I groaned into a pillow, ” Why the hell did I get myself into this? I just added more on my plate.”

Four more days until a break from work, for most of us at least. I rolled out of bed still half asleep slowly heading towards the bathroom almost running over Simon, my gray middle-aged cat always roaming the halls of my apartment. I started the water to the shower as it came out cold and splashed my arm I pulled back and rubbed my eyes, then undressed.

…

Eventually coming out of the steam-filled room with a towel draped over my head I yawned. Scrolling through the twenty texts from Neel, mostly his irrelevant rants and annoying opinions. Regretting I ever gave Neel the number I wandered into the kitchen to see Simon leap to the countertop. Grabbing the remote to turn on the morning news I poured a glass of orange juice, I paid more attention to the juice filling the glass than the rambling politicians, on the screen.

…

I stepped into the office heading for Neel’s door getting the normal gawks and giggles from the women, I mostly ignored.

”Morning Mr. N-”, I paused seeing Violet in his seat.

She turned in the seat to face me, ”Hey.”, she smiled softly.

Giving her a blank look I groaned, ”Violet, what are you doing?”

Violet folded her arms, “Neel is out today because of a hangover, so I’m in charge today.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Uh-huh?”

She starred at me, ”So, what did you need from Neel?”

”oh, I was just giving him the work I finished.”, I answered sitting in the chair across from her.

”Leon, I'm sorry about last night, and for this.”, Violet said softly, her eyes glowed.

Suddenly the room started going black, I felt like I wasn't in a state of mind. The flashes started coming back of the creatures and my mother’s screams. The creature darting towards my mother as she told me to run and pushed me away, I was so confused. I backed away running towards a river across from where the house was, stopping at the river I looked to see my reflection. My eyes were glowing scarlet red, and sweat dripping from my forehead.

Looking at my 11-year-old self mixed with a monster who had blood streaming down his cheeks, and fangs as I opened my mouth. I felt a jolt in my back, as a dark creature like wings sprouted from my back. I panicked tears streaming down my face as I heard men calling and the sound of weapons piercing through skin, blood splattering.

”Corre mi hijo!”, I heard my mother yell. (Run my son)

I wanted to turn back, but I didn’t want to see what became of my mother as I heard a crushing sound and more men’s voices. The memory which haunted me all this time filled my mind again. Was I really one of them? The last thing I remember is running, until the images slowly started fading to black.

I opened my eyes to see Violet’s concerned look as we were still in the office. I cursed under my breath sitting up wondering what the hell just happened. I was hoping never to remember that memory for a long time.

“What the hell was that!”, my voice raised and my eyes became ice cold.

“I’m sorry, what happened?”, Violet stood up quickly rushing to my side.

”You knew what I was going to see, didn't you?”, I glared at her.

She lowered her head, ” I didn't know, I'm sorry.”

I stood up, almost falling off balance stomping towards the door. I tightened my fists as I glanced to see Violet’s eyes widened. I really hated this, snooping around in my head for her own selfish reasons. I swung the door open.

”Wait! Are we still up for the date tonight?”, Violet’s voice cracked as the door slammed behind me.