanks? I guess...? Come back anytime."