nightmares.

the tourists made their way along the precariously-hanging bridge in the forest.

a solitary boy in the group felt tired, and decided to lie down on the damp grass. exhausted by his travels, he rested himself for a brief moment.

all too soon, anarchy assumed its position as leader.

a savage lion ripped its way towards the tourists, tearing plants from their roots, leaving a trail of debris and dirt. the blood-curdling screams only served to further boil the beast's aggressive blood.

fear took on a tangible form. the lion had a gleeful smile on its face as it targeted the first of its prey.

chaos ensued.

a boy of four years lay mangled, his legs ripped apart, his body eviscerated. a mother grieved for her lost son, tears flying as she ran from the corpse of her creation.

bile rose to the resting boy as he realized the grave danger he was in. he wanted to run, but he was cornered. before he could make a move, the beast approached him.. its eyes had a carnal longing visible within them.

the boy knew he would not survive.

just as the lion lunged for the boy, he suddenly awoke with a start.

his room.. his dark room.. everything was as it should have been in his bedroom, except for the images of carnage and his accelerated heart rate.